wildlife habitat. The seed mix suggested for use on the Site is shown in Table 2 in Appendix D.
Two seed mixes are proposed; Seed Mix #1 is to be used for final reclamation while Seed Mix
#2 is a hybrid nurse cover crop to be used for miscellaneous temporary disturbances. The
revegetation monitoring will include determining the vegetation cover percentage, the species
composition (richness), and plant production. The monitoring frequency varies with the following
(BLM, no date):
•
The life form of the plant and the expected rate of change. Long-lived plants may require
infrequent measurement.
•
The rarity and trend of the species. The risk of loss for very rare or very threatened
species is higher.
•
The resources available for monitoring.
Revegetation monitoring will occur annually until vegetation is established, potential for weed
invasion is minimized, and the area has been stable for 5 years, at which time the monitoring
frequency may decrease to every 3 years. Facilities requiring visual revegetation inspection
include the TSF, Upton Plant, and Underdrain Pond covers and roads.
RER will control noxious and other non-native invasive plant species, through annual weed
surveys until WDEQ-LQD personnel have determined that revegetation is successful. If
herbicide application becomes necessary, RER will obtain approval from WDEQ-LQD for the
application, including types and quantities. Monitoring weed infestations and weed control will
continue until reclamation is complete and potential for weed invasion is minimized.
8.5.4 Slope Stability
Visual inspections to monitor slope stability of the reclaimed slopes will be completed semi-
annually for 5 years and annually for the TSF for up to 20 years. The stability monitoring
inspections will include the following:
•
observing for crest deformation, slope bulging or the like which may be indicative of mass
movement and impending slope failure,
•
observing for linear cracking in crest and slope surfaces,
•
observing for evidence of seepage,
•
observing and characterizing erosional features including rills, gullies, and vegetation loss,
•
observing for intense levels of biological activity such as burrowing and inordinately prolific
vegetation, and
•
Description of observations and recommendations for any significant findings.
Monitoring program results will be used to inform and refine ongoing reclamation activities.
Therefore, adjustments may need to be made to the programs based on observations in the
field. The monitoring program will allow for the identification of problems and potential
modifications of methods, such as:
•
improvements in clearing methods,
•
improvements in methods of seed collection and preservation to increase species
diversity,
•
replacement of plant species that do not thrive, and
•
improvement in sowing and planting methods.
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