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permanent facility as discussed in section 2.05.3(4) of the permit. The Pond A embankment was to be <br />backfilled, graded and revegetated as indicated in the criteria for Phase II bond release discussed above. <br />The Operator demonstrated the revegetated area will contribute less suspended solids to the environment <br />than the undisturbed area adjacent to the site. The surface water leaving the mine area was shown to <br />contain less suspended solids than adjacent areas. Once Pond A was removed, the surface drainage <br />resumed its natural course. The haul roads and the access roads to the Pond A and B areas were to <br />remain in place in accordance with section 2.05.3(3)(c) of the permit. Topsoil replacement requirements <br />are discussed in the Phase 11 criteria discussed above. <br />The revegetation plan was designed to restore the disturbed area to a post mine land use of rangeland and <br />wildlife habitat in accordance with Section 2.05.5 of the permit. The graded topsoiled area was to be <br />seeded with a rangeland seed mix. Details of the revegetation plan can be found in Section 2.05.4(2)(e) <br />of the permit. The plant species picked for the reclamation plan were chosen for their ability to support <br />and enhance the rangeland and wildlife habitat. <br />In accordance with Section 2.05.6(3) of the permit, the Operator was to conduct surface and ground <br />water monitoring of the site to determine the hydrologic balance has been protected. <br />III. OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS <br />PHASE I <br />The applicant requested Phase I bond release for the Pond A area. In accordance with Rule 4.05.2(2); <br />"Sedimentation ponds and other treatment facilities for surface drainage from the disturbed area shall <br />be maintained until removal is authorized by the Division and the disturbed area has been revegetated <br />and stabilized, the untreated drainage from the disturbed area ceases to contribute additional <br />suspended solids above natural conditions, and the quality of untreated drainage from the disturbed <br />area meets the State and Federal water quality standard requirements applicable after the <br />sedimentation ponds and treatment facilities are removed, if any, for receiving streams." <br />In accordance with the Section 2.05.4(2)(b) of the reclamation plan, the embankment for Pond A was <br />backfilled and graded into the pond. The reclamation work for Pond A was conducted in December of <br />2010. Based on the Division's observations, the Pond A embankment has been backfilled into the pond <br />area and graded to a gentle slope to blend in with the surrounding topography. The Division proposes to <br />approve the Phase I bond release for the 1.6 acre Pond A area. <br />Summary and Conclusions <br />The disturbed area was granted Phase I bond release (excluding the Pond A area) during SL1. Based <br />upon a review of the mine permit, the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections, the <br />Division finds that Honeywood Coal Company has completed backfilling, grading of the Pond A area in <br />accordance with the approved plan. <br />Page 7 of 16 <br />