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:~ <br />INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM <br />TO: BYOWN W , DAN I-IERNANDEZ, AND DAVID BERRY <br />FROM: JANET BIIJN <br />SUB}ECT: NORTH OMPS EK MINE, G81.011, BOND RELEASE SAMPLING <br />DATE: 06/30/00 <br />CC: SANDY BROWN <br />iii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii <br />In response to the meeting held on June 16, 2000, between, CDMG, Mr. Jim Stover of Minrec, and Mr. <br />Steven Viert of Cedaz Creek Associates I have reviewed the permit requirements, discussed with Sandy <br />Brown, and have the following recommendations: <br />1) The vegetation success standards at the Norih Thompson Creek Mine are comparison of cover and <br />productivity of the combined natural vegetation communities, as defined on permit page 4-64, to <br />the extended reference azea (Rule 4.15.8(3) and 4.15.8(4)), and diversity as defined on permit page <br />4-65. "Species diversity in the combined natural communities will be acceptable if sampling <br />demonstrates that four perennial, non-noxious plant species have been established and are <br />contributing between 3% and 60% relative cover. At least two species should be grasses and at <br />least one should be a perennial forb or shrub." <br />The Division recommends that the operator observe the site to determine the probability of <br />achieving these standards. We were all in agreement that the one standard that potentially may not <br />be reached would be the diversity standard. If the operator, or the operator's consultant, observes <br />the vegetation on the mine site and believes the species may be there, then the Division <br />recommends the entire mine reclaimed "natural vegetation communities" be sampled in accordance <br />with the permit commitments. <br />If the operator has reason to believe that the diversity standard is not achievable in this sampling <br />yeaz, then the Division recommends sampling the small azeas sepazate from the main mine area. <br />These small sites as we discussed in the June 16, 2000 meeting included fan and the loadout <br />corridor. The approved reference area would apply. It would not make sense to create a new <br />reference area at this point in time by conducting aside-by-side sampling. Since a standard was set <br />for the hayland area, I think that is still the success standazd the operator needs to be comparing to. <br />[f the standard is unrealistic for the region, then the operator needs to submit a revision to the permit <br />with documentation to support what dryland hay standards should be. <br />2) Application of Rule 4.15.10 revegetation standazds on the mine site does not appear [o follow with <br />the Division's 1988 guidelines. Page 15 of the Guidelines for Compliance with Land Use and <br />Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Boazd for Coal Mining, <br />