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Measurements of woody plant density should consist of countiny the number <br />of shrubs within 2.5 randomly located Im x 25m belt transects. <br />The species diversity standard will be established by the Division, and <br />will be based on species composition. <br />No monitoring plan was proposed, as requested in the Preliminary <br />Adequacy Letter. The application should be amended to indicate that <br />herbaceous cover and woody plant density will be measured along 10 <br />randomly located transects the first growing season following revegetation, <br />and at least every other year thereafter unless the requirement is <br />waived by the Division. <br />Soil Testing - Rule 2.05.9(2)(e)(vii) <br />The application states that soil testing is planned for areas where <br />revegetation success indicates poor soil conditions. <br />Due to the fact that limited topsoil is available, the application should <br />be amended to indicate that following final grading, at least one soil <br />sample will be taken from the topsoiled area of the western portals <br />and one soil sample will be taken from the reyraded facilities <br />area which will not be topsoiled. The samples should consist of a <br />composite of the total depth of soil sized material to a maximum <br />depth of two feet. The samples should be analyzed by a qualified lab <br />and analyses should include nitrate-nitrogen, organic matter, phosphorous <br />and potassium. <br />The application should specify the lab that will perform the analyses <br />and include a fertilization plan to be instituted if nutrient deficiencies <br />are encountered. In general, if phosphorous is limiting, it should be <br />applied in the fall prior to seeding and incorporated by diskiny or <br />chiseling. Nitrogen should be applied the second growing season following <br />seeding. The results of the analyses should be submitted to the Division. <br />Postmining Land Uses - Rule 2.05.5 <br />On page 76 the application states: "Bear Coal Company proposes wildlife <br />habitat with the following exception. If either ARCO or U.S. Steel <br />wishes to retain disturbed areas for a future industrial site, the only <br />reclamation will be to areas which will not be utilized as industrial". <br />As stated previously, Bear will be responsible for revegetating the area <br />to be occupied by the RRCO freshwater pond to provide temporary stabilization <br />until the pond is constructed. ARCO will assume reclamation responsibilities <br />for the area disturbed during construction of the pond. The application <br />must be amended to reflect this obligation. <br />On page 77 it is stated "ARCO may want to retain surface facilities of the <br />Bear Mine". If any areas other than the proposed freshwater pond and the <br />highway department right of way within tl~e Bear Permit areas will not <br />be reclaimed by Bear Coal Company to wildlife habitat as discribed in <br />the application, these areas must be specified and indicated on the <br />postmining land use map. <br /> <br />