Laserfiche WebLink
2.0 SAMPLING METHODS <br />2.1 Sample Site Selection / Location <br />A systematic procedure for sample location in the revegetated and reference units occurred in the <br />following stepwise manner. First, a fixed point of reference was selected for the unit to facilitate location <br />of the systematic grid in the field. Second, a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions was selected to <br />provide a reasonable number of coordinate intersections (e.g., 45) that could then be used for the set of <br />sample sites. Third, a scaled representation of the grid was overlain on a computer -generated map of the <br />target unit extending along north/south and east/west lines. Fourth, the initial placement of this grid was <br />implemented by selection of two random numbers (an X and Y distance) used for locating the first <br />coordinate from the fixed point of reference, thereby making the effort unbiased. Fifth, the sample points <br />were located in the field utilizing a handheld GPS unit. <br />Once a selected grid point was located in the field, ground cover sampling transects were always <br />oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while <br />facilitating sampling efficiency. This orientation protocol is indicated on Figure 1. Depending on logistics, <br />timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would occasionally layout a set of <br />points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation <br />protocol was always maintained (i.e., in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the <br />boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the orientation of the <br />transect was turned 900 in the appropriate direction so the transect could be completed. In this manner, <br />boundary transects were retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. <br />Production quadrats were always oriented 900 to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and <br />placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. <br />2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sample point was evaluated in accordance with Rule 4.15.11 (1) (a) (i) utilizing <br />the point -intercept methodology as illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated on this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes <br />state-of-the-art instrumentation it has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of <br />data. A transect of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the <br />flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the transect, <br />a "laser point bar" was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 to 5.0 feet vertically above the ground <br />surface. A set of 10 readings was taken specifically to record hits on vegetation (by species), litter, <br />(including standing dead), rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by <br />activating a battery of 10 low -energy specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. 6 Bowie #1 Mine - Run of Mine - 2020 <br />Phase III Bond Release Evaluation <br />