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Permit Number C-1994-082 Page 12 of 17 <br />The 2012 woody stem density sampling resulted in 437.1 stems per acre. SPL provided a reverse- <br />null demonstration to validate that the sample value of 437.1 woody stems per acre surpassed the <br />required 200 stems per acre in the background reclamation area in accordance with Rule <br />4.15.11(2)(c). The 4318.0 stems per acre observed in the combined two planted concentration areas <br />exceeds both 100 stem per acre standard for unfenced areas and the 945 stems per acre performance <br />secondary standard for fenced upland shrubs and trees. The Division finds the data and calculations <br />acceptable, and finds the woody stem density establishment successful for 2012 in BRB-1. <br />The 2014 woody stem density sampling resulted in 586.8 stems per acre. SPL provided a reverse- <br />null demonstration to validate that the sample value 586.8 woody stems per acre surpassed the <br />required 200 stems per acre in the background reclamation area in accordance with Rule <br />4.15.11(2)(c). The 5236.7 stems per acre observed in the combined two planted concentration areas <br />exceeds both the 100 stem per acre standard for unfenced areas and the 945 stems per acre <br />performance secondary standard for fenced upland shrubs and trees. The Division finds the data and <br />calculations acceptable, and finds the woody stem density establishment successful for 2014 in BRB- <br />1. <br /> <br />Post-Mining Land Use <br /> <br />The post-mining land uses for the Yoast Mine are rangeland for enhanced domestic livestock grazing <br />and wildlife habitat. The reclaimed lands associated with the Phase III portion of SL-6 have <br />vegetative cover composed of a variety of grasses, forbs, and woody shrubs. The seasonality and <br />forage characteristics of the vegetative species are suitable for the approved post-mining land use. <br />No significant weed problems or bare areas were identified. <br /> <br />The revegetation success standards were based on what would be necessary for the land to properly <br />function as grazing and wildlife habitat. Based on the achievement of the requirements, the Division <br />finds that the revegetation on the Yoast Mine Phase III reclaimed areas is capable of supporting the <br />approved post-mining land uses. <br /> <br />Evaluation of Hydrologic Impacts <br /> <br />In accordance with Section 3.03.2(2), the Division has evaluated whether pollution of surface or <br />subsurface water is occurring, and the probability of future occurrence of such pollution. The <br />evaluation considered information in the following documents: the Probable Hydrologic <br />Consequences section of the permit application, Annual Hydrology Reports submitted by the <br />operator, the Division’s Annual Hydrology Report review memoranda, and documents in the SL-6 <br />bond release application and file. The results of the evaluation are summarized below. <br /> <br />Basic Standards Interim Narrative Standard for Ground Water (CWQCC Regulation <br />41.5(c)(6)) <br /> <br />The Yoast Mine alluvial ground water point of compliance (GWPOC) in the Grassy Creek alluvium <br />is well SGAL70. The alluvial GWPOC in the Sage Creek alluvium is well YSAL3. Although all <br />Phase III areas are in the upper reaches of the drainage basins, a review of the statistical summary of <br />the water quality of SGAL70 and YSAL3 was completed based on water quality data presented in the <br />Annual Hydrology Reports for the Yoast Mine. Based on the data collected, ambient values for both