2016-05-04_REVISION - C1982056 ‎(12)‎

• Permit No: C1982056
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Date: 5/4/2016
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision & Findings
• From: DRMS
• To: Twentymile Coal, LLC
• Type & Sequence: PR10
• Email Name: JLE
• Email Name: DIH
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Specific details for Fish Creek Tipple area concerning revegetation success and
sampling methodologies can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Volume II of
the PAP.
B. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate
that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based upon
weighted means and variances relative to their respective acreages and reference
areas. Specific details concerning revegetation comparisons can be found
beginning on page 2.05-114 of the PAP. This excludes the Fish Creek Tipple,
which was disturbed prior to implementation of the regulations. No topsoil was
salvaged for this area. Stockpiled topsoil not used at Energy Mine No. 3 has been
transferred to the Foidel Creek Permit for distribution at the Fish Creek Tipple.
Cover and production requirements are based on standards. Woody stem density is
1000 stems/acre for this area. Details related to determination of revegetation
success at the Fish Creek Tipple can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol.
VII of the PAP. The Division proposes to approve the basis for this comparison.
C. The Division approves use of the reference areas which the applicant has selected
based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3).
D. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner
which the Division finds acceptable. The Fish Creek Tipple will not be compared
to a reference area. Standards will be used to determine revegetation success at the
Fish Creek Tipple and also for those small disturbed areas associated with outlying
facilities (4.15.7(4)). A discussion of the standards applicable to the Fish Creek
Tipple is found on pages 2.05-48 to 2.05-53 of Volume VII of the PAP.
XII. Post -mining Land Use
Pastureland and Rangeland are the predominant land uses in the permit area.
Historically, marginal lands have been planted to small grain crops. The Federal
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has encouraged the return of these marginal
croplands to rangeland or pastureland. Twentymile Coal Company's post -mining land
uses of pastureland, rangeland and cropland support the CRP goal and are in
agreement with section 4.16 of the Rules. A discussion of the post -mining land -uses
can be found beginning on page 2.05-123 and on page 2.05-181 of permit Volume I of
the PAP.
No specific approvals are granted to the applicant under this section.
XIII. Protection of Fish. Wildlife and Related Environmental Values
Twentymile Coal Company evaluated the mine plan area for threatened and
endangered species. The mining area is at an elevation above that for habitat defined
for Ute lady's tresses orchid. The permit area is below the elevation expected for
Boreal toad and lynx. A raptor survey was conducted on areas projected for
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