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report details the findings from the inspection. A summary of the observations are discussed <br />below and the details are further discussed in the inspection report. <br />Backfdling & Grading <br />Backfilling and grading work was conducted concurrently with mining at the Seneca II-W Mine. <br />Observations were made during the Phase I bond release inspection with regard to approximate <br />original contour and erosional stability of the reclaimed landscape. The 2009 and 2010 Rill and <br />Gully Surveys were used in the field to evaluate hillslope and drainage channel problem areas. <br />Based on observations made during and prior to the SL-3 inspection, the Division's conclusion is <br />that reclaimed areas within the South Extension Area and those areas which were previously <br />excluded from the SL-2 bond release request have been restored to the approximate original <br />contour of the pre-mining landscape. The present surface configuration achieved by backfill and <br />grading of the mined areas closely resembles the general surface configuration of the land prior <br />to mining. Highwalls have been eliminated, and reclaimed areas blend in well with the adjacent <br />undisturbed slopes. Comparison of "original ground" and "reclaimed" cross-sections depicted <br />on Exhibit C of the SL-3 application supports the conclusion that the general configuration of the <br />original landscape has been approximated. The following paragraphs highlight specific <br />landscape features that were assessed during the bond release inspection. <br />Drainage Reestablishment <br />All permanent post-mine drainage channels in the South Extension Area, in addition to the two <br />drainages (006-NE-2 and 006-E1) that were previously excluded from the original permit area <br />Phase I release (SL-2), were evaluated and inspected as part of this SL-3 Phase I bond release to <br />assess general design compliance. To the extent possible, drainage channels were reestablished to <br />their original natural pattern to minimize erosion, to conserve soil moisture, and promote vegetation. <br />Reconstructed drainages blend well with off-site drainage patterns and the drainage density is <br />appropriate and similar to adjacent undisturbed areas. Approved permanent drainages in the <br />permit area are depicted on Figures 2a and 2b of this document, Exhibit B of the SL-3 <br />Application "Post-mine Topography and Drainage", Permit Exhibit 20-2 "Postmining <br />Topography and Drainage Map", and listed in the Permit Attachment 20-1-1 "Post-mine Channel <br />Design Summary". Comparison of the Post-mining Topography Map (Exhibit 20-2) to pre- <br />mining topography as depicted on permit Exhibit 7-6 "Drainage Basins" indicates that most pre- <br />mining drainages were constructed in their approximate original locations. A comparison of <br />Exhibit 20-2 from the permit with Exhibit B of the SL-3 application indicates that post-mine <br />drainages were constructed in the appropriate locations with adequate drainage density. <br />Channel observations made during the September 21-23, 2010 inspection are detailed in the <br />inspection report issued February 17, 2011. The general observation was that all of the channels <br />are constructed as designed for channel bottom width, channel depth and channel lining. There <br />are variations in some channel locations, channel profiles and channel lengths. The field <br />measurements matched the as-built channel profiles provided in SL-3 Exhibit D; variations were <br />observed from the approved channel profiles provided in Exhibit 20-5.9 in both channel length <br />Page 11 of 22