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4.15.7(2) (b) Methods to be used in the measurement of all applicable pazameters such as herbaceous cover and productivity, species diversity, ~ • and woody plant density; _ RESPONSE The methods to be used in measuring revegetation success will be the same as those used in the reference areas study. See the study report in Volume III, Section G, Subsection 2; spe- cifically Section 2.0 METHODS, of the report. The Shannon- Wiener index will be used to calculate species diversity based on herbacious cover and/or density of woody plants. 4.15.7(2) (c) Statistical tests to be performed and how the results of these tests are to be interpreted; RESPONSE Onetailed ttests will be used to compare measured parameters -_ between reference areas and the reclaimed areas. Means between the two areas will be considered the same if the reclaimed areas achieve at least 90$ of the reference area value with 80$ statisti- cal confidence. Reclamation will be considered satisfactory if • mean values measured on reclaimed areas can be shown to be statistically the same as those on reference areas. 4.15.7(2)(d) A discussion of the comparisons to be made between the reclaimed and undisturbed areas in order to demonstrate that the success criteria in 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met. Upon approval of the Division, such comparisons of herbaceous cover and productivity, woody plant density, species diversity, seasonal variety or other applicable parameters may be based on one or more of the following: (i) Reference areas as described in 4.15.7(3); RESPONSE HG Coal Company has chosen to establish reference azeas to serve as standards for determining revegetation success. There- fore item 4.15.7 (2) (d) (i) applies and items 4.15.7(d) (ii), (iii), and (vi) do not apply. 4.15.7(2)(d)(iv) Standards based on premining data, for the evaluation of herbaceous cover or productivity for those plant communities which the Division determines are of minor significance within the permit area and do . not constitute critical or unique habitat;