2001-08-17_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1984065

• Permit No: C1984065
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 8/17/2001
• Doc Name: Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance for SL2
• From: Partial Phase I and Phase II
• Permit Index Doc Type: Findings
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

was not included in the approved cropland seed mix; however, the 1994 Annual Reclamation Report
documents that Alfalfa was included in seed mix No. 1 planted on the irrigated cropland area. The
Division inspected the reclaimed mine site and reference area on May 29,2001 (reference the May 29,
2001 Division Monthly Inspection Report). The irrigated cropland was dominated by alfalfa.
Perennial grass species were present in the understory below the alfalfa. Vegetative production was
measured on the irrigated cropland. Productivity on the reclaimed irrigated cropland equaled 160.3
grams/0.5 meter2, which converts to 2832 pounds/acre. The data shows that the reclaimed area meets
90% of the standard with a 90% confidence interval (2832 >90% of 3000=2700). The requirements
of Rule 4.15.8(4) have been met for the irrigated cropland.
Cover
NCIG seeded the mine in 1994 as noted in NCIG's 1994 Annual Reclamation Report. The Division
inspected the reclaimed mine site and reference area on May 29,2001 (reference the May 29, 2001
Division Monthly Inspection Report). Perennial grass species observed in the pastureland area
included Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), and Kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Alfalfa is thick on the dry land pasture/wildlife habitat area. More
perennial grass species appear present in the pasture/wildlife habitat area than in the cropland.
Graminoid species observed in the pasture/wildlife habitat area were: Orchardgrass (Dactylis
glomerata), Smooth brome (Bromus inermis)Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), Six weeks fescue
(Vulpia octoflora), Slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum), Intermediate wheatgrass
(Thinopyrum intermedium), and an occasional Big Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus). Several forb
species were noted among the reclaimed pasture/wildlife habitat area, notably a heavy dominance of
Alfalfa(Medicago sativa), along with groundsel (Senecio sp.), and Scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcea
coccinea). Big sagebrush (Atremesia tridentata) and an occasional rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus
nauseosus) are becoming established as well. Review of the Pasture/wildlife Habitat seed mix, Table
4.4-3b, finds that alfalfa is a considerable component of the pasture seed mix. Knapweed was
observed on the access road and in several location in the reclaimed area. Knapweed is considered a
noxious weed. Although the number of plants observed on the site would not be considered an
infestation, weed management steps need to be taken to assure the knapweed does not spread.
Knapweed was not identified in the October 2000 sampling.
Vegetation data submitted by the operator was collected in October 2000. The surface lessee had
grazed the mine site with cattle earlier in the summer prior to sampling. Although the site had been
grazed earlier in the growing season, data collected in October found that the reclaimed area met the
cover standard for reclamation success. Due to the late sampling date, much of the forb component of
the community was not reflected in the sampling data. The visual inspection on May 29, 2001 found a
higher presence of alfalfa on the site than was reflected in the October 2000 sampling.
NCIG submitted the Phase H sampling data as minor revision No. 16 to the permit in March 2001.
The Division's review of the October 2000 Phase II Bond Release sample data found that the
reclaimed dryland pasture/wildlife area exhibited 44.4% vegetative cover while 90% of the reference
SL-02, C-84-065
August 17, 2001
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