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J • ~. <br />The Division approved the use of seed mixes 2.6 and 2.7, found on pages M-7 and M-8 <br />of the permit. Introduced species, Intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron iruermedium), <br />Meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), and Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomeraraJ, have <br />been included in the seed mix to aid in early establishment and soil holding capacities. <br />The Division has approved the inclusion of these species, as they are non-toxic and <br />desirable, and are included at a seeding rate that is in proportion with native species <br />(Rule 4.15.2). <br />At this renewal, the vegetation has had eight growing seasons, several of which have <br />been very dry precipitation years. The vegetation throughout the reclaimed areas is <br />good, with no major erosional features. <br />The Ninemile Gap region of Rio Blanco County has heavy infestations of Leafy spurge <br />(Euphorbia esula) and Canada thistle (C~rcium arvense). Enron has cooperated with the <br />landowner and Rio Bhmco Weed Association in chemical control of these noxious <br />weeds. A combination of Tordon,M and Banvelr,,, have been used throughout the site. <br />These herbicides arie toxic to most broadleaf and shnb species. Summaries of the <br />control efforts by Enron have been included in permit pages M-13A-13B, and are <br />included in annual reclamation reports. <br />The operator is required to meet diversity standards of establishing four wol season <br />grass species, two fort species, and one shrub species, each of which contribute a <br />minimum of 3 percent relative cover and less than 40 percent relative cover per species <br />at the time of fmal bond release. Woody plant density is designated at 1000 stems/acre. <br />Due to the operator's ongoing weed control effoRS, these standards may be reevaluated <br />toward the end of the liability period. <br />A live vegetative cover standard of 65.13 percent has been approved, based on pre- <br />mising data. Vegetative cover will be determined successful if it comprises 90 percent <br />of this standard at a 90 percent confidence level. <br />Herbaceous production standard is set at 1200 Ibs/acre based on pre-mining data, and <br />woody plant density is set at 1000 stems/acre for Phase III bond release standards. <br />These standards need to be achieved at 90 percent with a 90 percent confidence level as <br />per Rule 4.15.7(2)(c). <br />VII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has selected <br />appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife (Rule 4.18(4)(1)). <br />VIII. Operations on Alluvial Valley Floors <br />A. The Division has determined that several alluvial valley Boors exist within the <br />affected or adjacent area. These areas are designated as Upper Curtis Creek, Lower <br />Curtis Creek, FF Tributary, and Lower Aichers Draw. These AVF's are covered <br />in the following discussion. <br />12 <br />