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identifies soil stockpile designations and corresponding volumes. Generally, if the stockpiled soil materials are <br />associated with a specific disturbance area, all available stockpiled material will be replaced on that area, with <br />reasonable efforts to replace the soils at a uniform thickness. Where there are multiple stockpiles associated with <br />a larger disturbance area (ie: the Mine Facilities Area), the overall stockpiled soil material volume will be <br />allocated so as to provide a relatively uniform replacement depth over the entire area, with soil recovery from <br />stockpile and replacement on reclaimed areas generally scheduled to minimize haul distances where feasible. <br />Given these considerations, it is not practical or appropriate to show soil material replacement depths on Map 29, <br />and the noted reference has been removed and replaced with a descriptive discussion outlining the practical <br />considerations noted. Copies of any revised text pages accompany these responses for replacement in the PAP. <br />48. Rule 4.15.8 defines the revegetation success criteria that must be met for the postmining vegetation. Based on <br />the Division's interpretation of this rule, Pastureland is not exempt from meeting a species diversity standard. <br />Page 2.05-115 of the permit indicates that only cover and production will be measured to evaluate <br />revegetation success on reclaimed pastureland at the Foidel Creek Mine. Please revise section 2.05.4(2)(e) <br />of the permit to indicate diversity will also be a parameter used to evaluate revegetation success for <br />pastureland. Also please update the species diversity evaluation section of the permit to discuss how diversity <br />will be evaluated for the reclaimed pastureland area. <br />Response: - The referenced text (pg 2.05-115) does not address the revegetation success criteria for reclaimed <br />pastureland, however, the text discussion on page 2.05-117 (MR97-154 updates, 12/10/97) does specifically <br />address the criteria for pastureland, and notes that vegetation cover data will be evaluated using the Shannon - <br />Weiner Index to assess revegetation success relative to species diversity? <br />49. Please update Map 29 to depict the approved disturbance areas associated with the following revisions: <br />a. CRDA Soil Stockpile Relocation (MR290) <br />b. 10 -East Mid Panel Emergency Borehole (MR289) <br />c. 5 -Main North Cement Borehole and Pipeline (MR288, MR285, MR283) <br />d. WCR Coreholes/access roads (MR281, MR280, MR278, MR277, MR276, MR275) <br />e. TRO Coal Quality Coreholes/Access Roads (MR272, MR269) <br />Response: - Map 29 has been revise to show the referenced disturbance areas, with the exception of the 10 -East <br />Borehole, which has not yet been constructed. Copies of the revised map accompany these responses ofr <br />replacement in the PAP. <br />50. TC identifies four types of reclaimed communities that will be established at the site (Sagebrush Grassland, <br />Sagebrush Meadow, Pastureland and Hay Cropland). It is unclear what parameters will be used to define if <br />a reclaimed parcel falls within the designated reclaimed community. Please update Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of <br />the permit to define this criteria. <br />Response: - Generally, mine disturbance areas will be reclaimed to the dominant vegetation type for the area <br />within the disturbance boundaries, most closely corresponding to the premining vegetation community for that <br />area, as indicated by the Premining Vegetation mapping (Maps 18 and 18A). One of three approved seed mixes <br />(Pastureland, Cropland, Rangeland, Tables 53 — 55) will be utilized, depending on the dominant premining <br />community. For both the Sagebrush Grassland and Sagebrush Meadow, the Rangeland seed mix will be utilized, <br />and the vegetation community that develops will be differentiated only by the dominant topographic and moisture <br />conditions. Supplemental text has been added to clarify these considerations and copies of the revised text <br />accompany these responses for replacement in the PAP. <br />51. Rule 2.05.4(2)(8) requires a description, including appropriate cross sections and maps prepared in <br />accordance with 2.10, of the measures to be used to seal or manage mine openings, and to plug, case, or <br />manage exploration holes, other boreholes, wells, and other openings within the proposed Permit Area, in <br />accordance with 4.07. A description is provided starting on page 2.05-119 of the Permit. Figure 15 shows a <br />Typical Portal Seal to be used in reclamation. However, there is no reference to maps or cross-sections <br />provided as required by the rule. A very general figure is provided for the portal seal but cross-sections and <br />