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While the diversity and woody plant density standards in the permit <br /> are acceptable, the Division suggests three steps for clarifying the <br /> cover and productivity standards . First, reference to the set <br /> standards should be removed from the permit (Appendix III-H, pp. 12, <br /> 17 , and possibly others ). Secondly, the text description of <br /> (Section III-H, pp. 2-6) and map (III-H-1 ) must agree and both <br /> reflect the correct slope and aspect of the reference areas. <br /> Finally, the reference areas should be identified on the ground in <br /> some manner. The same steps may or may not apply to the Sutey <br /> reference area established in response to Stipulation No . 5 <br /> (see item 5b. ). This information will need to be submitted by <br /> September 1 , 1991 . <br /> c. Although the permit renewal Findings Document indicates that <br /> Stipulation No. 4 (submittal of diversity and woody plant density <br /> standards for Sutey) and Stipulation No. 5 ( reference area <br /> demonstrations and location information for the Sutey pile ) has been <br /> complied with , the Division is unable to locate this material . <br /> Mid-Continent should submit the above information for incorporation <br /> in the permit application. <br /> d. Information on page 47 of the original Findings Document indicates <br /> the relationships of the reference areas with major disturbed areas <br /> at Coal Basin , and a similar table should be incorporated into the <br /> permit application. The success standards applicable to the road <br /> and portal bench outslopes will need to be defined. Given the fact <br /> that road and portal outslopes are pre-law disturbances and <br /> reference areas were not established, it may be appropriate to <br /> utilize test plot data to some extent in establishing success <br /> standards for those areas. This information should be provided by <br /> September 1 , 1991 . <br /> e. The Division suggests that Mid-Continent revise the approved seed <br /> mixes for use at the mine, in order to improve prospects for meeting <br /> diversity standards . Several species of forbs identified in <br /> baseline surveys are now available commercially. <br /> f. The 8 ,000' and 10 ,000' seed mixes contain a number of species for <br /> which it is indicated native collected seed will be utilized. What <br /> provisions have been made for seed collection , treatment and storage? <br /> g. The seed mixes indicate that a number of woody species will be <br /> planted as seedlings , but no planting rates are listed and planting <br /> techniques are not described. This information should be provided. <br /> -8- <br />