2015-10-13_REVISION - C1981014 (18)

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A total of 66 plant cover transects were sampled on the three combined Southfield Mine Reference Areas and the weighted average sample adequacy was achieved with 5.0 transects. A total of 55 plant cover transects were collected on these three combined reclaimed areas and weighted average sample adequacy to characterize the parameter of "allowable plant cover" at the 90% confidence interval was achieved with 8.8 transects. Therefore, as are required by the CDRMS regulations, since sample adequacy was achieved for both the Reference Areas "allowable plant cover" (Nm=4.9) and for the Reclaimed Areas (Nm=8.8), the ultimate successfulness of the revegetation efforts with respect to "allowable plant cover" can be made by direct comparison. The weighted average "allowable plant cover" value from the Southfield Mine Reclaimed Areas (44.59%) exceeds that of the Southfield Mine Reference Areas (27.44%), it can be concluded that the first year's Phase III revegetation monitoring demonstrates that these reclaimed areas can be deemed to be successful respect to the parameter of "allowable plant cover." Forage Production. The weighted average forage production for the 91 production transects sampled on these three combined reclaimed areas at the Southfield Mine was 23.10 g/1/4m2 or 823.2 pounds per acre with a weighted average standard deviation of 7.95. Sample adequacy for forage production on these three reclaimed sites at the 90% confidence interval equaled 19.8 transects. Since sample adequacy was achieved for the forage production sampling of these Southfield Mine Reference Areas (N=90 and Nm=63.9) as well as for the Southfield Mine Reclamation Areas (N=91 and Nm=19.8) the successfulness of the revegetation efforts with respect to forage production at the Southfield Mine can be made by direct comparison. The forage production on the Southfield Mine Reclaimed Areas averaged 23.10 g/1/4m2 or 823.3 pounds per acre, which exceeds the value obtained from the three Southfield Mine Reference Areas of 6.51 g/1/4m2 or 232.0 pounds per acre, it can be concluded that the revegetation success standard with respect to forage production has been satisfied at the Southfield Mine area. Species Diversity. The Southfield Mine Permit contains two species diversity standards for the Southfield Mine Area. The four most dominant species cannot "comprise no more than 80% of the total species composition." Examination of the data presented previously, reveals that for the Refuse Pile, Vento Portal, and Corley Reclamation Areas, the four dominant plant species collectively contribute 63.80%; 75.91 %; and 72.89%; respectively. Since all of these values are less than 80%, the four dominant's species diversity criteria has been satisfied for the Southfield Mine Area. Since the warm season grass species diversity standard applies to the combined areas located at the Southfield Mine and Southfield Loadout, it will be addressed later. Shrub Density. Examination of the maps and corresponding woody plant density counts of the twelve shrub clumps reveals that there were 3,469 transplanted, seeded or invaded woody plants growing in the twelve shrub clump areas. Since 3,469 woody plants is greater than the approved woody plant revegetation success standard of 1,843 approved in connection with TR -45, it can be concluded that based upon the entire population being sampled that the woody plant revegetation success standard for the 12 shrub clump areas has been satisfied. The weighted average shrub density for the Refuse Pile Reclamation equaled 639.3 woody plants per acre, is greater than the 250 woody plant revegetation success standard approved in connection with TR -45 for the Refuse Pile Reclamation. Thus, it can be concluded that the woody plant revegetation success standard for the Refuse Pile Reclamation area has been satisfied. The average woody plant density for the Vento Portal Reclamation area equals 932.3 woody plants per acre, is greater than the 800 woody plant revegetation success standard approved in connection with TR -45 for the Vento Portal Reclamation area. Thus, it can be concluded that the woody plant revegetation success standard for this area has been satisfied. Loadout Reference Area. For the Loadout Reference Area, average "allowable plant cover" was 21.53% with a standard deviation of 5.52. Therefore, the ultimate revegetation success standard 25