Laserfiche WebLink
RULE 2 - PERMITS <br />Where: <br />• x = Reclaimed Area Sample Mean <br />Q = 90 percent of Standard <br />S_ = Standard error of mean [ s / \Fn ] <br />x <br />S = Sample standard deviation <br />n = Sample size <br />t, = Calculated t value <br />t, = Table t value <br />The null hypothesis being tested is that the reclaimed area mean (µ) is less than or equal to 90 <br />percent of the standard, stated as Ho: µ <_ Q. If t, is greater than the one - tailed t table value for alpha <br />error probability of 0.20, with (n -1) degrees of freedom (infinite degrees of freedom may be used if <br />n >30), then Ho is rejected, and revegetation is deemed successful. <br />For the above (one - sample) t -test, it will be necessary to have achieved sample adequacy in the <br />reference area sampling. If adequacy is not achieved in the reference area, then the more complex <br />calculations associated with a two - sample t -test would be undertaken. <br />Reclaimed area cover will be addressed in hypothesis testing as percent absolute all hit herbaceous <br />vegetation cover as adjusted for excessive contribution by annual / biennial species (CDRMS 1995, <br />Guidelines Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues, 1 (IV)A(4)). Cover from reclaimed <br />area samples will be addressed as percent absolute all hit herbaceous cover. Cover from reference <br />area sampling will be all hit herbaceous cover. Hypothesis testing for production will be based on <br />• total annual herbaceous production also adjusted for excessive contribution of annual / biennial <br />species. Herbaceous cover or production values used in hypothesis testing will exclude values for <br />species present on the Routt County Prohibited or Restricted Noxious list or that are listed as <br />noxious by the State of Colorado (Colorado Department. of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, <br />Title 35, Article 5.5, 101 -119, Lists A and B of Rules as replaced 2003). <br />Species Diversity <br />Species diversity suitable to support the approved post- mining land uses of rangeland and wildlife <br />habitat will be judged using the following four (4) tests. Success would be demonstrated by passing <br />the first (A) and at least two of the remaining three (B, C, and D). <br />Mandatory Test A: No Overwhelming Dominant - No single plant species may exceed 60 percent <br />relative cover. <br />Alternative Test B: Total Species Density Test - It is proposed that this overall reclamation <br />diversity standard be judged based on the species density values observed along with cover <br />sampling in 100 square m sample plots (see species density sampling discussed above). It is further <br />proposed that the species density numbers be subjected to sample adequacy assessment in the usual <br />manner. For purpose of establishing the range of species density within the reference areas, the 75 <br />• percent range of variation would be established as: <br />(z) * (s) <br />PSCM Permit App. 2.05 -51 Revision 12/17/09 <br />