2018-03-20_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1981019A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 3/20/2018
• Doc Name: Volume 1 Rule 4
• Section_Exhibit Name: 4.02 Throuugh 4.30
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
For demonstration of revegetation success, vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and in certain
circumstances woody plant density will be sampled to statistical adequacy (where necessary), and
compared to the approved standard or reference area mean. The Division has completed a comprehensive
bond release guideline (1995) that provides a good overview of recommended sampling approaches,
statistical adequacy formulas and statistical tests. Furthermore, new regulations promulgated 9/14/05
under Section 4.15.11 detail new allowable approaches for vegetation sampling and testing. Colowyo
will utilize procedures recommended in the new regulations, guideline, or other procedures that are as
effective as the Division's recommendations. Before Colowyo begins a vegetation sampling program for
bond release, the Division will be consulted to confirm sampling approaches and statistical testing. A
base level or initial protocol is detailed under Section 4.15.11 below.
As indicated in Rule 4.15.7 (5) the 10 -year liability period will begin following the last year of augmented
seeding, fertilization, irrigation, or related revegetation work. To facilitate bond release, revegetation
success criteria must be met for two of the last four years of the liability period excepting that sampling
for final success determination cannot occur prior to year 9 of this period (unless these rules are changed
to be less restrictive by the Division). The liability period will be re-initiated for augmentation work
excepting work associated with normal management activities as defined under Rule 4.15.7 (5) (a -g).
This allows the liability period to remain unchanged for such revegetation metrics as "interseeding"
(4.15.7 (5)(g)) of additional grasses and forbs into a stand targeting shrubs to increase cover values of
these life forms.
To summarize the use of reference areas in this testing process, the following will occur. There are three
reference areas (RAs) that will be utilized for testing against reclamation on the original permit area
and/or on the new South Taylor (PR -02) permit area. These reference areas are: 1980 Mountain Shrub
RA, 1981 Sagebrush RA, and 1984 Aspen RA. All lands reclaimed prior to 2008 and grazinglands
(grasslands) reclaimed post -2008 on the original permit area shall be compared to weighted parameters
from the 1980 Mountain Shrub RA (55% weight) and the 1981 Sagebrush RA (45% weight) in
accordance with 4.15.7(4)(b). All post -2008 lands on the original permit area that evolve into a
Sagebrush Steppe community* will be directly compared to the 1981 Sagebrush RA.
In the new South Taylor (PR -02) permit area all reclaimed post -2008 grazinglands (grasslands) shall be
compared to weighted parameters from the 1980 Mountain Shrub RA (52% weight), the 1981 Sagebrush
RA (25% weight), and the 1984 Aspen RA (23% weight) in accordance with 4.15.7(4)(b). All post -2008
lands on the new South Taylor (PR -02) permit area that evolve into a Sagebrush Steppe community* will
be directly compared to the 1981 Sagebrush RA.
4.15.8 Revegetation Success Criteria
Colowyo will meet the requirements of this Subsection to insure that the post -mining vegetation will be
adequate for final bond release. As delineated under Subsections 4.15.7 and 2.05.4, Colowyo will utilize
established reference areas (see Section 4.15.7 above) for the purpose of comparing vegetation
information between the reclaimed area and the undisturbed area for the variables of ground cover and
production. For the variables of woody plant density and species diversity, Colowyo shall compare
revegetated area parameters against defined standards detailed later in this section. Data to be used in
these comparisons must be from statistically adequate sampling (where necessary) as indicated in Rule
* Areas that evolve into a sagebrush steppe community cannot be determined with certainty until several years following seeding,
emergence, and maturation of shrubs. Emergence of this community may occur in both areas where sagebrush steppe is targeted
as well as those grassland targeted areas that receive significant sagebrush seed. Any sagebrush steppe that evolves in either of
these areas will be delineated with GPS techniques, sampled accordingly, and tested against the 1981 Sagebrush RA.
Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-56 Revision Date: 1/31/18
Revision No.: TR -119