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Specific details for Fish Creek Tipple area concerning revegetation success and <br />sampling methodologies can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Volume II of <br />the PAP. <br /> <br /> <br />B.Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based upon <br />weighted means and variances relative to their respective acreages and reference <br />areas. Specific details concerning revegetation comparisons can be found <br />beginning on page 2.05-114 of the PAP. This excludes the Fish Creek Tipple, <br />which was disturbed prior to implementation of the regulations. No topsoil was <br />salvaged for this area. Stockpiled topsoil not used at Energy Mine No. 3 has been <br />transferred to the Foidel Creek Permit for distribution at the Fish Creek Tipple. <br />Cover and production requirements are based on standards. Woody stem density is <br />1000 stems/acre for this area. Details related to determination of revegetation <br />success at the Fish Creek Tipple can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol. <br />VII of the PAP. The Division proposes to approve the basis for this comparison. <br /> <br /> <br />C.The Division approves use of the reference areas which the applicant has selected <br />based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br /> <br /> <br />D.The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable. The Fish Creek Tipple will not be compared <br />to a reference area. Standards will be used to determine revegetation success at the <br />Fish Creek Tipple and also for those small disturbed areas associated with outlying <br />facilities (4.15.7(4)). A discussion of the standards applicable to the Fish Creek <br />Tipple is found on pages 2.05-48 to 2.05-53 of Volume VII of the PAP. <br /> <br />XII. Post-mining Land Use <br /> <br />Pastureland and Rangeland are the predominant land uses in the permit area. <br />Historically, marginal lands have been planted to small grain crops. The Federal <br />Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has encouraged the return of these marginal <br />croplands to rangeland or pastureland. Twentymile Coal Company’s post-mining land <br />uses of pastureland, rangeland and cropland support the CRP goal and are in <br />agreement with section 4.16 of the Rules. A discussion of the post-mining land-uses <br />can be found beginning on page 2.05-123 and on page 2.05-181 of permit Volume I of <br />the PAP. <br /> <br /> No specific approvals are granted to the applicant under this section. <br /> <br />XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br /> <br />Twentymile Coal Company evaluated the mine plan expansion area for threatened and <br />endangered species. The mining area is at an elevation above that for habitat defined <br />for Ute lady’s tresses orchid. The permit area is below the elevation expected for <br />Boreal toad and lynx. A raptor survey was conducted on areas projected for <br /> <br /> <br />31 <br /> <br /> Foidel Creek MineOctober 8, 2013 <br /> <br />