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2. On the reclaimed irrigated pastureland WFC is proposing to irrigate using either <br />sprinkler irrigation or flood irrigation. Map 2.05.4-5 shows the irrigation layouts, <br />consisting of pipe, gated pipe and furrows, for the lands west of 2700 Road (only <br />flood irrigation is proposed on the pastureland west of 2700 Road). Calculations <br />and irrigation designs are shown in Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-9 of the permit. WFC <br />is also proposing to fertilize the reclaimed pastureland annually, at NRCS <br />recommended rates. The Division proposes to approve fertilization and irrigation <br />associated with the reclaimed pastureland. In addition, interseeding for the <br />purpose of improving stand composition may be utilized during the first 6 years <br />of the liability period. These practices are consistent with normal husbandry <br />practices in the region and can be reasonably expected to occur after final bond <br />release. NRCS has provided documentation that the irrigation and fertilization <br />rates and WFC's proposed management plans are appropriate as seen in <br />Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-11 of the permit. <br />3. On the reclaimed dryland pasture, interseeding for the purpose of improving stand <br />composition may be utilized during the first 4 years of the liability period. NRCS <br />documentation for interseeding as a normal husbandry practice is provided in <br />Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e)-11 of the permit. <br />D. Revegetation Success Standards <br />Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in the permit application. These techniques include: <br />New Horizon Mine 1: <br />The New Horizon Mine 1 (NH 1) comprises the original area permitted and mined by <br />Peabody Coal Company, and is located to the North of the New Horizon Mine 2. <br />Most of the mined lands in the NH1 area have previously been released from bond. <br />Reclaimed land that has not been fully bond released includes a small (6.4 acre) area <br />of irrigated hay, and a 68 acre parcel of dryland pasture. Both areas were reclaimed <br />in the early 1990's. In PR-6, the diversity/forage quality standard for dryland pasture <br />was revised to be consistent with the NI-12 standard, a forage quality standard was <br />incorporated for the irrigated hay, and additional detail was provided regarding <br />sampling and statistical methods associated with revegetation success demonstration. <br />Success demonstration sampling and statistical methods are addressed in Sections <br />10.0 through 12.3 of Permit Tab 22 "Revegetation Plan New Horizon 1 Mine". <br />For the hayland, production will be sampled to statistical adequacy using a quadrat <br />sampling method. For the dryland pasture, production will be sampled to statistical <br />adequacy using a quadrat sampling method and cover will be sampled to statistical <br />adequacy using a point intercept method. A forage quality standard requiring that at <br />least 75% of the relative production be comprised of seeded species or species of <br />comparable quality for livestock forage is applicable to both land use types. <br />51