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As part of a Phase III bond release request, the operator must demonstrate <br />that the reclaimed mine areas qualify for the terms of final bond release for all <br />applicable vegetative parameters over two consecutive years. Applicable <br />parameters may include vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, woody plant <br />density, and plant species diversity/seasonality. Rule 4.15.8(2) states: "Vegetative <br />cover and herbaceous production, species diversity and woody plant density on the <br />reclaimed surface shall be at least equal to (as defined below) the vegetative cover <br />and herbaceous production, species diversity and woody plant density of living <br />plants on the approved reference area or to the standards established in <br />4.15.7(2)(d). In addition, the vegetation on the reclaimed area shall be of the same <br />seasonal variety native to the area of disturbed land, or shall consist of species that <br />support the approved postmining land use." Rules 4.15.8(3)(a) and 4.15.8.(4)(a) <br />indicate that to demonstrate that Phase III bond release is appropriate, the <br />reclaimed area sample mean must be shown to be equal to 90% of applicable cover <br />and production standards with 90 percent statistical confidence. <br />Page M-12S of the recently revised Meeker Area Mines permit document <br />states that the following standards apply: <br />A. Live Vegetative Areal Cover: 63.86% <br />B. Herbaceous vegetation production of 1200 lbs per acre. <br />C. Woody Plant Density of 0 stems per acre. <br />D. Species diversity such that 4 cool season grasses be established such <br />that no one species accounts for more than 40% of the measured vegetative cover <br />nor less than 3% of the measured vegetative cover. <br />2