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that measured on the Alkali Sagebrush reference area. The reclaimed mine parcel was successful for <br />productivity in 2010. <br />The total herbaceous production measured on the Tipple reference area in 2010 was 5.85 grams <br />per one quarter meter squared (208.5 pounds per acre). Total herbaceous production measured on <br />the reclaimed tipple in 2010 was 26.7 grams per one quarter meter squared (951.6 pounds per acre). <br />Herbaceous productivity on the reclaimed parcel significantly exceeded the herbaceous production <br />measured on the Tipple reference area. The reclaimed tipple area was successful for productivity in <br />2010. <br />Kerr Coal Company uses a forage quality index (FQI) to measure successful species diversity. <br />An explanation of the method used to and determine and calculate the forage value of each species is <br />defined in the approved permit. The post- mining land use for both reclaimed areas is rangeland with <br />wildlife habitat. Therefore, a success criteria evaluating forage quality supports the post- mining land <br />use. The following table represents the calculated FQI for all of the sampled reference areas and <br />reclamation parcels: <br />Parcel <br />2009 FQI <br />2010 FQI <br />Success? <br />Alkali Sagebrush <br />Reference Area <br />193.94 <br />199.38 <br />Mine Reclamation Parcel <br />459.62 <br />396.46 <br />yes <br />Tipple Reference Area <br />210.18 <br />189.23 <br />Tipple <br />Reclamation Parcel <br />310.33 <br />299.41 <br />yes <br />The forage quality index was exceeded for both reclamation parcels for both years of sampling <br />and is considered successful. <br />Woody stem density success was determined by comparison of the reclaimed parcels to a <br />numeric standard. The required woody stem density for the reclaimed mine area and the Tipple <br />reclaimed area success is establishment of 90% of 1500 woody stems per acre (1350 stems per acre) <br />with a 90% confidence interval. Statistical sample adequacy was not achieved on either mine area <br />reclaimed parcel or tipple area reclaimed parcel. The operator collected a minimum of 30 samples <br />on each reclamation parcel, providing for an appropriate representation to use the reverse null <br />calculation. Woody stems measured on the reclaimed mine parcel in 2009 and 2010 were 2,936.9 <br />stems per acre and 2,190.6 stems per acre respectively. Both sample years exceeded the required <br />success criteria. The reclaimed mine parcel was successful for woody plant establishment. Woody <br />stems measured on the reclaimed tipple parcel in 2009 and 2010 were 7,933 stems per acre and <br />5,165 stems per acre respectively. Both sample years exceeded the required success criteria. The <br />reclaimed mine parcel was successful for woody plant establishment. <br />The Division finds that Kerr Coal Company has achieved reclamation success on the mine area <br />reclamation parcel and the tipple area parcel for vegetation success criteria for phase III bond <br />release. <br />1,1arr 1\ fine SL5 Review June 13, 2013 jhb <br />