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4.15.7(5)which requires the demonstration of successful revegetation for at least two of the last four <br /> years of the liability period, and that sampling not be initiated prior to year nine of the liability period. <br /> Details of the sampling procedures are given in the vegetation reports included with the SL-17 <br /> application packet. The design of the field sampling proj ect accounted for the fact that reclaimed land <br /> was irregularly dispersed over disconnected parcels of between 0.1 and 1.6 acres, distributed in four <br /> general areas (West Bench, Sylvester Gulch, Shaft Canyon Road, and Saddle Road). Sample adequacy <br /> was statistically demonstrated following the method specified in Rule 4.15.10(2)(a). The data presented <br /> in the SL-17 application packet shows that the revegetation success criteria were satisfied. <br /> • Total vegetative cover(63.43%in 2019 and 67.47%in 2022) exceeded the standard(90% of <br /> 53.04%) <br /> • Total herbaceous production(217.13 g/m2 in 2019 and 227.67 g/m2 in 2022) exceeded the <br /> standard(90% of 180.38 g/m2) <br /> • Species diversity (four cool season perennial grasses, four cool season perennial forbs, and a <br /> single woody plant species with 3-40%relative cover in 2019; and five cool season perennial <br /> grasses and one cool season perennial forb with 3-40%relative cover in 2022) exceeded the <br /> standard (two cool season perennial grasses and one cool season perennial forb with 3-40% <br /> relative cover, not including noxious weeds) <br /> The SL-17 inspection took place on June 27-29, 2023. The SL-17 inspection report noted that the <br /> reclamation success of the sites inspected was excellent, with no signs of instability or surface erosion, a <br /> diverse mixture of perennial grasses and forbs, and relatively few weeds. Many species from the seed <br /> mix were observed together with occasional volunteers. No erosion of the sites was observed and the <br /> vegetation appeared to have successfully stabilized the surface. Several small patches of Canada thistle <br /> (Cirsium arvense)and Houndstongue (Cynoglossum offrcinale)were noted,but noxious weeds were not <br /> otherwise prevalent. MCC sprayed the weeds and shared photographic evidence of their treatment with <br /> the Division by email on August 8, 2023. <br /> Reclamation efforts of the sites included in the SL-17 application have been successful in: <br /> i. Regrading the disturbed areas to AOC; <br /> ii. Establishing a permanent self-sustaining vegetation community, which meets the <br /> approved success criteria; <br /> iii. Minimizing the impacts to the hydrologic balance; and <br /> iv. Implementing the approved post-mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat. <br /> Summary and Conclusions <br /> Based upon a review of the mine permit,the applicant's bond release application, and site inspections,the <br /> Division finds that Mountain Coal Company, LLC has successfully completed all surface coal mining <br /> reclamation operations in accordance with the approved reclamation plan and met all requirements of the <br /> Act and the Rules. <br /> IV. PROPOSED DECISION <br /> C-1980-007 Page 8 of 11 <br />