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Findings: range sites A, B and C. TMI utilizes a technical standard for demonstrating revegetation <br /> success for vegetative cover on reclaimed parcels. TMI has identified specific percent effective cover <br /> standards for each range site category. The standards were calculated using the Universal Soil Loss <br /> Equation (LISLE) and designed such that soil loss due to rill and sheet erosion will not exceed pre- <br /> mine levels. <br /> The Division's Guideline Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues dated 18 April 1995 <br /> outlines what the Division may use to evaluate reclaimed lands proposed for Phase 11 bond release. In <br /> summary, the Division may evaluate the following: <br /> o Topsoil replacement depths <br /> o Vegetation cover success standard <br /> o Species composition <br /> o Re-establishment of essential hydrologic functions on Alluvial Valley Floors (AVF's). <br /> o Erosional features <br /> o Sediment transport <br /> o The condition of sediment ponds and any needed maintenance on ponds receiving runoff from <br /> bond release parcels. <br /> The Division evaluated topsoil depths in the field during 2017, 2018, and 2019 and found that topsoil <br /> was adequately spread. DRMS found depths to be within the range specified in the Trapper Permit. <br /> Results are presented on Table 1.3-1 of the application. <br /> Details regarding revegetation success standards at the Trapper mine can be found in section 4.4.1 of <br /> Trapper's permit. Vegetation was sampled during the 2023 field season. Sampling was conducted in <br /> accordance with the approved sampling methodology. Vegetative cover was sampled to adequacy, in <br /> accordance with Rule 4.15.11(2). <br /> The SL24 bond release block has been reclaimed with either Rangeland A or Rangeland B seed mixes. <br /> The rangeland revegetation success standard comprises permit Section 4.4. For both range sites A <br /> and B, the reclamation success standard for cover includes canopy cover of herbaceous vegetation <br /> plus vegetative litter. The successful vegetative cover standard was calculated using the Universal <br /> Soil Loss Equation (LISLE), with the assumption that soil loss will not exceed 4 tons/acre/year. For <br /> Range Site A, vegetative cover will be acceptable when the site achieves at least 33% herbaceous <br /> cover plus 19% litter, and a total allowable cover value of at least 52%. Noxious weed species may <br /> not contribute to the reclamation success. Reclaimed Range Site B sites will be deemed successful <br /> when they achieve a minimum of 29% herbaceous cover, plus 23%litter, for total allowable cover of <br /> at least 52%. <br /> Vegetation success was evaluated by Trapper Mine and submitted to The Division for review. DRMS <br /> reviewed the data and made field evaluations of the vegetation during the SL24 inspection and found <br /> that the vegetation cover success and species composition standards for the SL24 bond release block <br /> were met or exceeded as presented in tables 1.2-1, 1.2-2 and 1.2-3 of the application, and that sample <br /> adequacy was achieved (Appendix 2 of the application). Results are further discussed in the <br /> Observation and Findings section under the heading of Cover and Species Composition. <br /> No alluvial valley floors exist in the proposed bond release block, so this criterion was not evaluated <br /> Permit Number C1981010 <br /> SL24 Page 7 of 16 <br />