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disturbance did occur within soil borrow area CBA-2 in 2002, in association with <br /> CRDA-1 reclamation. An endangered species survey was conducted within this area <br /> prior to disturbance, but vegetation cover, production, and woody plant density <br /> sampling was not conducted within the CBA-2 borrow area. Based on visual <br /> evaluation, and given the small area of disturbance, it is the Division's determination <br /> that the greasewood vegetation type within the subject area, is adequately <br /> characterized by the New Greasewood reference area(see below),for which adequate <br /> data were obtained. No further affected area vegetation data collection is required. <br /> In the summer of 1999, a new greasewood reference area was established to replace <br /> the original greasewood reference area. The original greasewood reference area was <br /> in a relatively disturbed location immediately adjacent to the railroad grade, overland <br /> conveyor, and highline canal. The greasewood community in this location exhibited <br /> a very high cover of greasewood, with understory dominated by weedy forbs. The <br /> new greasewood reference area was established on a relatively undisturbed colluvial <br /> toe slope to the west of the Coal Creek ephemeral drainage, approximately 1500 feet <br /> northwest of CRDA-1. The new reference area is more reflective of the greasewood <br /> community found in most portions of the permit area, and better represents <br /> reclamation objectives, with higher herbaceous cover and production, and a higher <br /> diversity as compared to the original greasewood reference area. Information on the <br /> new greasewood reference area (data, narrative, and map) is presented in Appendix <br /> 10-4. <br /> Revegetation success criteria for total vegetation cover, herbaceous production, <br /> woody plant density, and species diversity are specified in Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of the <br /> application, pp. 14-19 through 14-26, as are success demonstration sampling <br /> techniques and methods of statistical comparison for the applicable parameters. The <br /> currently approved permanent seed mixes applicable to most mine areas are listed in <br /> Table 14-8; a "specialty" seed mix for harsh, saline sites is listed in Table 14-15; <br /> previously approved seed mixes used in various specified locations are listed in Tables <br /> 14-4, 14-6, and 14-9 through 14-14. Due to establishment of the new greasewood <br /> reference area, and the withdrawal of CRDA-3 proposed disturbance from the permit, <br /> narrative regarding comparison of specific reclaimed areas to particular reference <br /> areas was modified by RN-03 amendments. <br /> Revegetation monitoring and evaluation was conducted by Cedar Creek Associates, a <br /> consultant to the operator,in 2001 (Appendix 14-7). Based largely on that evaluation, <br /> certain modifications to approved sampling procedures, technical standards for <br /> revegetation success, and permanent seed mix formulations were submitted and <br /> approved via TR-38. Inter-seeding was approved for low diversity areas on the lower <br /> benches of CRDA-2, and was conducted in November 2001. Certain additional <br /> refinements of the approved seed mixes were approved in 2002. <br /> Species diversity standards were amended by TR-46 in 2005, and MR-70 approved in <br /> 2005 provided for fall herbicide treatment of Cheatgrass within the North Decline <br /> 49 <br />