2020-12-09_REVISION - C1994082 (11)

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from the revegetated area and the applicable Extended Reference Area("ERA") weighted results. BRB- 2a and the ERA's are illustrated on Map 3 in Appendix D of the CCAI report. BRB-3 represents the haul road/entrance road in the northern portion of the permit. The haul road reference area is adjacent to the haul road and illustrated on Map 2 in Appendix D of the CCAI report. All parcels were sampled for vegetation success and the data included in the SL8 application. Details of the revegetation success criteria can be found in Tab 22 of the permit application package. Sampling Methods Cover sampling comprised over 30 samples taken in the bond release area and the use of the reverse null hypothesis testing. Sample adequacy based on all hit values was calculated for each bond release area requested and achieved for each reference area. Sampling was conducted using the point-intercept method as described in Appendix D or the SL8 Application materials. CCAI sampled randomly located and randomly oriented sample points within the two BRBs and the ERA. Transects at each sample point were fifty meters in length and one hundred points were sampled along each transect. Both first hit and all hit data were collected. These methods conform to the approved sampling plan outlined in Tab 22 and are in accordance with Rule 4.15.11(1)(a)(1). Plant species frequency and density measurements were ascertained from the applicable cover sampling data. Sample adequacy was evaluated for each of the sampling efforts and statistical demonstrations for revegetation success for vegetation cover,herbaceous production, and woody plant density was conducted in accordance with Rule 4.15.11. Extended Reference Area Performance Standards) As discussed in the CCAI report, the allowable means for cover from each of the reference areas are weighted in accordance with the original relative abundance of the vegetation types in the pre-mining landscape (24.4 Aspen, 24.0% Sagebrush/Snowberry, 48.9% mountain brush, 2.7% Steep Mountain Brush). Sample adequacy was achieved for each of the reference areas. Phase H Vegetation Success Standards Cover data is collected from the above described vegetation types within the ERA. The extent of herbaceous cover in each of the vegetation types are represented by the "all-hit" measure of cover. An average of the herbaceous cover within the extended reference area types,weighted by their extent in the premining area affected by mine disturbance is calculated using "all-hit" total herbaceous vegetation cover data. This calculated weighted average mean cover from the ERA comprises the success standard. The revegetated area shall be considered acceptable when at least 90 percent of the weighted average mean cover from the ERA is demonstrated. The species diversity was measured,though not required for phase II release, an evaluation was provided as an assessment of progress toward future success standard and uses data collected from cover sampling. Species diversity sampling was conducted during the course of cover sampling by noting all plant species occurring within one meter on either side of the cover sample transect. The frequency for each plant species observed was calculated as per Appendix D. Four tests are used to determine revegetation success for species diversity. Success is demonstrated by passing mandatory test A the first test (A), and at least two of the remaining three (B, C, and D) tests. These tests are described at length in Tab 22 of the PAP and the CCAI revegetation monitoring report included as Appendix D of the SL8 application. Permit Number C1994 082 Page 11 of 15