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2.05.4(2)(c) has demonstrated that additional time was necessary. Therefore, the Division <br />approved the additional time [Rule 4.14.1(1)]. A variance was granted on February 28, 1989 to <br />allow for use of the A and B pits as ash and mine waste rock disposal sites (Technical Revision <br />20). Disposal is anticipated to last until 2020 (PAP, Section 2.05.3, page 117). <br />The Division approved a minor modification of the general requirements of Rule 4.14.2 for <br />reclamation of Pits A and B to approximate original contour to accommodate the disposal of ash <br />and mine waste rock (PAP, Section 2.05.4, page 113). Slopes are slightly steeper to reduce <br />infiltration to the buried ash. <br />XV. Rule 4.15 Revegetation <br />The approved revegetation plan (starting on page 115 of the PAP) emphasizes native species as <br />illustrated in the seed mix on page 115. A sorghum mulch was approved as an optional means to <br />meet soil stabilization requirements until vegetation is re-established [Rule 4.15.4]. <br />Approved methods to measure herbaceous cover, production, and species diversity are discussed <br />in the PAP, Section 2.04.10. Techniques include selection of sample locations using randomly - <br />generated grid coordinates and random determination of transect directions. A stationary optical <br />sighting device is used to determine hits. Reclamation success for vegetative cover is <br />determined using an approved formula which accounts for effective precipitation. Reclamation <br />success for herbaceous productivity is determined using an approved formula which accounts for <br />effective precipitation. These formulae for reclamation success were derived from data collected <br />on the Osgood reference area over a ten-year period. The Osgood reference area itself is no <br />longer needed for comparison upon approval of TR37 (PAP, Section 2.05.4, page 116b). The <br />reclamation success criteria for species composition are: <br />o A minimum of four perennial species <br />o A minimum of three warm season perennial grass species <br />o For each species, a relative importance of no more than 40 percent or less than <br />three percent. <br />For this permit, there is no minimum density (stems/acre) standard for woody plant <br />reestablishment. <br />XVI. Rule 4.16 Post -mining Land Use <br />The post -mining land use of rangeland meets the criteria of Rule 4.16.3. The site is classified as <br />rangeland by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, as <br />shown on the general soil map of Weld County, Colorado (page 37 of the PAP). In addition, <br />several gas wells have been installed within the permit area by third parties. These locations <br />have been classified as industrial land use. The shop area has also been designated as <br />Industrial/Commercial post -mining land use. <br />The proposed postmining land use is compatible with adjacent land use. Demonstrations of <br />feasibility are not necessary. The proposed use will not present actual or probable hazard to <br />public health or safety nor pose actual or probable threat of water flow diminution on pollution. <br />