2012-03-27_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981010 (2)

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Cover and Diversity Vegetative cover was sampled in 2010 for all the parcels included in the SL12 release application. For range site A, the required herbaceous cover standard is 33% and 19% litter cover for a total 52% effective cover. For range site B, the required herbaceous cover standard is 29% and 23% litter cover for a total effective cover of 52 %. For range site C, the required herbaceous cover standard is 23.6% and 20.0% litter cover for a total effective cover of 43.6 %. These standards for each of the range sites are listed on Table 4.4 -1 of the permit. For this release application, the release block consists of all range A and B sites, therefore the revegetation standard for range site A was used to evaluate revegetation success since it has the most conservative standard. Each of the parcels was seeded in either 2005 or 2006. Parcel F -AB -05 was seeded in 2005 with the range A/B mixture. Parcel F -AB -06 was seeded in 2006 with the range A/B mixture. Parcel Z -AB -05 was seeded in 2005 with the range A/B mixture. Parcel Z -AB -06 was seeded in 2006 with the range A/B mixture. Vegetation cover was measured using systematically located transects using a point -hit technique with an Optical Point Bar. The sampling method used, meets the criteria outlined in Rule 4.15.11 (1) and the permit application. Based on the vegetation transect summary table submitted in Appendix 2 of SL12 the required number of samples taken was adequate. The Operator sampled 47 points throughout the release block. The total effective cover measured at the site was 69.4% (perennial cover minus noxious perennials, plus up to 10% annual/biennial relative cover plus the allowable 19% litter cover). Table 1.2 -1 on page 3 and the "Vegetation Transect Summary Table for Block No. F &Z -AB- (05-06)" in Appendix 2 of the SL2 application indicated the Allowable Cover % (effective cover) to be 71.6 %. This effective cover percentage is incorrect, TMI used the range site B litter standard to calculate effective cover. The actual litter cover was found to be 21.3 %. However, only 19% litter cover can contribute to the total effective cover using range site A standards. Using the correct litter standard the effective cover at the site is 69.4 %, the approved standard for effective cover is 52 %. The total effective cover exceeds the necessary effective cover standard for range site A. Based on the perennial species of grasses, forbs and shrubs found at the site as indicated in the SL12 application; it appears the species diversity and composition will support the post mine land use. While noxious weeds were encountered at the site, they consisted of a small percentage of the vegetative cover (1.2 % cover). Sedimentology TMI's bond release application compares pre- and post - mining sediment yields by calculating the expected sediment yields for both conditions. TMI used two different calculation methods: the Universal Soil Loss Equation (LISLE) and the computer program SEDCAD 4. The USLE calculates the expected average annual soil loss per acre of land and Trapper Mine Page 7 March 27, 2012 Phase II Bond Release (SL -12)