2013-10-15_PERMIT FILE - C1982057A (2)

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Revegetation Monitoring During the life of mine operations, revegetation monitoring at the Seneca II -W mine has included both qualitative and quantitative measurements. Qualitative evaluations were performed annually while quantitative measurements were performed periodically. Periodic monitoring was carried out in select reclaimed units that were generally in year 2, 4, or 7 of development since initial seeding. Mining and final reclamation (with the exception of sediment ponds and some roads and facilities) have been completed at Seneca II -W. Therefore, monitoring efforts will shift away from quantitative monitoring and will concentrate on bond release sampling and evaluations. Reference area monitoring will also shift to sampling for bond release. Qualitative evaluations will continue to observe for needed rill and gully repair, areas of noxious weed control, areas requiring restricted interseeding or reseeding, or for areas planted to trees and shrubs. Annual Reporting An Annual Reclamation Report will be submitted by March 30 of each year and will report those items required by 2.04.13(1). Additionally, the following information will be included: 1. Annual weed control activities and herbicide application 2. Annual topsoil balance reporting 3. Revegetation monitoring report (when applicable) 4. Topsoil /subsoil sampling (when conducted) 5. Wildlife monitoring reporting (when conducted) Testing for Successful Reclamation The following discusses parameters to be sampled, sampling methodologies, and sampling intensity for the revegetation success evaluations. Further sections detail the applicable success criteria and the approach to be used for assessing success of revegetation, methods to be used in measurement of parameters, comparisons to be made between reclaimed and undisturbed reference areas, and statistical tests to be performed. • TR -65 40 Revised 9/09