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2. Production will be determined from the clipping of three meter squared <br />quadrants placed randomly along the cover transect; <br />3. Woody stem density will be determined by counting rooted shrubs along a 2- <br />meter by 50-meter transect; <br />4. Diversity success will require two perennial grasses to exceed 5% composition <br />and one perennial forb to exceed 3% composition with no one species <br />exceeding 40% composition. <br />Specific details for Fish Creek Tipple area concerning revegetation success and <br />sampling methodologies can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Volume II of <br />the PAP. <br />B. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based upon <br />weighted means and variances relative to their respective acreages and reference <br />areas. Specific details concerning revegetation comparisons can be found <br />beginning on page 2.05-114 of the PAP. This excludes the Fish Creek Tipple <br />which was disturbed prior to implementation of the regulations. No topsoil was <br />salvaged for this area. Stockpiled topsoil not used at Energy Mine No. 3 has been <br />transferred to the Foidel Creek Permit for distribution at the Fish Creek Tipple. <br />Cover and production requirements are based on standards. Woody stem density is <br />1000 stems/acre for this area. Details related to determination of revegetation <br />success at the Fish Creek Tipple can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol. <br />VII of the PAP. The Division proposes to approve the basis for this comparison. <br />C. The Division approves use of the reference areas which the applicant has selected <br />based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />D. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable. The Fish Creek Tipple will not be compared <br />to a reference area. Standards will be used to determine revegetation success at the <br />Fish Creek Tipple and also for those small disturbed areas associated with outlying <br />facilities (4.15.7(4)). A discussion of the standards applicable to the Fish Creek <br />Tipple is found on pages 2.05-48 to 2.05-53 of Volume VII of the PAP. <br />XII. Post-mining Land Use <br />Pastureland and Rangeland are the predominant land uses in the permit area. <br />Historically, marginal lands have been planted to small grain crops. The Federal <br />Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has encouraged the return of these marginal <br />croplands to rangeland or pastureland. Twentymile Coal Company's post-mining land <br />uses of pastureland, rangeland and cropland support the CRP goal and are in <br />agreement with section 4.16 of the Rules. A discussion of the post-mining land-uses <br />can be found beginning on page 2.05-123 and on page 2.05-181 of permit Volume I of <br />the PAP. <br />Foidel Creek Mine 32 June 4, 2010