Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 35 <br />Backfilling and grading is discussed under Section V.G of Vol. 4 of the permit <br />application. <br /> <br />A. The Division previously approved a variance from the 4 foot standard minimum <br />cover to a 2.5 foot minimum cover over exposed unoxidized coal seams and refuse <br />disposal areas. <br /> <br />XI. Revegetation – Rule 4.15 <br /> <br /> Vegetation baseline information can be found in Section II.F, Volume 2 of the application. <br />Revegetation plan information and methods to be utilized in determination of revegetation <br />success are addressed in Section V.I and Section V.J of Vol. 4. <br /> <br />A. The Division approves the use of certain introduced species in the reclamation seed <br />mix. The species proposed have been used successfully within similar climatic zones <br />in the region. Pursuant to 4.15.2(3), the Division finds that the introduced species are <br />desirable and necessary to achieve the approved postmining land uses of livestock <br />grazing and wildlife habitat. <br /> <br /> B. The Division approves the use of mulching and cover crops as a means to meet soil <br />stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Certified noxious weed-free hay and straw mulch, <br />wood fiber mulch with tackifier, or stubble mulch will be used on the reclaimed sites. <br />Straw/hay mulch is applied at a rate of 2.0 tons/acre, and crimped into the soil. If <br />stubble mulch will be used, oats, barley, winter wheat, or Regreen will be planted at <br />specified rates, depending on nature and timing of seeding. <br /> <br /> C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Section V of the permit application. These techniques <br />include the use of comparisons to a reference area. Herbaceous and woody plant <br />cover will be sampled using a modified belt transect. Herbaceous productivity will be <br />measured using 0.25 m2 quadrants. <br /> <br /> D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on reference <br />area comparisons for cover and production, and comparison to technical standards for <br />woody plant density and species diversity. The Division approves the basis for these <br />comparisons. <br /> <br /> E. The Division approves of the reference areas which the applicant has selected based <br />on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br /> <br />F. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable 4.15.7(4)). Weighted average comparison as <br />described in 4.15.7(4)(b) will be used for the “D” Portal disturbance area, and <br />individual reference area comparison of 4.15.7(4)(a) will be used for other disturbed <br />areas.