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the Mancos within the permit area and consists of an unconsolidated mixture of large, angular shaped <br />boulders, and rocks and cobbles of various sizes. The unconsolidated material stratigraphically overlies <br />the Mancos shale in the permit area, and since the early 1900s has been graded to its present surface <br />configuration to allow for irrigated agriculture. The unconsolidated and poorly sorted nature of the <br />colluvial material indicates that it was placed by gravitational mass wasting from the adjacent steep <br />slopes. Some transport by overland flow of surface waters is also evident. The unconsolidated nature of <br />the material lends itself to deep weathered zones and infiltration of surface water. <br />Climatological Information -Rule 2.04.8 <br />Information on the climate in the area of the Terror Creek Loadout is detailed in Section 2.04.8 in the <br />permit document. In addition, Exhibit 6 provides data from the weather station in Paonia, Colorado, on <br />average precipitation, temperature, and wind. The wind information was developed for the West Elk <br />Mine site. <br />The climate of the region is typical of the Rocky Mountain area. The valley is semi -arid with annual <br />precipitation averaging about 15 inches per year. The May- September precipitation is 5 inches for the <br />lowlands and 13 inches for the mountain peaks. Temperature extremes at Paonia have ranged from —28 <br />degrees F in January to 100 degrees F during July and August. The average annual temperature is <br />approximately 49 degrees F. Snowfall averages 58 inches per year. <br />Soils -Rule 2.04.9 <br />Soil resource information is contained in section 2.04.9 of the permit document. Exhibit 7 contains more <br />detailed information on soils as well as soil sample cross sections and analyses, which were taken from <br />different areas of the site. <br />The soil samples collected by the applicant has indicated a clay loam soil with poor horizonal <br />development overlying unconsolidated colluvial parent material at an average depth of 11 to 13 inches. <br />The soil mapping units which are present in the permit area consist of Progresso Loam, which is found on <br />slopes of 6 to 12 percent and Torriorthents- Haplargids. Review of the soils analyses indicates that no <br />problems are expected with use of this soil material during reclamation activities. <br />Vegetation -Rule 2.04.10 <br />Vegetation information is contained in Section 2.04. 10 in the permit document. <br />As this area, previous to mining activities, was used as fruit orchards, the dominant vegetation type was <br />apple and pear trees. In addition, some small areas within the orchards have been used for production of <br />hay. Virtually all of the permit area has been used for agricultural purposes. <br />Fish and Wildlife -Rule 2.04.11 <br />Information on fish and wildlife resources is in Section 2.04.11 of the permit document. <br />Mule deer, elk, and black bear are located within the North Fork region in substantial numbers. Cougar, <br />or mountain lion, have been observed in the area in the past, but their numbers are limited due to the <br />extended territorial nature of the species. No critical habitats for the three principal species are found <br />within the area to be disturbed by TCLLC. Wildlife use of the permit area is largely incidental, and some <br />use of the agricultural land by wildlife does occur, particularly during winter. Because TCLLC facilities <br />will be located on area used for agricultural purposes, no critical habitat is expected to be impacted. <br />