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shrubs. The seasonality and forage characteristics of the vegetative species appear suitable for a <br />post-mining land use of wildlife habitat, a logical use of this land given its remote location and <br />proximity to a state wildlife area. Although no species of wildlife were seen during the bond release <br />inspection, evidence of the area being visited by deer and small mammals, such as hoof prints and <br />droppings, has been found on the Site during past inspections. Other species of wildlife that have <br />regularly been seen during past inspections include raptors (hawks) and various small birds. <br />No evidence of slope instability has been found in the reclaimed portal area. The revegetation is <br />providing the long-term stable cover that is necessary for the land to properly function as wildlife <br />habitat. Based on the successful revegetation, and the observed successful wildlife use of the site, <br />the Division finds that the revegetation is capable of supporting a postmining land use of wildlife <br />habitat. <br />Subsidence Impacts <br />Underground coal extraction was not conducted at the Arness-McGriffin Site. No subsidence <br />impacts have been observed on the site. <br />Completion of Final Inspection Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />As previously explained, the Division conducted a bond release inspection on May 18, 2010. The <br />inspection was conducted in accordance with Section 3.03.2(2). The inspection focused on <br />completion of reclamation work, success of the work, erosional and slope stability of the reclaimed <br />lands, and implementation of the postmining land use. As explained in the Division's bond release <br />inspection report, field observations support a finding to approve the bond release application. <br />Completion of Evaluation Required by Section 3.03.2(2) <br />The Division has conducted an evaluation of the reclamation work in accordance with Section <br />3.03.2(2). This evaluation considered, among other things: the results of inspections and monitoring, <br />the need for further reclamation work, whether pollution of surface or subsurface water is occurring, <br />and the probability of future occurrence of such pollution. The evaluation concluded that all <br />reclamation has been completed in the bond release area, that no water pollution is occurring, and <br />that little potential exists for future water pollution. Impacts to ground water and surface water are <br />described below. <br />Ground Water Impacts <br />No significant excavations occurred at the Arness-McGriffin Site; therefore, water is not lumped or <br />impounded on the site and gob leachate is not created. There is no development waste rock on the <br />site that would generate large amounts of leachate. No seepages or discharges from the disturbed area <br />have been found during the Division's inspections. The improbability of current degradation to the <br />saturated zone, and the absence of discharges, indicate the Arness-McGriffin Mine is not causing <br />ground water pollution, and the operation is in compliance with the Basic Standards for Ground <br />Water (Colorado Water Quality Control Regulation 41.5.C.6). <br />7