1989-06-09_REPORT - C1981026

• Permit No: C1981026
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 6/9/1989
• Doc Name: VEGETATION SURVEY AT CANADIAN STRIP MINE
• From: GREYSTONE
• To: MLRD
• Annual Report Year: 1989
• Permit Index Doc Type: ANNUAL RECLAMATION REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

i
INTRODUCTION
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On 1 December 1981, the Colorado Mined Land proposed methods should be reviewed and ap-
Reclamation Division (CMLRD) issued Permit proved by the CMLRD prior to the start of field
C-81-026 to the Wyoming Fuel Company (WFC) work. Consequently, this document has two
for expansion of existing operations at the Canad- primary objectives. First is the description of a
ian Strip Mine (located approximately 12 miles study that will produce data suitable for evaluat-
east of Walden, Colorado). Coal extraction con- ing revegetation success (relative to established
tinued until 28 June 1982 when mining activities reference areas) and determining the appropriate-
ceased. Reclamation and revegetation of the mine ness of submitting a Phase 11 Bond Release
has been ongoing since 1984. Permit C-81-026 was application during 1989. Second is the formal
renewed on 16 May 1987 for the purposes of establishment of a field program that is agreeable
continuing these activities. to the CMLRD, WFC, and Greystone Develop-
ment Consultants, Inc. (Greystone will conduct
Reclamation (backfilling, regrading, topsoiling, the study).
and seeding) of the disturbed portion of the mine
site was accomplished over a 3-year period. Generally, the proposed study involves a survey of
Approximately 85 acres on the northeast portion vegetative cover and species composition on the
of the site were reclaimed in 1984. The remaining revegetated and reference areas. Survey results
area was reclaimed in 1987. Subsequently, Phase I will then be compared to vegetative cover and
Bond Release has been granted for the entire species diversity success standards defined in the
bond area. CMLRD's 1986 Handbook Memorandum on
Bond Release on Permanent Program Areas and
Establishment of vegetation on the two reclaimed Stipulations 17 and 18 of the Permit. This com-
areas has progressed to the point where the WFC parison will provide the WFC with the data
thinks Phase II Bond Release can be achieved. necessary to determine if a Phase 11 Bond Release
Consequently, the WFC proposes to conduct a application is appropriate at this time and to eval-
vegetation study of both reclaimed areas during uate the overall progress of revegetation relative
September 1989 to document the successful to the requirements for final bond release.
establishment of vegetation. If the study results
indicate adequate vegetative cover and species The field portion of the study will use methods
diversity exist on both areas, the WFC will submit approved by the CMLRD for use with compliance
an application for Phase II Bond Release late in applications. Vegetative cover will be estimated
1989. using point-intercept transects. Species
composition data will also be obtained during
To ensure the vegetation study is conducted in a conduct of the transects. Specific details about
manner so that the results vd1l meet permit these proposed methods are described in the next
stipulations and bond release requirements, the section.
Page I -- Draft - June 9, 1989