2017-06-07_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (2)

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contradiction at the time, during permit consultation meetings, DRMS directed NHN to sample only 15 transects for shrub density and said that it was not necessary to achieve sample adequacy for this parameter. The sample adequacy formula contained in the regulations was used, wherein a precision of 0.10 was used for cover and production and 0.15 for shrub density. On all of the mine disturbance areas and reference areas sampled, the entire field data were analyzed in terms of "total plant cover" to determine whether sample adequacy was achieved prior to leaving the site being sampled. On all areas sampled for production, a minimum of 30 samples were collected and the green plant weight data analyzed to determine whether sample adequacy had been achieved. On all sites sampled for shrub density, a minimum of 15 samples were collected and the data analyzed to determine whether sample adequacy had been achieved. In instances where production was not achieved with 30 samples, then a maximum of 50 transects were sampled. During the consultation meetings held with the DRMS, NHN was informed that it was not necessary to submit copies of the raw field data sheets, but that this information should be kept in our files in the event that the DRMS determined they needed to review this information. NOXIOUS WEEDS Historically, DRMS has issued various lists, reported to contain the official noxious weed list with respect to the DRMS regulations, for example Appendix B of the "Guidelines with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining" issued in June of 1988, the undated "Guideline for the Management of Noxious Weeds on Coal Mine Permit Areas," reports to contain a list of "noxious weeds for the purposes of this guideline and the Coal Regulations." DRMS Rule 1.04 (78) states that "noxious weeds" means species that have been included on official State or county lists of noxious weeds. In a consultation with the Montrose County Weed Supervisor, the "official Montrose County noxious weed list" was requested, and NHN was informed that there was no current list. A hand written list was provided as the "official list." Examination of the website of the Colorado Department of Agriculture website at http• //www ag state co us/Noxious Weeds/counties/Montrose.html on 18 June 2009 resulted in our obtaining a different list. To standardize the issue of noxious weeds, in this report and associated permit application package, the term "noxious weeds" as used herein includes species found on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website at: http://www.colorado.govlcs/Satellite?c=Page&cid on as accessed on 10 October 2009, which has been assembled per the provisions of the Colorado Section 2.04. 10 Page 9 of 36 June 2016 (TR -14)