2007-07-30_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981041

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presented in Appendix ]0-4. Revegetation success criteria for total vegetation cover, herbaceous production, woody plant density, and species diversity aze specified in Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of the application, pp. 14-19 through 14-26, as are success demonstration sampling techniques and methods of statistical comparison for the applicable parameters. The curtently approved permanent seedmixes applicable to most mine areas are listed in Table 14-8; a "specialty" seedmix for hazsh, saline sites is listed in Table 14-15; previously approved seedmixes used in various specified locations aze listed in Tables 14-4, 14-6, and 14-9 through 14-14. Due to establishment ofthe new greasewood reference area, and the withdrawal of CRDA-3 proposed disturbance from the permit, narrative regarding comparison of specific reclaimed areas to particular reference areas was modified by RN-03 amendments. Revegetation monitoring and evaluation was conducted by Cedar Creek Associates, a consultant to the operator, in 2001 (Appendix 14-7). Based largely on that evaluation, certain modifications to approved sampling procedures, technical standards for revegetation success, and permanent seedmix formulations were submitted and approved via TR-38. Inter-seeding was approved for low diversity areas on the lower benches of CRDA-2, and was conducted in November 2001. Certain additional refinements of the approved seedmixes were approved in 2002. Species diversity standards were amended by TR-46 in 2005, and MR-70 approved in 2005 provided for fall herbicide treatment of cheatgrass within the North Decline reclaimed azea in 2005 and 2006, along with interseeding of the treated areas following the second treatment. The interseeding was completed in February 2007. The Division is proposing further amendments to the revegetation plan and success evaluation criteria in association with PR-3. Areas approved for "Industrial or Commercial" postmining land use, which are designated as "Active Area" on Exhibit 6C-A, or identified as "Steep Rock Face" on Figure 14-14 will not be seeded or subject to revegetation success demonstration. Areas approved for "Industrial or Commercial" postmining land use, which fall outside ofthe "Active Area" boundary of Exhibit 6C-A and are not identified as "Steep Rock Face" on Figure 14-14, will be revegetated in accordance with the approved plan, and seeded with the Table 14-8 "Upland Components" seedmix. Revegetation success for these portions ofthe "Industrial or Commercial" postmining land use area will be based on qualitative assessment of"ground cover sufficient to control erosion", pursuant to Rule 4.15.10(2), in association with bond release inspection and assessment. The following specific findings are required. A. The Division has approved the use of two introduced species in the current reclamation seed mixes. The species are cicer milkvetch in the lowland seedmix and prostrate kochia in the upland seedmix. The introduced species are desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use, and are not poisonous or noxious (4.15.2). Introduced species comprise approximately 6.1 % of the seeding rate for the lowland mix and 4.3% ofthe seeding rate for the upland mix, on a seeds/sq.ft. basis. B. The Division has approved the use of wood fiber, grass hay, or straw mulch as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Hay or straw will be certified noxious weed-free, C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant density, applicable to "Fish and Wildlife Habitat" postmining land use areas, are discussed in Section 2.05.4, Tab 14, Volume 5, ofthe permit. These techniques include point intercept cover Permit Revision No. 3 July 30, 2007 Permit No. C- 1981-041 Page 45