2015-11-04_REVISION - C1980007

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 11/4/2015
• Doc Name: Bond Release Application
• From: Mountain Coal Company
• To: DRMS
• Type & Sequence: SL9
• Email Name: LDS
• Email Name: JRS
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

WEST ELK MINE 2014 PHASE III BOND RELEASE ELIGIBLE AREAS
continued
Site Name/Number
Acres
Year
Reclaimed
"�o of total
WEST POINT ROAD
14-09
0.2
2002
0.9
15-08 and Road
0.3
2002
1.4
15-09
1.1
2002
5.0
Area Total Acreage 1.6 7.3
Reclaimed Sites Total 22.1 100
2.2 FIELD SAMPLING
2.2.1 Timing
Field investigation of the reclaimed areas was undertaken during the period between June 16
and 19 and June 30, 2014. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence
of the majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas at the mine site and adjacent
native areas. Total precipitation at the mine in calendar year 2014 from January to May was
6.59 inches, 0.7 percent above the average January -May cumulative precipitation amount of
6.43 inches (Paonia 1 SW Station) (Colorado Climate Center, 2014). Cumulative
precipitation between October 2013 and May 2014 (growing season precipitation) was 10.30
inches, or 2.8 percent above the recorded average October -May accumulation of 10.02 inches
(Paonia 1 SW Station).
2.2.2 Total Vegetation Cover
Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point -intercept method. An ocular point
frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision
and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data
points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect
centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of
computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to
extend within ten feet of revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge
effect."
For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample
unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the
instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on
vegetation (prior to interception of the ground) were also recorded. Cover data were
recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used to
calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions were used to calculate
relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also
provided the basis for calculation of species composition and relative importance.
Mountain Coal Company, LLC West Elk Mine Page 4
2014 Vegetation Report: Phase III Bond Release Eligible Areas