APPCOR10853 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

preliminary Adequacy Review Bear Coal Co., Inc. - Bear Mine Page Eight 2.05.9 (2)(e) Revegetation 2.05.4(2)(e)(i) Schedule of Revegetation The applicant should specify whether seeding of the permanent mix will be done in spring or fall. Fa11 seeding is generally recommended. The year(s) and season(s) in which shrub plantings are proposed should be specified. 2.05.4(2)(e)(ii) Seedmix Both the stabilization Seedmix and the permanent Seedmix should be expressed on a PLS seeds per square foot, as well as pounds per acre, basis for individual species. The proposed seeding rate appears too light - 25 to 30 pure live seeds per square foot is commonly recommended for drill seedings, with twice that amount advisable for broadcast seeding. The applicant should revise the seed mix in this light. The potential for diversity in the post-mining vegetation is rather limited with the Seed- mix proposed. Some additional native grasses and shrubs should be included in the mix. Slender wheatgrass, streambank wheatgrass, great basin wild rye, service borry, antelope bitterbrush and chokecherry are species that might be included in the Seedmix. 2.05.4(2)(e)(iii) Planting Methods More detail should be provided reyarding seeding and planting methods. The applicant states only that "hand seeding will be used." The applicant should specify how the seedbed will be prepared, how seeding on the steep slopes in the vicinity of the West portals will be carried out, and how seed coverage will be accomplished. Dri11 seeding is generally more effective on level areas than broadcast seeding, and should be considered by the applicant. It is stated in the application that trees will be planted randomly over the area after the seeded vegetation has been established. Cottonwood, lJillow and Hawthorne are proposed. The number of seedlings to be planted and the method of planting - whether bare roof or tubeling - should be specified. Rather than distributed randomly over the area, the Willow and Cottonwood should be planted in the riparian area adjacent to the river bank. Native species such as rose, serviceberry, and currant should be considered for other areas. Certain woody species should be included in the Seedmix (see comment under Section 2.05.4(2)(e)(ii)). 2.05.9(2)(e)(iv) Mulching Techniques The applicant should explain how an even distribution of straw mulch will be achieved without using a mechanized straw blower. 2.05.4(2)(e)(vi) Revegetation Success 1. Due to the continued use of the existing disturbed area at Bear Mine, the area does not qualify as a previously disturbed area. The applicant will be required to address the success criteria of Rule 4.15.8.