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11 <br />to the reference area. Based on data submitted, this is an acceptable assumption. Colorado <br />Yampa Coal Company further supports this modeling result by citing a general lack of erosion. <br />Observations of Division inspectors in the field substantiate the lack of erosional features <br />throughout the Energy Mine No. 3 site. Only minor rilling was encountered in limited locations. <br />The overall sediment yield is less than similar, un-mined adjacent areas. Colorado Y"ampa Coa] <br />Company's demonstration indicated that the reclaimed slopes produce less sediment than the <br />area in a pre-mine condition. The Division finds that Colorado Yampa Coal Company has met <br />the requirements of Rule 3.03.1(3)(6) for Energy Mine No. 3. <br />PHASE III <br />A. Reveeetation <br />Vegetation data were collected in 199, 1996 and 1997 for determination of vegetation success <br />(4.15.7(5)). Data collected in 199 for the North Block, and in 1996 for the South Block, have <br />previously been discussed in the Phase II success section of this findings document. <br />Data obtained in 1996 from the acreage-weighted pasture reference azeas, for comparison with <br />the North Block, demonstrated that vegetative cover measured 43.52 %. This value does not <br />include annual and biennial species, "undesirable forbs", or noxious weeds. Vegetative cover in <br />the North Block was measured in 1996 at 48.38 %. Herbaceous cover in the North Block <br />reclaimed area exceeded that of the acreage-weighted reference areas. Data were collected to <br />sample adequacy; therefore, no other statistical analysis was necessary. <br />Vegetative cover measured in the South Block in 1996 was 49.95 %. This value does not include <br />annual and biennial species,"undesirable forbs", or noxious weeds. The value for the acreage- <br />weighted pasture reference areas cover sampled in August 1996 was 42.35 %. Mean 1996 South <br />Block vegetative cover values exceed that of the 1996 pasture reference areas. Both North Block <br />and South Block meet the cover standazd for 1996. <br />Herbaceous cover data were collected from the acreage-weighted reference areas in mid-July <br />1997 for comparison with South Block vegetative data. Cover on the South Block in 1997 was <br />58.61 %. The acreage-weighted reference area cover for 1997 was 52.46 %. The South Block <br />reclaimed area cover exceeded that measured in the reference areas for 1997 data. <br />Production data were collected concurrently with cover data. Biomass was measured on the <br />reference areas and the reclaimed Blocks as concurrently during the growing season as <br />practicable. Vegetation was clipped within aquarter-meter squared ('/<M') quadrat, oven dried <br />and weighed. Biomass values are based upon current year's live vegetative growth as required <br />by Rule 4.15.8(4)(6). The herbaceous production measured on the acreage-weighted pasture <br />reference areas in 1995 was 4].77 g/''/aM'' (1509 lbs./acre). Production on the North Block in <br />Colorado Yampa Coal Company hfine No. 3. SL02 Findines 6/99 a:\COSa06?\SLO'_fnd.doc <br />