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<br /> <br /> 25 <br />the permit area. It will be used for comparisons of cover, production, shrub density <br />and diversity. Cover, production and shrub density will be considered adequate for <br />final bond release if each population parameter is not less than 90% of the standard as <br />determined by the reference area with a 90% statistical confidence utilizing one of the <br />three methods detailed in Rule 4.15.11. The diversity standard is outlined on page <br />2.05-38 of the permit application and allows for the use of direct comparisons of species <br />composition based on relative cover between reclaimed areas and undisturbed <br />vegetation. The approved species diversity standard is as follows: <br /> <br /> the reclaimed plant community will be composed of at least the number of <br />dominant species comprising at least five percent of the reference area’s relative <br />plant cover (at the time of the original permit issuance, two species, Gray Molly <br />and Greasewood, comprised five or more percent relative cover in the <br />Greasewood Reference Area); <br /> one forb and one shrub will be established, with each contributing at least 5% <br />to, but no more than 60% to, the relative cover of the reclaimed areas; and <br /> perennial relative grass cover will be at least 2%. <br /> <br />E. The Division proposes to approve a single reference area, the Greasewood Reference <br />Area, which is within the permit area and which the applicant has selected based on <br />the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). The location of the reference area is found on <br />Map 5 in the permit application package. <br /> <br />F. The reference area will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner which <br />the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). <br /> <br />G. The Division finds that a shrub density standard equal to or higher than 90 percent of <br />the shrub density of the approved reference area is appropriate (4.15.8(7)). <br /> <br />H. The Division proposes to waive the requirement to establish vegetative cover on an <br />area containing mine support facilities where the pre-mining and approved post- mining <br />land use is industrial since the waiver was requested by the landowner and the Division <br />has determined that revegetation is not necessary to control erosion (4.15.10(3)). The <br />industrial areas consist of barren evaporation ponds from the now closed adjacent <br />refinery. The Division does not believe that it is practicable to require a vegetative <br />cover when the pre-existing conditions of the evaporation ponds are barren. The <br />operator will effectively control erosion and attendant air pollution by covering the <br />industrial areas with 3 inches of ballast and sub-ballast salvaged from the rail spur. <br /> <br />XII. Post-mining Land Use <br /> <br />The Division is proposing to approve the post-mining land uses of rangeland/fish and <br />wildlife habitat and industrial. These land-uses meet the criteria of Rule 4.16.3. <br /> <br />XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br /> <br /> A. The applicant does not propose the use of persistent pesticides on the site during