2009-04-01_REPORT - C1980005 (3)

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• n =Sample size • NOTES ON THE COMPARISON OF DATA TO APPLICABLE REFERENCE AREA STANDARDS Upon the formal comparison of cover data from reclaimed areas to applicable performance standards, observed total first-hit herbaceous cover percentage must be adjusted for excessive contribution by annual / biennial species (CDMG 1995, Guidelines Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues, 1 (IV)A(4)). For purposes of assessment of reclamation adequacy, first-hit herbaceous cover data from reference area sampling are DOUBLED as per Seneca II Mine permit provisions. Formal comparison of production data likewise requires that they be adjusted for excessive contribution of annual / biennial species. Herbaceous cover or production values used in such comparisons also must exclude values for species present on the Routt County Prohibited or Restricted Noxious list or that are listed as noxious by the State of Colorado (Colorado Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, Title 35, Article 5.5, 101-119, Lists A and B of Rules as replaced 2003). Species Diversity For purposes of assessment of progress toward bond release standards, species diversity is judged using the following four tests present in the provisions of the permit; success is demonstrated by passing the first (A) at least two of the remaining three (B, C, and D). Mandatory Test A): No Overwhelming Dominant No single plant species may exceed 60% relative cover. Alternative Test 8): Total Species Density Test In this test, overall reclamation diversity standard is judged based on the species density values observed along with cover sampling in 100 sq.m. sample plots. Species density numbers are subjected to sample adequacy assessment in the usual manner. For purpose of establishing the range of species density within the reference areas, the 75% range of variation is established as: zxs 0 5