What happens to the area after active mining operations cease?
The J.R. Simplot Company has posted a multi-million dollar bond to assure the lands are fully reclaimed according to the requirements provided by the government agencies. Once the agencies have deemed the reclamation requirements met, the bond will be released and the lands returned to full management of the U.S. Forest Service. However, even prior to the release of the bond and the cessation of active mining, the Forest Service will manage the lands as they see fit in regards to public access, grazing, etc. Environmental monitoring will continue as required by the government agencies. Two examples of continued monitoring include,(but are not limited to), groundwater monitoring which is required as part of a legally binding consent order as well as fish tissue monitoring required as part of continuing mitigation monitoring.
