Reclamation Effectiveness Monitoring Implementation Guidance

In Reply Refer To:
1790, 3809 (AK930) P         

Instruction Memorandum No.
Expires: 09/30/2017

To:                   All District Managers, Field Managers, and Deputy State Directors

From:               State Director

Subject:           Reclamation Effectiveness Monitoring Implementation Guidance

Program Area:  Mining Law Administration, Surface Management

Purpose/Background:  This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides additional guidance on implementation of Reclamation Effectiveness Monitoring (REM) on Alaska placer mined streams. Policy on REM was issued on April 20, 2017 (AK IM 2017- 009) establishing a clearly defined, common suite of metrics for evaluating stream reclamation success.   The REM approach is based on the Stream Function Pyramid concept developed by Harman et al. (2012)[1] and outlines a variety of measurement methods to evaluate each functional category of the Stream Function Pyramid. Since issuance of the REM guidance, staffs have utilized various measurement methods to evaluate function and reclamation success. To ensure that multiple lines of evidence are considered when evaluating stream function and attainment of the performance standards, this guidance identifies specific measurements that must be collected at each site. Additionally, this IM provides guidance to increase survey efficiencies by recommending the use of a Rapid Assessment Field Form for initial surveys and conducting more comprehensive assessments when rapid assessments indicate that the reclaimed stream is likely functioning at Level 3.

Policy/Action:  This IM builds on policy established in AK IM 2017-009, which requires attainment of a Level 3 stream functional objective with an upward trend for all mining reclamation that includes stream disturbance. Quantifying the stream functional level at a specific reclamation site can be completed using techniques that range from relatively rapid to fairly intensive. Under most circumstances, staff should use rapid assessment techniques for the initial evaluation of recently reclaimed sites. The attached Rapid Assessment Field Form significantly reduces the amount of time needed to evaluate Level 2 function and qualitatively assess potential Level 3 function. To quantify Level 3 function, more detailed techniques should be used. The more detailed assessment should be implemented after the Rapid Assessment Field Form indicates bedform diversity, lateral stability, riparian vegetation, and floodplain connectivity are likely functioning at Level 3.

The following table outlines the core detailed measurement methods that should be used to evaluate stream reclamation functional levels. Additional measurement methods can be used to evaluate function, but these core metrics are the minimum to ensure consistency in the application of REM. Alternatively, offices can utilize aquatic AIM crews to collect detailed reclamation data, which can be compared against regional reference conditions to determine Level 3 function. Offices utilizing AIM data should consult with the State Office regarding data interpretation and analysis.

Offices are strongly encouraged to establish photo points during the initial assessment to help track recovery rates and for incorporation into summary reports. A protocol developed by the Eastern Interior Field Office is attached as an example for reference.

Consistent use of core metrics and standard reporting formats will increase efficiency and effectiveness of IDT member site assessments as well as improve management understanding of reported site conditions when evaluating stream reclamation success. Efforts should be made to use electronic data capture methods and Rivermorph software to expedite processing of information. Initial assessment information should be summarized within a month of data collection so that timely feedback can be provided to the AO and operator. Detailed assessment information should be analyzed as soon as practicable and organized utilizing the attached example as a reference.

Timeframe:  This policy is effective immediately.

Budget Impact:  This policy is intended for use by the BLM in the monitoring of placer mining reclamation objectives. It is anticipated that this IM will improve efficiencies in implementing previously issued guidance regarding reclamation evaluations and reduce the cost of evaluating reclamation of placer–mined streams.

Coordination:  Alaska State Office (Division of Resources) coordinated with the Fairbanks and Anchorage District Offices. 

Contact:  For more information, please contact Joseph Galluzzi, Solid Minerals Chief, at 907‑271-3236 or Matthew Varner, Fisheries/Riparian Program Lead at 907-271-3348.

Signed by:   

Bud C. Cribley
State Director                                                                                       

Authenticated by:

Joseph Lotz
Records Manager

Attachments

1. Rapid Assessment and Site Inspection Form for Placer Mines (4 pp)
2. Example: Reclamation Evaluation Final Summary Report Ketchem Creek (51 pp)
3. Eastern Interior Field Office Photopoint Protocol (6 pp)