Laserfiche WebLink
24. Previously, NP provided an updated vegetation map, Map 3, prepazed in accordance with <br />Rule 2.10, which delineated the plant communities with the area to be affected by surface <br />activities for underground mines. Therefore, the Division found the response acceptable. <br />However, in this submittal, NP submitted an acceptable vegetation baseline survey and <br />report. In the report, NP is proposing the use of reference azeas. The reference areas need <br />to be delineated on Map 3. Please revise Map 3 to include the reference area <br />locations. <br />25. A description of the plant communities for the proposed disturbed area was provided in <br />Exhibit J. The report in Exhibit J was completed during the summer of 1991. Baseline <br />data for cover, production, woody plant density and species composition was collected <br />from the proposed disturbed area shown on Map 3. As stated above, the disturbed area <br />has changed. Baseline data for the current proposed disturbed area must be provided. <br />This includes vegetative cover, production, species composition and woody plant density. <br />NP will also need to collect data from the proposed reference area at the same time data <br />is collected from the correct disturbed area to ensure the two areas will be comparable <br />us required by Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />The methods used to collect data for the report in Exhibit J are generally correct. <br />However, the Rules and Regulations for Coal Mining (Rules) were updated in September <br />2005 and most of the revisions pertained to the revegetation sections of the Rules. Rule <br />4.15.11 was added which describes the vegetation sampling methods for all aspects of the <br />vegetation sampling program, including baseline data collection. The cover data for the <br />Northfield Mine was collected using a plum bob on a 4 foot string at each meter mark <br />along a 50 foot transect. Please note that newly added Rule 4.15.11(1) (a) requires that a <br />point sampling device supported by a rigid frame be utilized to ensure unbiased point <br />placement. <br />Northfield Response: Please discazd the GEM vegetation study. Current year sampling <br />will be submitted when received to replace this study. <br />DRMS Response: NP will be collecting data from the area to be disturbed in June 2007. <br />Please submit the report when the vegetation survey is completed. <br />Northfield Response: A vegetation survey is provided as Exhibit J <br />DRMS Response: NP provided a vegetation survey that was completed during the past <br />summer. The consultant did an excellentjob sampling the azea. The vegetation is clearly <br />described with well documented supporting data. Two communities, juniper grassland <br />and disturbed, were identified and adequately sampled for cover, production and woody <br />plant density. A reference area was established for each community and shown to be a <br />statistically valid comparison with the areas to be disturbed. Each community and <br />reference area were sampled to achieve a statistically adequate sample at the 90% <br />confidence level or unti150 samples were obtained, the maximum number recommended <br />by the Division. The recently collected information needs to be included in the narrative <br />