2011-01-13_REVISION - C1980006 (9)

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VIII. Revegetation - Rule 4.15 A. The Division proposes to re-approve the use of introduced species in the reclamation seed mix. The applicant has submitted information showing that the introduced species are desirable and necessary to achieve the approved postmining land use, and are not poisonous or noxious. The introduced species approved for the mine area are Russian wild rye, dryland alfalfa, yellow sweetclover and small burnet. Introduced species approved for the loadout are intermediate, pubescent and tall wheatgrasses, meadow foxtail, timothy, and cicer milkvetch (page 816-146 aR of the application as amended 8/90 (Rule 4.15.2)). B. The Division proposes to re-approve the use of live mulch as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). The Division has approved the use of annual grain species as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements. Should a spring seeding be necessary, Russell oats will be planted, Sudan grass will be used for summer plantings, and Elban Winter Rye for fall seedings (page 816-151Rb as amended in August 1990). Kerr Coal Company chisel-plowed and disked topsoil following its replacement. Contour furrows have been constructed to avoid erosion prior to germination of the annual species. C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant density are discussed in pages 816-150 through 816-165. These techniques can be found starting on page 779-56aa. The Division approved a change in these methods with the approval of Technical Revision 19, on January 11, 2000 (4.15.7(1)). D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on the following: Reference area comparison will be employed when considering reclamation success with production and cover measurements. Reference areas have been selected for both the mine site and the loadout and have been approved by the Division. Success standards have been selected and supported with literature citations. The Division has approved a woody plant density standard of 1,500 stems per acre to apply to both the loadout (p. 816- 157s) and the mine site (p. 780-78c and p. 816-157). The Division proposes to re-approve the basis for this comparison. E. The Division proposes to re-approve the reference areas selected by the applicant based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). F. The reference areas will be utilized to determine cover and productivity success of reclaimed areas in a manner, which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). G. Based on information submitted by Kerr Coal Company on pages 780-78bbb to 780- 78eee, the woody plant density standard is 1,500 stems per acre (4.15.8(7)). 24