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of an infestation. <br /> For additional information on this effort please see the DRMS interoffice memo of 10 September 2019 <br /> and associated imagery. DRMS concluded that weed species comprise a small set, in both numbers <br /> and extent and did not appear to significantly impact the establishment of the desired vegetation. <br /> Pre Law <br /> The pre law area exhibited a mean allowable first hit cover of 31.3%, exceeding the technical <br /> performance standard of 30%. <br /> Post Law <br /> Sample adequacy was achieved in both 2014 and 2015 in the Strip Pit but not in reference area B in 2014. <br /> A null test is used when sample adequacy is not achieved. Vegetation data for Strip Pit in 2014 showed a <br /> mean allowable first hit cover of 23.3%, less than the 90% of the success standard, 23.5%. In accordance <br /> with Rule 4.15.11(2)(b), a t test was used to determine cover success. The calculated t value was 0.071, <br /> less than the table t value of 1.330 indicating that the bond release block mean is greater than or equal to <br /> 90%of the standard meeting the successful cover criteria. For 2015, sample adequacy for total all hit <br /> cover was achieved for both areas allowing for a direct comparison between reclaimed and reference <br /> areas as per Rule 4.15.11(2)(a). Mean allowable first hit cover of 31.9%, exceeding the 14.9%cover <br /> performance standard. <br /> The required cover success criteria for the Pre May 3, 1978 as well as the post law areas have been met. <br /> For the two bond release blocks cover vegetation was diverse,well established and mature. Ponds in <br /> the Strip Pit with the exception of Pond 9A-P2 which was withdrawn from the bond release request, <br /> received permanent designation. The only indication of hydrologic control structures remaining in <br /> place comprised permanent on contour ditches and a small swale in the Utah Tract. Contour ditches <br /> have filled in with sediment and blend into the reclaimed topography. Erosional features were not <br /> observed in either parcel. The vegetative cover was consistent with the vegetation sampling results <br /> reported in the SL4 application. Noxious perennial weeds Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and whitetop <br /> (Cardaria draba), were present in small, isolated patches that do not pose a threat to the existing mature <br /> vegetation. While noxious weeds were encountered at the site, they comprised a small percentage of <br /> the vegetative cover. <br /> Although, species diversity is not a requirement for phase II bond release,the establishment of a diverse <br /> and effective reclaimed community that supports the post mining land use, allows the Division to <br /> confirm that the reclaimed area can achieve final reclamation success. Based on the perennial species <br /> of grasses, forbs and shrubs observed at the site and as indicated in the SL4 application, the species <br /> diversity and composition will support the post-mine land use. <br /> Permit Number C1981044 Page 20 of 25 <br />