2016-12-28_REVISION - C1994082 (8)

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sq. m.) — 1.15s where s is the standard deviation. The following is calculated for the 2014 BRB-1 Phase III release area (see Table J-6 in Attachment D): Mean Species density (un -weighted, without noxious species) in the four reference areas = 31.3 species per 100 sq.m. Probability -adjusted density standard: Mean Reference Area Species Density — 1.15s = 31.3— 1.15 (5.33) = 25.2 Mean total species density in the 2014 BRB-1 = 25.3 Since the reclaimed area value (25.3) was greater than the standard (25.2), Alternative Test B is passed for 2014 data. Regarding Alternative Test C, this test uses the Motyka similarity index to assess the resemblance of the distribution of species density by life form of the reclamation vegetation compared to that of the Reference Areas. The Motyka index formula used is: 2c IS,,- (a + b) As used in Test C, the index assessed similarity between the lifeform species density values for the prescribed lifeforms for the 2014 BRB-1 Phase III release area and the Mean Species density (area -weighted) in the four reference areas (text and Table J-7 Attachment D). The resulting Motyka similarity index value is 71 %, exceeding 90% of the standard (0.9 x 70% = 63 %). Hence Alternative Test C is passed for 2014 data. Alternative Test D is conducted as a direct test of the presence of native species in the reclaimed area as reflected in the cumulative presence of reclaimed area native species within the usual first ten to twenty 2m x 50m plots associated with the species density determination that accompanies cover sampling. In 2014 testing, the total number of native species encountered in the first eight 100 sq. m. (2 m x 50 m) samples of the 2014 BRB-1 Phase III release area that constituted an adequate cover sample equaled 41 (Table J-8, Attachment D), substantially greater than the weighted reference area average native species density of 27.4 species per 100 sq.m. SL -6 - 27