Laserfiche WebLink
24. Rule 2.04.10 (1) requires a vegetation map, prepared in accordance with Rule 2.10, <br />which delineates the plant communities with the area to be affected by surface activities <br />for underground mines. NP provided Map 3 which shows a proposed disturbance area <br />and a proposed reference area. The proposed disturbance area is different from what is <br />discussed and delineated elsewhere in the permit. The map must show the correct <br />disturbed area. Additionally, the map does not contain identifying geographic location <br />information such as township, range, or section. These features must be on the map. <br />Northfield Response: Map 3, Vegetation Map will be forwarded to the Division upon <br />receipt. <br />DRMS Response: Response accepted. NP provided an updated vegetation map, Map 3, <br />prepaed in accordance with Rule 2.10, which delineates the plant communities with the <br />area to be affected by surface activities for underground mines. The map is acceptable. <br />25. A description of the plant communities for the proposed disturbed area was provided in <br />Exhibit J The report in Exhibit Jwas 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 />as 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 SO 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 azea to be disturbed in June 2007. <br />Please submit the report when the vegetation survey is completed. <br />26. In Exhibit J NP proposes to use a reference area to demonstrate revegetation success. <br />NP provides a statistical demonstration showing the proposed disturbed area and the <br />reference area is comparable. The statistical formula shown on page 12 should be <br />corrected. It is the square root of the denominator. (I did not review the calculations to <br />