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- 13 - <br />The operator has supplied an analysis of the chemical and physical parameters <br />of the spoil. Review of this information shows that no toxic-forming, <br />acid-forming or alkalinity-producing materials are present. In addition, the <br />operator has shown that adjacent reclaimed spoils are capable of supporting <br />revegetation. Based on this information, the Division has determined that <br />this material should be a suitable plant growth meduim. <br />It should be noted however that any additional disturbance of previously <br />unaffected areas will require the salvaging and stockpiling of topsoil. In <br />addition, baseline soils resource information would be required for these <br />unaffected areas. <br />This section is in compliance. <br />X. Vegetation - Rules 2.04.10, 2.05.4(2)(e) and 4.15 <br />Information on the vegetation of the permit area is found in Section 2.04.10. <br />Vegetation communities within the permit area are meadow hay, brome hay <br />pastureland and alkalai sagebrush. They are shown on Map No. 9. All <br />disturbance to the plant communities has already occurred. Adjacent <br />undisturbed areas were sampled to describe the plant communities and to serve <br />as the reference areas. No threatened and/or endangered plant species were <br />identified within the permit area. <br />The pastureland vegetation type was the predominant plant community. It is <br />dominated by big sagebrush and snowberry with an understory of wheatgrasses <br />and arrowleaf balsamroot. <br />As discussed in Section 2.05-4, TCC proposes to use four reference areas <br />1 established in connection with Energy Mine No. 3 by The Colorado Yampa Coal <br />Company (CYCC) to determine revegetation success. CYCC will continue to <br />monitor and maintain the reference areas until all lands reclaimed under <br />~~ Permit No. C-84-062 are released from bond. Thereafter, TCC will be <br />responsible for the management and sampling of the reference areas which will <br />be used to determine revegetation success. <br />The Division approves a reduced woody plant density standard for the <br />pasturelands. A minimum of 1,000 stems per acre will be established. The <br />Division finds that this will better achieve the pastureland post-mining land <br />use. <br />The proposed post-mining land uses are pastureland and cropland. Tables 26 <br />and 27 provide the proposed seed mixes to establish this land use. Several <br />introduced species are included. TCC has provided literature documentation <br />within the permit application showing that the species are desirable for the <br />pastureland post-mining land use. The Division approves use of these based on <br />the post-mining land use designation. TCC has requested the Division to <br />suspend the requirement for mulching. The Division approves the request based <br />on the proposed soil stabilization plan. This plan involves chisel plowing, <br />seeding of the perennial seed mix in the first appropriate season and contour <br />furrowing. <br />