2018-02-05_REVISION - C1992081 (29)

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utilized in determinations of revegetation success are addressed in Tab 20 and Exhibit 18- 1. Post -operational revegetation plans correspond with existing and surrounding vegetative communities. Dryland cropping of small grains, dryland pasture, improved pasture, and native rangelands exist both on the permit area and in the general vicinity of the loadout. Soils associated with the Dry Creek drainage tend to be alkaline clay loams and loams. Plant species found in the area are adapted to saline and alkaline conditions. Approximately 70 acres were revegetated with a temporary seed mix following construction of the loadout and rail loop facilities (1978). Plant species present in the revegetated areas include intermediate wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, Russian wildrye, timothy, alfalfa, and yellow sweet clover. Adjacent and undisturbed lands tend to have a high incidence of shrubs. Heavy use by livestock grazing has aided in the increase of shrub densities. Postmining vegetation communities will be: wildlife habitat, dryland pasture, improved pasture, cropland and rangeland. Due to the narrow configuration of the area designated as rangeland (approximately 200-250 ft wide), no woody plant density standard will be imposed on the rangeland area. The Division has received confirmation from the Colorado Division of Wildlife in a letter dated March 10, 1993 that the absence of a woody plant component in the rangeland area would not be detrimental to wildlife use and would increase the "edge" effect along adjacent shrublands. Four seed mixes will be used in the Loadout area. Each mix has been formulated for adaptation to a particular land use and location for which it will be planted. HGT proposes to include an introduced legume, alfalfa, in the rangeland seed mix. The Division approved the use of a less aggressive species of alfalfa, such as Medicago falcata, in small quantities in the seed mix. An additional seed mixture is approved for a portion of the TAHR: Seed mix No. 5. Seed mix No. 5 is designated for reclaimed lowland/meadow areas within the TAHR corridor. The mix has been designed for the wet saline or alkaline conditions and heavy textures soils which are likely to be present within this area. In particular, the western end of the TAHR corridor and many of the drainages were wet and saline/alkaline prior to construction of the TAHR. Given the uncertainty of the future of the TAHR and the unknown cropping needs in 2030 when this road is designated to be reclaimed, the following stipulation was added to the permit: Stipulation No. 9: Prior to initiation of reclamation of the Tie -Across Haul Road, the permittee must submit and receive approval of a technical revision to update the revegetation plan for the cropland areas to comply with Rule 2.05.4(2)(e). This plan must include a description of the measures proposed to be used to determine revegetation success for the cropland area in accordance with Rule 4.15.7(2) and Rule 4.15.9. 27