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Alternate Diversity Standard B: 75%species distribution in the combined weighted reference area, equating <br /> to 27.97 species/100 sq M for 2016. Probability tests adjusted this to 22.2 species. 2016 BRB3 Adjusted to <br /> remove noxious species resulted in 24.1 species/100 sq.M. The BRB3 met Alternate Test B for 2016. <br /> Alternate Diversity Test C;the similarity index. Refer to table J7 for the 2016 data. The similarity index <br /> between the lifeform species density for prescribed lifeforms for the 2016 BRB3 and the mean species <br /> density for the acreage weighted reference area is 77%. This value exceeds 90%of the standard of 70%(0.9 <br /> X 70%=63%). Therefore,Alternate Diversity Test C was successful for BRB3 for 2016. <br /> Alternate Diversity Test D: The total number of native species in an adequate sample of 2016 BRB3 <br /> herbaceous cover was 47. The total number of native species in an adequate sample of 2016 weighted <br /> reference area herbaceous cover was 24.6. The BRB3 native species exceeded that of the 2016 weighted <br /> reference area therefore,Alternate Diversity Test D is considered successful for 2016. <br /> For 2015 and 2016 BRB3,Mandatory Test A passed,alternate species diversity tests,B,C and D passed as <br /> well. The BRB3 is considered successful for species diversity for 2015 and 2016. <br /> Post Mine Land Use <br /> Post mining land use comprise livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Grazing encompasses the majority of <br /> the reclaimed lands as granted by landowners. Grazing numbers range between 104 and 230 cow calf pairs. <br /> Anecdotal comments by livestock operators to reclamation management personnel indicate satisfaction with <br /> the reclaimed grazing resource and resulting animal performance. Wildlife frequents the site and wildlife <br /> monitoring conducted from 1994 through 2010. Monitoring through 2007 focused on large game,upland <br /> birds,raptors and predators. Elk and mule deer are commonly observed throughout the year making use of <br /> forage and cover on the reclaimed areas. Spring and summer sightings of elk cow calf pairs are frequent. <br /> Annual monitoring reports through 2007 indicate steadily increasing numbers of elk and mule deer. DRMS <br /> inspections routinely note the presence of big game, especially lactating elk,upland birds and raptors. <br /> Annual reclamation reports submitted to DRMS present wildlife monitoring results. DRMS finds the <br /> operator has reclaimed the SL6 bond release block to support the post mine land use. <br /> Evaluation of Hydrologic Impacts <br /> Rule 3.03.2(2) requires the Division to evaluate hydrologic impacts prior to releasing reclamation <br /> liability. This evaluation considers whether pollution of surface or subsurface water is occurring and <br /> the probability of future occurrence of such pollution. The Division's evaluation based on Annual <br /> Hydrology Reports, and pond inspections is summarized below. Drainage structures are routinely <br /> inspected and cleaned out as necessary. The SPL monitoring plan can be referenced in Tab 15 and <br /> Probable Hydrologic Consequences are discussed in Tabs 16, 17 and 18. <br /> Ground Water Impacts <br /> The ground water point of compliance well(GWPOC),monitors well DCAL02 screened in Dry Creek <br /> alluvium and located north of the permit boundary. Standards for this well were established in 2009 through <br /> Technical Revision TR63. For the years 2015 through 2019 water quality at DCAL02 has consistently met <br /> water quality standards with the exception of dissolved iron. The iron standard was established at 8.06 mg/L. <br /> Samples collected over the previous five years indicate no statistically significant change in the dissolved iron <br /> concentrations when compared to the baseline range(6.96 11.lmg/L,a mean of 8.59 mg/L), established in <br /> 1998. As dissolved iron comprises the only ground water quality exceedances,this suggests that Dry Creeks' <br /> alluvium ambient iron concentrations are above the standard,and the elevated iron is not indicative of an <br /> offsite impact to the groundwater system. DRMS finds that the groundwater iron measured falls within the <br /> Permit Number C1982057 Prepared by: R.Reilley NIS,GISP <br /> SL6 Phase II and III Page 14 of 16 <br />