PERMFILE58063

• Permit No: C1980005
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: TAB 15 PERMIT RENEWAL, 1986
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

C for increasing shrub establishment and improving densities
second part presents additional measures to be implemented
future to increase shrub establishment and densities as well
accurately measure established densities.
Measures Implemented to Date
C

The
in the
as more
Early efforts at reestablishing shrub densities on reclaimed areas of
the Seneca II Mine were limited to additions of four-wing saltbush
(Atriplex canescens) or winterfat (Ceratoides Janata) seed to the seed
mix and limited spot planting of seedlings. These measures did not
effectively increase densities. Since those initial efforts, the
planting of shrubs and trees has greatly increased over the last
several years with over 20,000 shrubs and trees planted at the Seneca
Mine since 1979 (see reponse to Comment 10). These plantings have
been completed as scattered "groupings" to improve wildlife habitat
diversity throughout the reclaimed areas.
As topsoil handling procedures improved, it became apparent that shrub
establishment through natural regeneration was occurring in reclaimed
areas receiving direct hauled topsoil. In 1982, a study was done on
reclaimed areas at the Seneca Mine to document the occurrence and
level of natural regeneration and shrub establishment. In the study,
older reclaimed areas which had not been topsoiled were compared to
those reclaimed areas which had been topsoiled from 1978 onwards.
Average shrub densities equaled 59/acre in non-topsoiled areas (n=28)
and 722 in topsoiled areas (n~56), with 70 percent of the topsoiled
area quadrats measured in areas that had been reclaimed for three
years or less. This study was submitted to the CMLR on December 23,
1982 as supporting documentation for the approved shrub density
standard of 1000 stems/acre (see the response to CMLR Comment 11 for
additional information).
In 1985, a revegetation monitoring study was carried out at the Seneca
II Mine for areas reclaimed from 1977 through 1983. As noted, the
monitoring report (Appendix 13-2 of the Permit Renewal Application)
does indicate that shrub density is not now adequate to meet the
approved standard. It is PCC's opinion that the numbers presented in
the report may be lower than actual. Closer scrutiny of the
summarized data shows that the standard deviations are very high.
Calculation of sample adequacy for years 1977-1983 resulted in
required sample sizes ranging from 274 to 1192. The indicated large
sampling variability is consistent with observations made by PCC
personnel in the field. Many sampled transects, while having few or
no shrubs in the actual transect, would have significant numbers of
shrubs established in the immediate area of the transects. Some of
the sampled transects were located in these heavy stands.
Additionally, extreme care in data collection is required because of
heavy vegetation cover and variations in color and lighting in the
understory. To overcome this problem, PCC personnel have had to use a
very slow and deliberate approach on each transect by moving
vegetation overstory aside and by making observations closer to the
ground :surf ace. In some cases, the quadrat is read again but in the
opposites direction .with care being taken not to double count shrub
•
•
•
26 Revised 8/27/86