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• Bond Release Concerns Relative to Shrub Plots <br />For Phase 2 and Phase 3 bond release purposes, the field trial plots will be `included in the <br />vegetation "sampling universe" associated with the bond release block that includes the <br />field trials. Due to the longer period of time associated with development of shrub <br />dominated stands, the occurrence of "bare areas" within the field trial plots will not <br />disqualify a bond release block or portion of the block from Phase 2 bond release. <br />Presence of "bare areas" will be assessed by the Division for Phase 3 bond release, in <br />accordance with the Bond Release Guidelines. Remedial measures determined to be <br />necessary by the Division and the operator due to stand failure within the field trial areas <br />will not reinitiate the bond liability period. <br />In 2010, SL -05, a Phase III bond release application, was submitted by Colowyo. As a <br />result of the onsite inspection by the Division, a minor revision, MR -103 was created to <br />establish these shrub plots and their associated fencing as permanent, post- mining <br />features. <br />Buried Topsoil Test Plots <br />In 2006 under MR -83, Colowyo planned to initiate a buried topsoil protocol to try to <br />increase establishment of shrubs on the mine -site. Two, two -acre test plots were to be <br />topsoiled and then covered with six inches of "benign ", nutrient -poor overburden in the <br />attempt to slow or delay emergence and growth by competing grasses and annual weeds, <br />thereby allowing shrub seed additional time to break dormancy and emerge. Prior to <br />seeding taking place one composite soil sample was to be taken from each test plot. The <br />• constituents to be analyzed were texture, fertility, pH, percent coarse fragments, electrical <br />conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, selenium, and boron. To fiu ther encourage shrub <br />growth, the seed mix was to be heavily weighted toward shrubs. The seed mixture that <br />was to be used on the test plots is shown below. <br />• <br />4.15 -11 Revision Date: 6/21/11 <br />Revision No.: TR -84 <br />