Laserfiche WebLink
B. The Division fords that an alternative subdrainage system for the coal mine waste <br />area is not required to ensure the applicable static safety factor, stability of the fill, <br />and protection of the surface and ground water because of the demonstrated lack <br />of groundwater in the coal mine waste area (4.10.3(5)). <br />V. Revegetation <br />The vegetation in the Intermountain Region is xeric in nature and must be adapted to <br />extreme temperature ranges, low precipitation, and poor to toxic soil environments. <br />Native species are adapted to the draughty conditions of the area. Utilization of native <br />species in the seed mix will help ensure establishment of permanent vegetation. <br />Although native species will comprise the majority of the seed mixes, "adapted" <br />species will be utilized as well. Fall seeding, October-November, is recommended in <br />this region. <br />A. The Division approved the use of adapted species in the reclamation seed mix. <br />The applicant has submitted information which shows the adapted species to be <br />feasible in achieving the approved post-mining land use, and has demonstrated <br />they are not poisonous or noxious (4.15.2). Only two species in the approved <br />' seed mix are non-native "adapted" species. These two species are Avrw <br />~ eardless blue sand Agropyron trichophorum <br />bescent wheatgrass . <br />B. The Division approved the use of mulching and cover crops as a means to meet <br />soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Native hay and straw or stubble mulch <br />will be used on the reclaimed sites. Straw/hay mulch is applied at a rate of <br />1.0 tons/acre, disced and crimped into the soil (permit page V-45). if stubble <br />mulch or nurse crops will be used, barley or annual rye will be planted at a rate of <br />25 seeds per square foot the spring preceding seeding with the approved seed mix <br />(permit page V-32). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and <br />woody plant density are discussed in Section V of the permit application. These <br />techniques include the use of comparisons to a reference area. The Division <br />proposes to approve of these techniques (4.15.7(1)). Herbaceous cover and <br />density will be sampled using a point quarter/intercept method. Woody plant <br />density and cover will be sampled using a modified belt transact. Herbaceous <br />productivity will be measured using 0.25 mz quadrats. (Permit pg. V-65-66) <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on <br />reference area inventories. Three reference areas; 0110, 0140, and 0150 will be <br />utilized for revegetation success comparisons. Cover, herbaceous productivity, <br />and woody plant density shall, at a minirnum, equal 90~ or greater that of the <br />corresponding reference area. Species diversity on revegetated sites must be <br />comparable with appropriate reference arrzs at the 90~ level of confidence. The <br />diversity standards includes at least 2 perennial cool season grasses, and at least 1 <br />22 <br />