2008-10-06_REVISION - M1980244 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Also, CC&V has committed to seeding the topsoil stockpile to stabilize it with vegetative cover. They do not specify what seed mix they will use to accomplish this. CC&V Response: Since the growth medium stockpiles are relatively temporary compared to final reclamation, the seed mix for the stockpiles will focus more on grasses (including introduced species) which will establish quickly and provide soil stabilization. Typical species for an interim seed mix might include various wheatgrasses (western, thickspike, slender, bearded), Arizona fescue, Timothy, and annual ryegrass (for quick ground cover and soil stabilization). Species would be selected from the Revised Reclamation Seed Mix and Substitute Species List (see B. below). B.) Seeding: On page 16 of the adequacy review response under item "F. " it states that CC&V is primarily trying to re-establish the "Native Grasslands" vegetation zone. It is assumed that they are referring to the "Natural Grassland" zone as it is titled in the Arcadis "Baseline Technical Report ". It is understood why the operator is using some non-native species in their seed mixtures. Several off these species will establish quickly to help stabilize the disturbed areas, in time these species should be replaced with native plant cover. If the operator's primary purpose is to re-establish the Natural Grassland vegetation zone, why are many of the dominant grass species that were found in that zone not included in the seed mixture. According to Arcadis "Baseline Technical Report for Soils and Biological Resources, Cresson Mine Life Extension Project Area ", on page 11, under section 4.1.5 it lists the Dominant species found in the "Natural Grassland" vegetation zone. These species are; Parry's oatgrass (Danthonia parryi), junegrass (Koelaria macrantha), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), mountain muhly (Muhlenbergia montana), squirrel tail (Elymus elymoides), western wheatgrass (Pascopyron smithii), bearded wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus ssp trachycaulus), and Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica). A few of these species are represented in the two seed mixtures, and they plan on adding Arizona fescue, but many of these species are not represented in the two seed mixtures, like junegrass for example. It would seem that if the operator's primary goal is to re-establish the "Natural Grassland" vegetation zone, that more of the dominant species would be included in the seed mixtures. CC&V Response: CC&V agrees that there are several species that are noted as abundant or common within the Natural Grasslands vegetation type which are not included in the reclamation seed mix. However, the existing permit under Amendment No. 8 specifies a primary reclamation species list and a substitute species list. As such, CC&V has normally selected species from those lists for use in the reclamation seed mix. If DRMS agrees to the use of other species for the reclamation mix and substitute species list, the species noted above will be added to the Substitute Species List and certain revisions as previously discussed will be incorporated into the Reclamation Seed Mix (revised mixes are attached). In addition, future substitutions may be reviewed in the context of the Arcadis Report and on-going vegetation surveys and may be proposed as substitute species through the technical revision process.. CC&V agrees that the reclamation seed mix should be a dynamic process which may be revised due to more recent information or due to site specific needs. North Cresson Mine Area Viewshed: A.) Site preparation and topsoil placement: The plan does not discuss how the areas between the transplanted aspen pads will be stabilized from erosion. Also, they do not discuss if they plan on spreading topsoil in the area. It is understood that they would like the aspen trees to eventually spread out from