2017-01-04_REVISION - C1980002 (8)

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respectively. In 2016, Kentucky bluegrass and mountain brome were still the dominant grass species, with 5.3% and 3.8% relative cover respectively. Intermediate wheatgrass also had 3.8%. Cool season grasses were more abundant than warm season species in both sampling years, most likely due to the mine elevation of 9278 feet and that sampling took place in July. The cool season species were robust and starting to develop seed heads indicating they were still completing their lifecycle. The warm season species would have been dominant later in the season. Forbs Combined perennial forbs provided 18.5% relative cover in 2015 and 19.4% relative cover in 2016. These levels exceed the permit standard of `at least 4% relative cover, with no single species contributing greater than 50% relative cover.' Shrubs A woody plant stem -density reclamation standard was not established in the permit. Production The production standard in the former permit is 1300 pounds of air-dried herbaceous forage per acre. The average production in 2015 was 1224 lbs/acre, which exceeded the 90% of the success standard (1300 lbs/ac x 0.9 = 1170 lbs/ac); however, sample adequacy was not achieved. Therefore, success was evaluated using the "reverse null" hypothesis, as outlined in Rule 4.15.11(2)(c). As a result of the reverse null hypothesis analysis, the production standard was met in 2015, as demonstrated in the appendices to this document. The average production in 2016 was 1033 lbs/acre, which did not exceed 90% of the success standard (1300 lbs/ac x 0.9 = 1170 lbs/ac); however, sample adequacy was achieved. Therefore, success was evaluated using the "standard null" hypothesis outlined in Rule 4.15.11(2)(b). As a result of the standard null hypothesis analysis, the production standard was not met in 2016, as demonstrated in the appendices to this document. The vegetation success criteria outlined in the former Ohio Creek permit was met in 2015 and 2016 for cover, diversity and forbs. The production standard was met in 2015 but not in 2016. A visual comparison of the vegetation in the reclaimed area and surrounding landscape indicated that the vegetation composition and density were similar. Yellow sweetclover was the one notable species not present in the surrounding landscape. Yellow sweetclover has a moderate forage value and is a nitrogen fixer for poor soils and therefore will be a beneficial plant for the reclaimed area. It is therefore DRMS's opinion that while the production standard was not met in 2016, the vegetation on the reclaimed area nevertheless supports the post -mining land uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat. OHIO CREEK TERMINATION OF JURISDICTION DEC 2016 17 AUTHOR: R. REILLEY