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Due to previous disturbance to the loadout reference area by a third party, EFCI established an <br />acceptable replacement grassland reference area for comparison to the reclaimed loadout. The <br />replacement reference area was approved with TR -41 (November 6, 2014). <br />The soil types that are found at the Southfield Mine can be found on Maps 14 and 15 and in <br />section 2.04.9 of the PAP. Sandy loams, rock outcrops and stony loams are the predominant soil <br />types at the mine site and loadout. The permittee has performed all the required soil pit <br />excavations, analysis and research. <br />Wildlife <br />Wildlife information can be found in Section 2.04.11 of the PAP. <br />The Division of Wildlife, in 1979 and 1980, under the initial permitting effort by Dorchester, <br />conducted a wildlife survey. No threatened or endangered species were identified, although <br />possible migration through the area by the Peregrine Falcon may exist. <br />Mammals that can be found in the area are the mule deer, elk, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, <br />gray and red fox, badger, striped skunk, long - tailed weasel, beaver and cottontail rabbit. Birds <br />include the golden eagle, red - tailed hawk, rough - legged hawk, sparrow hawk, turkey vulture, <br />scaled quail, turkey, pigeon, mourning dove, raven, magpie, crow and pinyon jay. <br />No aquatic species exist due to the ephemeral nature of the streams in the area. <br />Land Use <br />Prior to the Southfield mining operation, the land uses for the permitted area were grazing, <br />wildlife habitat, and historic mining. Land use and productivity in the Southfield mine and <br />loadout areas is limited by the relatively and climate, limited water availability, poorly <br />developed soils, and various socioeconomic factors. <br />Upon completion of mining and related activities, EFCI will return the disturbed areas to the <br />prevailing land uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat. Further information on land use can be <br />found in Section 2.04.3 of the PAP. <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br />EFCI actively mined the Southfield Mine until it went into temporary cessation on December 18. <br />2000. In a letter dated May 30, 2001, EFCI provided further detail of its temporary cessation, <br />pursuant to Rule 4.30.1(2). Descriptions of both the operation and reclamation plans can be <br />found in Section 2.05.3 and Section 2.05.4, respectively, in the PAP. A brief description of each <br />follows. <br />9 <br />