2011-10-03_REVISION - C1980007 (2)

Home Browse Search

• • 2.0 METHODS 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, and applicable revegetation standards. A map of the mine site at 1:14,400 scale (1' was used to identify, locate and delineate the reclaimed areas (MCC Reclamation Photograph Project 2010, Figure 1). As the reclaimed areas are spread out over approximately 10,000 acres and the sites range from 0.1 to 14.0 acres in size, standard methods of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample points was not practical. Further, as the reclaimed areas ranged in age from three (3) to fifteen (15) years in age, it was desirable to obtain a representative sampling of the age structure in the sampling. From the map it was determined that the reclaimed areas were located in eleven (11) distinct locales within the Dry Fork drainage parcel. The reclaimed sites, their areal extent, and age were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The area of each reclaimed site was calculated as a percentage of the total area of reclaimed sites, as was the total area of reclaimed sites by reclamation year. By selecting an initial number of total samples (30), locations for sampling by representative area and reclamation year were obtained. Sample locations within each sample site were randomly determined by use of a 50'x50' grid representing the reclaimed site. For example, where a reclaimed site was one acre in size, a 50'x50' grid yielded sixteen potential sample points. A sample point within the reclaimed site was then selected using a random numbers table. In the case of linear reclaimed sites (road segments), the total length and width of the reclaimed road segment was determined and a random numbers table used to generate a location based on the origin and terminus values (in 50' increments) of the road segment. A grid was employed to determine the sample point location within the reclaimed road corridor, in the same way it was employed for reclaimed drill sites. Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known landmarks. The MCC Reclamation Photograph Project 2010, Figure 1 (Appendix) illustrates the location of the reclaimed areas. The following table identifies the grouped reclaimed sites, their area, date of reclamation, percentage of the total reclaimed area and number of initial samples. Mountain Coal Company, LLC West Elk Mine 2011 Reclaimed Areas Vegetation Report Phase II Bond Release Page 2