2008-12-22_REPORT - C1980001 (3)

Home Browse Search

2006 Edna Mine Vegetation Sampling Report 1. Overview The information provided this report follows Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) requirements to verify that vegetation at The Pittsburg and Midway Coal Mining Company's Edna Mine meets the standards established in the mine reclamation plan. The information provided in this report constitutes year two of the two years of required information. The Edna Mine is located approximately four miles north of Oak Creek, Colorado. 1.1. Sampling Methodology Vegetation sampling was conducted in accordance with the Edna Mine Vegetation Final Bond Release Monitoring Plan, dated April 8, 2005, approved by the Colorado DRMS. A copy of this plan is available on file at the Colorado DRMS. Vegetation sampling was conducted at the Edna Mine from August 28 through September 5, 2006. The survey was conducted by Richard Bonine, Jr. and Lindsey Brandt of Habitat Management, Inc. 1.2. Performance Standards and Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis of all data collected was conducted as described in the Colorado DRMS's Guideline Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues, April 18, 1995 ("Bond Release Guideline"). When the reclaimed area parameter sample mean is equal to or greater than 90% of the reference area sample mean (or weighted mean), or 90% of the approved technical standard, then reclaimed vegetation is considered successful for that parameter. In order to make a direct comparison, the sample size(s) must meet sample adequacy requirements. Table 1-1 below presents the Edna Mine Bonded Reclaimed Units & Vegetation Performance Standards of the Bond Release Units (BRUs). T?hle 4_4. r-Ann Mina Rnndari Rpclaimpd Units & Vegetation Performance Standards Vegetation Parameter Reclaimed Bond Bonded Acres ' Shrub Release Unit (BRU) (approximate) Cover Production Diversity Density Min 5 Species West Ridge Topsoiled 22 Reference Area Comparison between 3 & 40% Rel N.A. BRU . Importance 90% grass West Ridge BRU: 466 47% N.A. 5% (orbs N.A. No-Topsoil 5%tree/shrub Min 5 Species Min 1000 Moffat Topsoiled BRU 215 Reference Area Comparison between 3 & 40% Rel. Stems er p Importance acre 90% grass Moffat BRU: 224 47% N.A. 5% forbs N.A. No-Topsoil 5%tree/shrub 1 Diversity Standard for No-Topsoil units is voluntary ' Additionally, two reference areas (snowberry sage vegetation community and oak mountain shrub vegetation community) were sampled for cover and production to establish vegetation bond release standards. The snowberry sage vegetation community represents 83% of the pre- Habitat Management, Inc. 1 October 19, 2006