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Permit Number: C1982057 Page 10 of 20 <br />Phase III <br /> <br /> Map 2: SL8 bond release parcels where cover was <br />assessed. <br />confidence interval, in accordance with Rule <br />4.15.8(3)(a). <br />In both 2022 and 2023 the cover success standard <br />was demonstrated, exceeding the 90% performance <br />standard. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Phase III Bond Release <br />Vegetation sampling in the BRB6 Phase III and the II-W reference areas were conducted in August of 2022 and <br />2023 by Cedar Creek Associates Inc. (CCAI). The 2022 and 2023 report of the findings of testing for <br />revegetation success for the II-W BRB6 Phase III bond release evaluation is included in Attachment D– <br />Revegetation Success Supporting Documentation of the SL8 bond release application and comprises a report <br />and supporting documentation of how successful revegetation was measured. The Seneca IIW Mine uses <br />weighted average extended reference areas to evaluate vegetation reclamation success. The weighted average <br />reference area is a compilation of the major vegetation communities present prior to mining, with the current <br />reference area sampling data proportionally added based upon the percentage each community represented in the <br />pre-mining landscape. The extended reference area includes all undisturbed areas of a representative vegetative <br />community that lies within the permit area, and outside of the disturbance area boundary. The main pre-mining <br />communities were represented by Aspen (11% contribution), Mountain brush (35% contribution), Sagebrush <br />(31% contribution), Steep Mountain Brush (13% contribution), and Western Wheatgrass/Alkali Sagebrush <br />(10% contribution). The all-hit cover data is adjusted by elimination of woody plants, noxious weeds and cover <br />of annual/ biennial plants in excess of 10% relative cover to result in allowable all- hit herbaceous cover. <br /> <br />Vegetative cover success is based on the allowable all hit herbaceous cover. Vegetative cover success on the <br />reclaimed area will be no less than 90% of the cover success standard with a 90% confidence interval, in <br />accordance with Rule 4.15. 8(3)(a). <br /> <br />Sampling Methods <br />The methods and success standards outlined in the application were compared with the requirements specified in <br />the Division’s Regulations for Coal Mining and the approved Revegetation Plan (revised in 2014). The Division <br />found that the application accurately represented these standards. <br />