Laserfiche WebLink
demonstration entails a comparison based on results of statistically adequate samples of <br />cover in the bond release block and the applicable reference area. <br />The final reclamation plan for the Seneca II Mine includes retention of permanent facilities to <br />support the postmining land use. Permanent facilities within the Seneca II Mine SL -05 release <br />area include roads, a sediment pond approved for permanent retention and established <br />permanent drainages. The two different range community standards that the reclaimed parcels <br />are compared to are Mountain Brush Reference Area and Sagebrush Reference Area. <br />With regard to Phase 11 bond release, SCC applied for a partial phase 11 bond release of 1213.1 <br />acres of interim and permanent program lands within the current Peabody Sage Creek Mine and <br />the current Seneca 11 Mine permit areas with SL -03. Of the 1213.1 acres, approximately 50 <br />acres were in the current Seneca II Mine permit area. SL -03 was approved on April 1, 2009. <br />SCC's approved reclamation plan prepared in accordance with Rule 2.05.4 is contained in <br />Volume 14, Tab 2.05.4 of the approved permit application package (PAP). All of the lands <br />within the Peabody Sage Creek Mine SL -05 application have an approved Rangeland/Wildlife <br />Habitat postmining land use. <br />IV. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />The initial bond release inspection for this bond release application (SL -05) was conducted on <br />June 12, 2011. During the inspection, the majority of the BRB's associated with SL -05 were <br />observed to allow for visual assessment of compliance with pertinent requirements. Geo- <br />rectified maps and GPS were utilized to verify location of permanent features and to record field <br />data relevant to specific site locations. In addition, relevant documentation developed over the <br />life of the operation, including information from operator annual reports and prior Division <br />inspection reports, has also been utilized in the compliance evaluation. Such documentation is <br />referenced in this section as appropriate. <br />The inspection review for the SCC SL -05 included a review of the Phase I bond release <br />inspection report for SL -01, which applied to all of the lands included in the Seneca 11 SL -05 <br />application. The Seneca II Mine SL -01 Phase I bond release inspection report was issued <br />August 24, 2006, based on an inspection conducted August 7, 2006 through August 11, 2006. <br />Maintenance problems noted in the Seneca II SL -01 inspection were checked during the Seneca <br />II SL -05 inspection. The problems identified in the Seneca II SL -01 inspection were found to <br />have been addressed. During the inspection, minor gullies were observed between V -Ditch #1 <br />and V -Ditch 42 and through the eastern side of V -Ditch #2. The Division requested the above <br />mentioned areas be repaired and re- inspected prior to a proposed decision. <br />Noxious and invasive vegetation continues to be present at low levels throughout the BBB's. <br />Weeds that have historically been of concern and continue to be the focus of control efforts on <br />the Seneca 11 site include Canada thistle (Breea arvensis), houndstongue (Cynoglossum <br />officinale), and whitetop (Cardaria draba). The operator's weed management program appears <br />to have been successful in reducing the densities of these species and minimizing expansions of <br />populations, but continued monitoring and treatment on an annual basis will be necessary. A <br />Seneca II Mine Page 7 September 10, 2012 <br />Phase 11 Bond Release <br />