2018-09-04_REVISION - C1980007 (11)

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56 one component of the grass and forb species shall comprise greater than 40% relative cover, nor less than 3% relative cover. The technical standards were based on the mean of samples collected in the HRSA in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2010. Elimination of a standard for woody shrub stem density was approved with TR-125 after the Division consulted with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. The proposed post-mining land use is rangeland and wildlife habitat. Tables 48 and 49 of the PAP list the seeds and shrubs to be planted to establish this land use. The West Elk Mine also will reclaim 1.3 acres within a riparian buffer zone. The riparian seed and shrub mix is listed on page 2.05.53 of the permit document. The mine based their selection of plant species on species listed in the baseline biological survey, species geographical range, soils, climate, slope and aspect, root competition, cover and seasonal variation. Seed mixes are also based on experience gained on West Elk Mine revegetation plots, and quantitative data collected in 1980 describing the present vegetative cover, and in terms of wildlife requirements suggested in the literature. The Division approves the use of these species based on the post-mining land use. Once stockpiled topsoil has been distributed and graded, the surface is prepared for planting. Surface preparation loosens and roughens the surface by disking, harrowing, or dragging which increases infiltration and reduces surface runoff. Seeding and planting are conducted parallel to the contour unless such activities prove hazardous to equipment and/or operators. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions. Seeding and shrub planting will be done during the spring (March 15 through June 15) or fall (September 15 through November 15). Grasses and forbs are seeded primarily by drill seeding. Broadcast of seed is utilized on small areas, with hydroseeding used on areas with slopes steeper than 3:1. XII. Post-mining Land Use 1. The Division is proposing to approve a post-mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat. The land use meets the criteria of Rule 4.16.3. XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values 1. Information regarding compliance with Rule 4.18 is located in Section 2.05.4 of the permit document. 2. Wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit wildlife. XIV. Protection of Underground Mining 1. MCC proposes surface impacts incident to an underground coal mine. These impacts are not surface coal mining activities (4.19(1) and 4.22.4(1).