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A. The Division waived the requirement for clearing of vegetation cover prior to topsoil removal in most areas since the vegetation cover consisted of grasses, fortis and small shrubs. The applicant has demonstrated that inclusion of vegetation cover in salvaged topsoil was necessary or desirable to ensure soil productivity consistent with the post-mining land use. (4.06.2(1)). V. Sealing of Drilled Holes and Underground Openings A. The applicant will ensure that each hole, well or other underground opening will be capped, sealed, backfilled, or otherwise properly managed. (4.07.3). VI. Backfilling and Grading A. The Division approved the applicant's plan for disposal of acid-forming materials in such a manner as to prevent leaching into surface and ground water and to ensure backfill stability. (4.14.3(2)). VII. Revegetation A. The Division approved the use of introduced species in the reclamation seed mix. The applicant has submitted information which shows that the introduced species aze desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use, and are not poisonous or noxious. (4.15.2). B. The Division approved the use of straw mulch at the rate of 4,000 pounds per acre as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements. (4.15.4). C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant density aze discussed on pages 2.05-26, 27 and 28 of the permit application package. Vegetative cover will be estimated by the point-intercept method, using an optical point frame for sampling on 50-meter transects. Herbaceous production will be estimated by clipping current yeaz's growth from herbaceous plants within one meter square plots. Woody plant density will be estimated by counting stems in 50 x l meter quadrats. Species diversity will be determined based upon cover data. The Division has previously approved these techniques. (4.15.7(1)). D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed azeas, in order to demonstrate that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on the following: Weighted azea comparisons between reference and reclaimed areas will be made for cover and production, as described in Rule 4.15.7(4)(b). A species diversity standazd based on baseline data was set. Successful species diversity will be attained if at least two perennial, warm-season grasses, one cool season perennial grass, and one perennial forb account for between 3 and 40 percent of relative cover each. A modified woody plant density success standard is being required (see G. below). The Division proposes to approve the basis for this comparison. 17