APPCOR13081 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page Nine Preliminary Adequacy Review Grand Mesa Coal Co. - Red Canyon Mine April 28, 1981 3. Yellow sweetclover is a highly competitive species and as such can tend to inhibit establishment of the desirable perennial species in the seedmix. The applicant should propose an alternative legume(s) such as titer milkvetch, Utah sweetvetch, or lupine. 4. In light of the post-mining land use of wildlife habitat, it is recommended that at least two or three forb species be included in the permanent seedmix. Also,atleastorie forb species should be included in the temporary mix. 5. Rabbitbrush and sagebrush are both very light seeded species, and as such the seeding rates of 2 pounds per acre is quite high. Seeding rates for all species should be expressed on a pure live seed number per square foot basis as well as pure live seed pounds per acre. The inclusion of rabbit- brush in the seedmix is questionable. Unless the applicant can document a need for the high seeding rates for rabbitbrush and sagebrush, the Division recommends a reduction in the seeding rate for sagebrush, and removal of rabbitbrush from the mix. Recommended alternative shrub species might includefourwing salt rush winterfat, and antelope bitterbrush. 6. The revised seedmix should be expressed on a PLS/sq. ft. and PLS pounds per acre basis. Scientific names should be included for the species to be planted, and particular varieties should be specified when available. 2.05.4(2)(e)(iii) Planting and Seeding Methods The applicant should be more specific regarding which slopes and other areas will be drill-seeded and which will be broadcast-seeded. fdhat slopes would be considered too steep for drill-seeding? Now will seedbed preparation and seed coverage be accomplished on these sites? Are any erosion control measures proposed? The applicant should address seeding rates for broadcast- seeding and specify the methods and seedling distribution to be used in' planting juniper and pinyon seedlings. 2.05.4(2)(e)(iv) Mulching The applicant states that, in the hydroseeding operation, wood fiber mulch will be mixed with the seed for distribution. This is not acceptable. Mulch should be applied in a separate operation to allow for maximum contact between the seed and the soil. 2.05.4(2)(e)(vi) Revegetation Success I. The vegetation baseline study outlines in section 2.04.10 of the application is not entirely appropriate. The applicant will be required to redesign the sampling program to meet the performance standards of 4.15.7. The pre- viously conducted vegetation study consisted of a number of rather poorly defined "study sites" of unspecified size and location. Sampling methods used were not specified. Sample adequacy was not addressed. Apparently, many of these study sites were located in areas of previous, and continuing, disturbance.