Laserfiche WebLink
subsequently determined that the immediate vicinities of the landslide areas would require <br />remediation and thus would not be eligible for Phase H bond release at this time. Three <br />more of the 29 vegetation transects were removed from the bond release data set. Sample <br />adequacy was met for the remaining 26 transects and the mean allowable all -hit cover was <br />45.35 %. <br />The revegetation plan for the Yoast Mine is to reclaim all areas with herbaceous vegetation <br />that will support livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. The most dominant species was the <br />forb alfalfa with 29.99% relative cover. Forage grasses had less relative cover for each <br />species but all 6 species combined made up nearly 20% relative cover. These species <br />include Elymus trachycaulus (5.02 %), Leymus cinereus (2.24 %), Pascopyrum smithii <br />(4.01 %), Poa compressa (2.77 %), Dactylis glomerata (3.42 %) and Festuca ovina (2.48 %). <br />Based on the data presented in the SL -3 bond release application, the applicant concluded <br />that the approved reference area allowable cover standard of 45.17% was achieved within <br />the bond release area where the allowable cover was 45.35 %. Observations made by the <br />Division during a July 2011 inspection of the bond release areas supported the sampling <br />results reported. <br />The Division also evaluated the vegetation diversity to determine if it will be supportive of <br />the approved postmining land use. Although not required for Phase H bond release, the <br />applicant presented the results of the quantitative diversity testing for the bond release area. <br />The Phase III bond release criterion, at the Yoast Mine, requires conformance with one <br />mandatory species dominance test and at least two of three additional tests. The bond <br />release area passed the species dominance test and all three additional diversity tests. <br />Shrub data was not included with the SL -3 bond release application as it is not required for <br />Phase H bond release. The shrub planting areas were inspected in July 2011 and overall <br />appear to be doing very well, especially areas which are enclosed by an elk proof fence. <br />The aspen planting area in the southern end of the south pit appeared to be very healthy as <br />did the 2006 -1 shrub establishment area. The unfenced 2003 Shrub Concentration area in <br />the North Pit where the ground surface was manipulated appeared to have the least shrub <br />establishment success and a high concentration of weeds. This area was dense with <br />cheatgrass, mustard and houndstongue but did have a fair concentration of Wood's rose and <br />snowberry. Weeds are a continuing problem in all shrub establishment areas and need to be <br />treated. <br />Noxious and problem weeds are present at relatively low levels with high density patches <br />scattered throughout the bond release area, even in well vegetated upland parcels. A <br />number of patches were noted during the July 2011 inspection. Weeds that are of particular <br />concern at the Yoast Mine are Colorado Noxious Weeds, B & C list species. These species <br />include: Canada thistle, houndstongue, whitetop, cheatgrass and Dalmatian toadflax. Weed <br />concentrations like those observed during the inspection would preclude eligibility for <br />Phase III bond release. <br />The results of vegetation monitoring conducted on the bond release area, compared to the <br />result of reference area monitoring indicate that SCC has successfully established vegetation <br />which supports the approved postmining land use and which meets the approved success <br />standard for cover. Progress toward Phase III release eligibility is on track for cover and <br />diversity, but SCC should concentrate on weed control to ensure eligibility for Phase III <br />bond release. <br />Yoast Mine C- 1994 -082 Page 7 of 17 Phase II Bond Release SL -3 <br />