2007-07-30_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981041

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i sampling, gluadrat production, and belt transect woody plant density sampling. Appropriate methods for sample adequacy demonstration and statistical,'comparison aze specified. Quantitative sampling techniques and compazison methods are not applicable to "Industrial or Commercial" postmining land use areas. ~', i, i ~ The proposed success measurement techniques aze approved by t a Division (4.15.7(1)). D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order~~to demonstrate that success criteria of 4.15.8 have been met, for "Fish and Wildlife Habitat" p~~~stmining land use areas, will be based onlthe following: I`' The Division has approved of the reference areas which the permtee has selected based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a~manner which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(~~)). I ' Technical standazds are proposed for woody plant density ar~d species diversity success determination, pursuant to Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)(iii). The standard for woody plant density is 800 woody plant stems per acre. The Division has approved the standard after consultation with the Division of Wildlife, pursuant to Rule 4. ] 5.8(7), j'' i The species~diversity standazd is specified on page 14-24. The standard is as follows: - Total perennial cool season grass species> 0.5%relative rover; - Total perennial warm season grass species > 2% relative cover; - Total perennial fortis and suffrutescent species > 0.5%relative cover, - No reclaimed area shall have a single species that represents greater than 70% relative cover,,with the exception ofannual grasses. The annual grass component shall not exceed 70%relative cover unless the annual grass component in the corresponding reference area also exceeds 70%. In such cases, the relative cover of the aimual grass component of the reclaimed area shall not exceed the relative cover of the annual grass component in the reference area by more than 5%. The Division finds that the proposed standard will satisfy the species diversity and seasonal variety requirements of Rules 4.15.8(5) and 4.15.8(6). I I X. Alternative Land'Uses i Premining land use in the permit area was a combination of "FisFi and Wildlife Habitat" and "Industrial or Commercial". Much of the land in the Cameo area of Debeque Canyon, including the South Portals area on the east side of the Colorado River, and along the conveyor route to and including the Unit Train Loadout on the west side of the River, was originally identified as "Industrial or Commercial". This classification was based on the long history of mining activity in the area, and the close proximity ofthe mine disturbed areas to developed commerciaUindustrial features including the Cameo Power' Plant facilities, Interstate 7Q and the Union Pacific; Railroad. Lands that were undeveloped at the time of initial mine permitting, including portions ofthe South Portal area and all the disturbed areas in Coal Canyon, were classified as "Fish and Wildlife;Habitat" Premining land use. See Exhibit 62 (Premining Land Use). i Perini[ Revision No. 3 Permit No. C-1981-041 July 30, 2007 Page 46