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Species Diversity <br />Kerr Coal Company uses a forage quality index (FQI) to measure successful species diversity. An <br />explanation of the method used to determine and calculate the forage value of each species is in the <br />PAP. Table 3 lists the calculated FQI values for the reference areas and reclamation areas. <br />Table 3 Herbaceous Productivitv (FQI values) <br />Parcel <br />2009 <br />2010 <br />Alkali Sagebrush <br />193.94 <br />199.38 <br />Reference Area <br />Mine Reclamation Area <br />459.62 <br />396.46 <br />Loadout Reference Area <br />210.18 <br />189.23 <br />Loadout <br />310.33 <br />299.41 <br />Reclamation Area <br />The FQI values at the mine site and the loadout exceeded the values for the reference areas in 2009 <br />and in 2010; for this parameter both the mine site and the loadout are considered successful. <br />Woody Stem Density <br />Woody stem density success was determined by comparison of the reclaimed areas to a numeric <br />standard: 1,350 stems per acre with a 90 percent confidence interval. Woody stems measured on the <br />mine site in 2009 and 2010 were 2,936.9 stems per acre and 2,190.6 stems per acre, respectively. <br />Woody stems measured on the loadout area in 2009 and 2010 were 7,933 stems per acre and 5,165 <br />stems per acre, respectively. Both the mine site and the loadout were successful for woody plant <br />establishment. Statistical sample adequacy was not achieved on either the mine site or the loadout; <br />however, the operator collected a minimum of 30 samples on each reclamation parcel, providing for <br />an appropriate representation to use the reverse null calculation. <br />Mitigation of Impacts to the Hydrologic Balance <br />Based on the evaluation conducted in accordance with Section 3.03.2(2), the Division finds that the <br />Marr Mine operation has caused no significant impacts to the quality or quantity of bedrock ground <br />water, alluvial ground water, or surface water. Changes to the hydrologic balance within and <br />adjacent to the SL -05 bond release areas, if any, would be the minimum that can be expected from a <br />surface coal mining operation. Water pollution is not occurring and future water pollution appears <br />unlikely. The water rights of other users have been protected. <br />Based on the foregoing observations, the Division finds that the impacts of the Marr Mine are <br />consistent with the Probable Hydrologic Consequences in the PAP, and the Marr Mine has minimized <br />disturbance of the hydrologic balance in the bond release areas and adjacent areas, and prevented <br />material damage outside the bond release areas. The Division also finds that the Marr Mine has not <br />