APPCOR11513

• Permit No: C1981047
• IBM Index Class Name: Application Correspondence
• Doc Date: 12/4/1981
• Doc Name: BLUE RIBBON MINE PERMIT APPLICATION FN C-047-81
• From: MLR
• To: WESTERN ASSOCIATED COAL CORP
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

-S- ,
2.05.4(2)•(e) The
species in the two
include the number
This will provide
relative planting
order to determine
amounts per acre listed for each seeded
proposed seed mixes should be amended to
of seeds per square foot for each species.
a more accurate picture of the initial
density and distribution of each species in
if the proposed seeding rates are appropriate.
The proposed seed mix for the riparian community needs to be
revised to include appropriate woody species which were identified
in the baseline vegetation survey and which are available
from suppliers. In addition, the inclusion of such competitive
introduced species as smooth brome in the seed mix could potentially
create serious problems in achieving a successful level of
species diversity on the reclaimed surface. This species
should be removed from the mix and replaced with a more appropriate,
preferably native species unless the applicant can demonstrate
that the use of smooth brome will meet the requirements of
Rule 4.15.2.
The application has provided a description of the woody species
planting arrangement which will be utilized on the steep slopes
of the shrub community. A planting arrangement for the riparian
area woody species should bG described as well, and the
vegetation map or reclamation plan map should be revised to
show the boundaries and configuration of the two revegetated
communities on the reclaimed surface.
The vegetation monitoring plan proposed by the applicant only
addresses topsoil suitability and erosion, and not actual periodic
sampling of the revegetated areas to statistically compare the
revegetated community to the approved standard. The application
must be revised to include a description of periodic vegetative
sampling which will be conducted at appropriate intervals
utilizing proper sampling methods and statistical tests. Two
recommended guidelines for selecting the proper methods and tests
are available from the OSM and are entiled "A Survey of Techniques
for Measurement of Herbaceous and Shrub Production, Cover and
Diversity on Coal Lands in the West" and "A Statistical Evaluation
of Revegetation Success on Coal Lands in the West" (Larson 1980).
The application must be revised to include a description of the
measures proposed to be used to determine the success of
revegetation at the Blue Ribbon Mine. The success standards
will be determined by the Division and are discussed in the
following paragraph; however the applicant must discuss the
applicable success criteria under Rule 4.15.8 and how the
revegetation plan will allow for these success criteria to be
met. In addition, the applicant must describe the specific
sampling methods used in the measurement of all applicable
vegetation parameters as well as the statistical tests that will
be utilized, based upon the above-referenced recommended