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through 14-26, as are success demonstration sampling techniques and methods of statistical <br />comparison for the applicable parameters. The current approved permanent seedmixes are listed in <br />Table 14-8; previously approved seedmixes aze listed in Tables 14-4 and 14-6. Due to establishment <br />of the new greasewood reference area, and the withdrawal of CRDA-3 proposed disturbance from the <br />permit, narrative regarding comparison of specific reclaimed areas to particular reference areas was <br />modified by RN-03 amendments. <br />Revegetation monitoring and evaluation was conducted by Cedaz Creek Associates, a consultant to the <br />operator, in 2001 (Appendix 14-7). Based largely on that evaluation, certain modifications to <br />approved sampling procedures, technical standazds for revegetation success, and permanent seedmix <br />formulations were submitted and approved via TR-38, Inter-seeding was approved for low diversity <br />areas on the lower benches of CRDA-2, and was conducted in November 2001. Certain additional <br />refinements of the approved seedmixes were approved in 2002. <br />The following specific fmdings aze required. <br />A. The Division has approved the use of two introduced species in the current reclamation seed <br />mixes. The species aze cicer milkvetch in the lowland seedmix and prostrate kochia in the <br />upland seedmix. The introduced species aze desirable and necessary to achieve the approved <br />post-mining land use, and aze not poisonous or noxious (4.15.2). Introduced species comprise <br />approximately 6.1 % of the seeding rate for the lowland mix and 4.3% of the seeding rate for the <br />upland mix, on a seeds/sq.ft. basis. <br />B. The Division has approved the use of wood fiber, grass hay, or straw mulch as a means to meet <br />soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Hay or straw will be certified noxious weed-free. <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant <br />density are discussed in Section 2.05.4, Tab 14, Volume 5, of the permit. These techniques <br />include point intercept cover sampling, quadrat production, and belt transect woody plant density <br />sampling. Appropriate methods for sample adequacy demonstration and statistical comparison <br />are specified. <br />The proposed success measurement techniques are approved by the Division (4.15.7(1)). <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed azeas, in order to demonstrate that success <br />criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on the following: <br />The Division has approved of the reference areas which the permittee has selected based on the <br />requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). The reference azeas will be utilized to determine revegetation <br />success in a manner which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). <br />Technical standards are proposed for woody plant density and species diversity success <br />determination, pursuant to Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)(iii). The standard for woody plant density is 800 <br />woody plant stems per acre. The Division has approved the standard after consultation with the <br />Division of Wildlife, pursuant to Rule 4.15.8(7). <br />The species diversity standazd is specified on page 14-24. The standard is as follows: <br />- Total perennial cool season grass species > 0.5% relative cover; <br />43 <br />