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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM <br />TO: KENT GORHAdf <br />FROM: JANET AINNS <br />SUBJECT: GOLDEN E GL ~ iL NE, 20 VEGB'rA1'ION Sr\bIPLING PIJ\N <br />DATE: 6/14/2005 <br />CC: UAN HERNANUE'!. <br />I have reviewed Basin Resources, Inc.'s submittal of a vegetation sampling plan for the Golden Eagle Mine <br />for 2005. Greystone Environmental Consultants prepared the sampling plan. The unnumbered bullets are just <br />highlight points of the sampling plan. The numbered items aze concerns to bring to the operators attention <br />prior to sampling. <br />• The sample plan completed backfilling, grading, topsoil replacement, seeding and mulching in May 1997. <br />Division records indicate that seeding on the reclaimed azeas occurred in the fall of 1996. Limited <br />seeding occurred on the coal waste pile in May 1997. Timing of the seeding indicates that 2005 <br />represents the 9`h year during the period of liability. <br />• Sediment control features, ponds and ditches were reclaimed in 1998. <br />• Two reference azeas: Rangeland Reference area and Alluvial Valley Floor Reference area. <br />• Cover will be sampled using 25 M long transects randomly located with random orientation. Using an <br />optical point-frame two data points will be collected at 1 M intervals along either side of the transect line. <br />The sampling plan indicates that sample adequacy will be calculated afrer the first 10 transect data has been <br />collected. Please refer the operator to the Division's "Guidelines Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond <br />Release Issues, dated April 18, 1995", page 21. The Division provides guidance the , "Regardless of which <br />[sample adequacy] formula is used, a minimum of 15 to 20 sample observations is recommended for each <br />reference area, bond release block or designated stratum (in the case of acreage weighted sampling), <br />depending on the size of the block or stratum, even if statistical sample adequacy is achieved with fewer <br />samples." <br />The Division recommends a minimum of 15 transects (sample observations) be collected, even if <br />statistical sample adequacy is achieved with less. Please direct the operator to collect at least 15 <br />transects prior to determining sample adequacy. <br />The Division would also like to direct the operator to the application of the correct sample adequacy <br />formula as shown on pages 20 and 21 of the Division's April 18, 1995 bond release guideline <br />referenced above. If the sample mean is less than the standazd, the operator should use the Kupper and <br />