Laserfiche WebLink
METHODS <br />Reclamation Standard: <br />As part of a Phase III bond release request, the operator must demonstrate that <br />the reclaimed mine areas qualify for the terms of final bond release for all applicable <br />vegetative parameters over two consecutive years. Applicable parameters include <br />vegetative cover, herbaceous productivity, woody plant density, and plant species <br />diversity. Page M-120 of the approved Meeker Area Mines permit document states <br />that, "In the last two years of the liability period, the reclaimed areas will be evaluated <br />to meet the following standards: <br />A. Live Vegetative Areal Cover: 65.13% <br />B. Herbaceous vegetation production of 1200 lbs per acre. <br />C. Woody Plant Density of 1000 stems per acre. <br />D. Species Diversity such that 4 cool season grasses, 2 fortis and 1 shrub be <br />established such that no one species accounts for more than 40% of the measured <br />vegetative cover nor less than 3 % of the measured vegetative cover." <br />Rule 4.15.$(2) states: "Vegetative cover and herbaceous production, species <br />diversity and woody plant density on the reclaimed surface shall be at least equal to (as <br />defined below) the vegetative cover and herbaceous production, species diversity and <br />woody plant density of living plants on the approved reference area or to the standards <br />established in 4.15.7(2)(d). In addition, the vegetation on the reclaimed area shall be <br />of the same seasonal variety native to the area of disturbed land, or shall consist of <br />species that support the approved postmining land use." Rules 4.15.8(3)(a) and <br />4.15.8.(4)(a) indicate that to demonstrate that Phase III bond release is appropriate, the <br />2