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2.0 METHODS <br /> 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN <br /> Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to <br /> evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, <br /> and applicable revegetation standards. <br /> The MCC Reclamation Photograph Project 2018 map of the mine site at 1:14,400 scale <br /> (V=1200') and Google Earth®images were used to identify, locate and delineate the eligible <br /> reclamation areas and individual reclaimed sites. As the reclaimed sites are irregularly <br /> dispersed over reclaimed areas at the mine, and the sites range from 0.1 to 1.6 acres in size, <br /> standard methods of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample points were <br /> not practical. Further, as the reclaimed areas ranged from 11 to 15 years in age, it was <br /> desirable to obtain a representative sampling of the age structure in the sampling. <br /> From the map and aerial images it was determined that the eligible reclamation sites are <br /> located in four distinct locations, representing 26 reclaimed drill holes and road segments <br /> within the West Bench, Sylvester Gulch, Shaft Canyon Road, and Saddle Road reclamation <br /> areas. The reclaimed sites, their areal extent, and age were entered into a Microsoft Excel® <br /> spreadsheet. <br /> The area of each reclaimed site was calculated as a percentage of the total area of reclaimed <br /> areas, as was the total area of eligible reclaimed locations within the reclamation area. By <br /> selecting an initial number of total samples, locations for sampling by representative area and <br /> reclamation year were assigned. <br /> Sample locations within each sample site were randomly determined by use of a 50'x50' grid <br /> representing the reclaimed site. For example, where a reclaimed site was one acre in size, a <br /> 50'x50' grid yielded sixteen potential sample points. Where the reclaimed site was <br /> predominantly linear in nature (as was the case with reclaimed access roads), the overall <br /> length of the reclaimed site was determined, and sufficient random numbers generated to <br /> allow for sample points on a one hundred foot spacing. A sample point within the reclaimed <br /> site was then selected using a random numbers table. Sample point locations were located in <br /> the field through compass triangulation, GPS, and pacing from known landmarks. Appendix <br /> figures illustrate the general location of the reclaimed areas and reclaimed sites. <br /> The following table identifies the grouped reclaimed sites, their area, date of reclamation, and <br /> percentage of the total reclaimed area. <br /> Mountain Coal Company,LLC West Elk Mine Page 3 <br /> 2019 Vegetation Report:West Bench,Sylvester Gulch,Shaft Canyon Road,and Saddle Road Reclamation Areas <br />