Laserfiche WebLink
major mine area vegetation communities will be based on weighted average reference <br />area comparisons as described on page 40 of Tab 22. The cover standard for mine area <br />reclamation and south extension area reclamation will be based on comparison of "all - <br />hit" reference area herbaceous cover, to "all -hit" reclaimed area total vegetation cover. <br />Justification and specific details of the approach are provided on pages 40 through 43 of <br />permit Tab 22. The applicable approaches were modified and clarified in TR -50, <br />approved December 2005. <br />Species diversity standards for the original mine area and south extension area <br />reclamation were substantively revised and clarified in TR -50. The basis and specifics of <br />the diversity evaluation approach are described on pages 44 through 47 of permit Tab 22. <br />Success demonstration will require that reclaimed areas meet one mandatory test (Test A <br />- No single species > 60% relative cover), and at least two of three alternative tests <br />based on species density (Test B - Total species density reference area comparison; Test <br />C - Species abundance /life form reference area similarity index comparison; and Test D <br />- Cumulative number of native species in reclaimed area density plots vs. average <br />number of native species in reference area density plots). <br />The woody plant density standard was approved in TR -26, in response to Stipulation No. <br />23 of the permit. The overall woody plant density for the reclaimed area was initially set <br />at 450 stems /acre. In all concentrated planted areas, as shown on Exhibits 22 -1 and 22- <br />1A, the woody plant density standard was set at 2,000 stems /acre. In the mesic drainage <br />areas along Dry Creek and at the permanent pond sites, at least 150 of the 2,000 stems <br />were to be tree species. <br />Woody plant density standards were amended in PR -3, TR -50, and TR -70. The amended <br />standards reflect increased focus on establishment of shrubs in concentrated planting <br />areas, and uncertainties regarding aspen reestablishment. The revised standard includes <br />five woody plant density standards - two mandatory and three other standards of which <br />two must be satisfied. The standards are: <br />1. Mandatory Shrub Standard - overall, non - fenced, reclaimed land - 200 stems /acre. <br />2. Mandatory Shrub Standard - volunteer shrub concentrations - 1000 stems /acre on <br />at least 10% of the unfenced acreage. <br />3. Secondary Standard No. 1 - woody plant establishment areas, upland, fenced - 945 <br />woody stems /acre average <br />4. Secondary Standard No. 2 - woody plant establishment areas, riparian, fenced, non - <br />fenced - 945 woody stems /acre average, riparian areas will contain at least 150 <br />stems /acre of tree or tall shrub species. <br />5. Secondary Standard No. 3 - woody plant establishment area, with aspen, fenced - <br />945 woody stems /acre of which 150 stems /acre will be aspen. <br />General location of planting areas is shown on Exhibit 22 -1. <br />Seneca II -W Findings Document 49 C -1982 -057 <br />Permit Revision No. 6 January 6, 2012 <br />