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8. OMLR requested extensive revision to applicable text, tables, and maps, to provide <br />clarification and consistency concerning the relationship among various postmine <br />vegetation types, seedmixes, and postmine land use classifications within the NH-2 mine <br />area, in conformance with land use designations of Rule 1.04. In response, the operator <br />revised permit section 2.05.4(2)(e) and Map 2.05.4-5. <br />The amended Postmining Vegetation/Land Use Map for the NH-2 portion of the permit <br />azea (Map 2.05.4-5) shows the dominant postmining land use to be Pastureland, including <br />two major reclaimed area vegetation types; Irrigated Grass (IP/Seedmix 5), and <br />Pastureland-Dry (DP/Seedmix 8). The map also depicts a minor Pastureland reclaimed azea <br />vegetation type; Irrigated Swales (IPSW/Seedmix 6), and minor acreages of permanent <br />ponds, roads, and facilities, which fall under specified land use categories of Rule <br />1.04(71). A second agricultural postmining land use depicted on the map is Cropland, <br />represented by a single crop type; Irrigated Grass Hay (ICG/Seedmix 7). There is some <br />acreage of Rangeland land use (native vegetation types) within the margins of the permit <br />area, but there are no reclaimed azeas designated as Rangeland. <br />The new map and text revisions are substantial improvements to the document, and the <br />clarity of the section is much improved. Item Resolved. <br />See new comment 22, regarding necessary demonstrations for retention of permanent <br />facilities and impoundments, and documentation of permit area landowner consultation <br />and comment regarding postmine land use designations. <br />9. OMLR had requested deletion of the second pazagraph on page 2.05.4(2)(e)-9 which <br />appeared to be outdated (stated that "...irrigated pasture may be imgated" and "application <br />rates will be submitted to DMG for concurrence"). The pazagraph was properly deleted. <br />Item Resolved. <br />See new comment 23, regarding reference to technical documents or written <br />recommendation of local agricultural authority, to demonstrate that irrigation and <br />fertilization methods and rates for irrigated hay cropland and irrigated pastureland are <br />appropriate. <br />10. OMLR had noted an error in the Seedmix formulation for Seedmix #8 (Dryland Pasture <br />Seedmix), and requested that it be corrected. OMLR had also requested that NRCS be <br />contacted regarding their experience with the recently developed "Newhy" wheatgrass <br />hybrid, which has seldom been used on reclaimed lands and with which we have limited <br />knowledge. The formulation error was corrected, but the question regarding "Newhy" <br />wheatgrass hybrid was not addressed. Please provide documentation from NRCS or <br />other appropriate authorities to confirm that Newhy wheatgrass is desirable and <br />appropriate for inclusion in the dryland pasture Seedmix at New Horizon. <br />11. OMLR had expressed concern, based on observed results at New Horizon, that the practice <br />of irrigating dryland pasture areas for the first three yeazs as described in the application on <br />page 2.05.4(2)(e)-11 (appazently at relatively heavy rates), might be detrimental to long <br />