Laserfiche WebLink
<br />ESCO Associates Inc. was contracted by Peabody Coal Company in July 1990 to conduct baseline <br />vegetation studies in areas surrounding Peabody's existing Seneca II-W Mine, hereinafter refered to as <br />the Expansion Area, as well as limited studies for the purpose of comparison within the existing Seneca <br />II-W Mine Permit Area. The area is located about eight miles south of Hayden, in Roult County, <br />Colorado. The purpose of these studies was collection of vegetation baseline data to support a permit <br />revision document needed to expand mining and support facilities into several adjacent areas. Field <br />studies were initiated on July 12, 1990 and were concluded on August 4, 1990; supplemental (field <br />studies around Pond 009 were concluded by September 29, 1990. <br />Iur~i:Qr~ <br />Study Areas and Sampling Locations <br />The study area and sampling units are shown on Exhibit 10-1, Pre-Mining Vegetation Types and Sample <br />Location Map. These study area included the five parcels shown and numbered on Exhibit 10-1; of <br />these, numbers 1, 3, and 5 were subject to quantitative sampling, as specified by Peabody in their <br />Scope of Work. Areas number 2 and 4 were mapped and qualitatively examined for similarity of <br />composition to Areas 1, 3, and 5, and evaluated for the presence of threatened or endangered plants. <br />Subsequent to the initiation of quantitative sampling in the expansion area, it became apparent that <br />additional lands in area number 2 (Exhibit 10-1) could be disturbed in conjunction with the construction <br />and operation of Pond 009. Consequently, the Aspen Woodland, Mesic Drainage, and Mixed Brush types <br />potentially to be affected in this area were sampled for cover until statistical adequacy was achieved. <br />Within each of sampling units 1, 3, and 5, the Peabody-specified number of samples were located <br />randomly using numbered grid cells and random numbers taken from a random numbers table. These <br />locations were placed as closely as possible in the field. Final location of production quadrats was <br />accomplished by a blind throw; cover and density sample transacts were located and oriented using a <br />blind throw of a meter stick. <br />Cover Semolina <br />Cover data were collected using a point intercept method in which data are tabulated as interceptions of <br />a point (optically projected using aCover-point Model 3) with plant species, soil, litter, or rock. The <br />• <br />