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C- 1981 -022 <br />PR -7 Findings <br />October 4, 2012 <br />Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />the success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based on the <br />following: <br />1) Comparison of cover and production on most revegetated areas with reference <br />areas established during the baseline vegetation study. <br />2) Standards for the small riparian community at the lower Hubbard Creek site <br />which include 44.3 percent cover and 1,784 pounds per acre. The diversity <br />standard for the riparian community will be as follows: The plant community <br />shall contain a minimum of one cool - season, sod forming grass and three cool - <br />season bunch grasses with each species having a minimum of five percent <br />cover. <br />The Division has approved these comparisons and standards. <br />6. The Division proposes to approve of the reference areas, which the applicant has <br />selected based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />7. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable 4.15.7(4)). <br />IX. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post- mining land use. The applicant has <br />selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife <br />(4.18(4)(i)). <br />X. Subsidence Control <br />The permit area includes three different mines which have been active through the term <br />of the permit to date: the Somerset Mine, the Sanborn Creek Mine, and the Elk Creek <br />Mine. These underlie different areas and, therefore, have had separate requirements for <br />subsidence monitoring and control. <br />The applicant used a subsidence control plan in accordance with Rule 2.05.6(6) and <br />committed to adopt all measures in order to reduce the likelihood of subsidence and <br />prevent material damage to Hubbard Creek, which was undermined by the Somerset <br />Mine. The Division approved the plan (4.20.1(2) and 4.20.3(1)). There were no <br />structures within the area affected by the Sanborn Creek Tract subsidence. However, <br />there are several landslide features above the proposed underground workings and <br />Oxbow Mining, LLC committed to monitor these features. To date, no impacts have <br />been noted. <br />29 <br />