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inches based upon load counts versus total topsoil volume necessary to achieve 18 inches. The <br />Division collected two topsoil samples in the CR-93 in July 1996, as a part of the Division's topsoil <br />verification inspection. One sample measured 9.5 inches. The second sample measured 18.5 inches. <br />These samples do not represent a statistically adequate sample. The 9.5 inch topsoil sample likely <br />reflects random variances of topsoil laydown depth within the parcel. Vegetation was not <br />significantly different in the area of this shallower topsoil sample. Vegetation was relatively <br />homogenous throughout the reclaimed parcel. The shallow sample corresponds to the outslope of a <br />hill and reflects soil depth variability one would expect to find in an undisturbed landscape. Based <br />upon TMI's verification of topsoil replacement thickness, and relatively consistent vegetation <br />establishment throughout the pazcel, the Division concludes that the topsoil replacement is adequate <br />on the CR-93 parcel. All other parcels within the two bond release blocks demonstrate compliance <br />with the 18-inch topsoil replacement thickness, allowing for a plus or minus 2-inch variance. <br />Reveg_etation: <br />The post mining land use is cropland. Since the dryland hay crop is cut annually, there is no numeric <br />cover standard. Adequate vegetative cover is necessary to control erosion. Vegetative productivity, <br />according to Rules 3.03.1(2)(b) and 4.15.9, is the reclamation success measure pertaining to <br />reclaimed cropland. Successful vegetation establishment is considered achieved on cropland when <br />productivity of the reclaimed lands is 90% or greater than crop production of a suitable reference area <br />with a 90% level of confidence. The cropland azeas for both reclaimed blocks and the approved <br />reference area were seeded with perennial hay crop seed mixes 82-92-PHC and 94-PHC as approved <br />in the permit. The species included in the seed mixes consist of alfalfa, mountain brome and <br />pubescent wheatgrass. These species are approved by the Division and support the post-mining land <br />use. TMI collected herbaceous productivity samples on the reclaimed cropland areas in July 2001 <br />prior to cutting and baling the dryland hay crop. Herbaceous productivity on the reference area was <br />measured in 2001 at 370.65 grams per 0.5 MZ. Ninety percent of the measwed reference area <br />productivity equals 333.59 grams per 0.5 MZ. Herbaceous productivity measwed on the CR 82-92 <br />block was 433.79 g/0.5 MZ. This value exceeds the reclamation standard and no other statistical <br />analyses aze needed to demonstrate vegetation establishment success on the CR 82-92 block. The CR <br />93-94 reclaimed block herbaceous production measwed 329.87 g/0.5 M2. Although the measwed <br />production value on the CR 93-44 reclaimed block appeazs slightly lower than the 90% production <br />value of the reference area, TMI demonstrated through acceptable statistical calculations that the 329.87 <br />g/0.5 MZ value is within the 90% standard at a 90% confidence interval. This demonstration is made on <br />page 3 of TMI's SL03 bond release application. The Division finds that this demonstration is <br />acceptable and the productivity standard for both bond release blocks has been achieved. <br />Erosion Control: <br />The November 7, 2001 site inspection of the 592.7 acres included in the Phase II bond release azea, <br />found only one small gully. This gully was of limited length, about 50 feet long, and less than 1 foot <br />deep. Vegetation growing in the gully indicated that this feature was old and was not actively <br />eroding. No head cutting or sediment deposition at the base of the slope was apparent. The lack of <br />Trapper Mine, SL-03, Findings 6 April 19, 2002 <br />