2015-08-18_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A ‎(3)‎

• Permit No: C1982056A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 8/18/2015
• Doc Name: 15L Vent Shaft Wildlife Consultation
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 23C 15L Vent Shaft Wildlife Consultation
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

STATE OF COLORADO
Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Mark B. Konishi, Acting Director
6060 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80216
Telephone: [phone]
wildlife. state. co. us
September 24, 2007
RECEIVIFR
SEP 2 8 ZUU i
pivlgion of Keclamation,
and Safety
Byron G. Walker
Environmental Protection Specialist
1313 Sherman St., Room 215
Denver, CO 80203
Re: Foidel Creek Mine (Permit No. C-1982-056)
Technical Revision Application No. 61 and 62 (TR -61&62)
6 Mains North Reservoir Geotechnical Investigation
Dear Mr. Walker:
�f ti4
OF
For Wildlife -
Far People
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Foidel Creek Technical Revision Applications for the
investigational drilling of six auger holes and seven test pits as well as the building of a 5.2 acre reservoir that
would retain mine water and pump it to and from the underground mining operation. Approximately 6 acres of
land would be disturbed from the proposed investigation and construction of the aforementioned reservoir. Land
disturbed from the project would be located near the existing 6 Mains North Ventilation Shaft in the SW '/4 of
Section 17, R86W, T5N.
From discussions between yourself and District Wildlife Manager Danielle Domson on 09/20/07, it is the
understanding of Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) staff that drilling and construction has already begun for
the proposed project prior to any permits being obtained by the Foidel Creek Mine. This is concerning due to the
highly important wildlife habitat in the area, particularly for Columbian sharp -tailed grouse and Greater sage
grouse, both of which are state species of special concern.
As the attached map indicates, the proposed location is within production areas for both Columbian sharp -tailed
grouse (within 1.24 miles of a lek) and Greater sage grouse (within 4 miles of a lek). Production or nesting areas
are defined as an area that includes the majority of important grouse nesting habitat, as much as 90% of the nesting
habitat for sharp -tails. Up to 3 sharp -tailed grouse leks may be impacted by the proposed construction.
Additionally, the Greater sage grouse lek that is within 4 miles of the proposed project, and thus may be adversely
affected by the exploration activities, is the only active Sage Grouse lek in the entire Twentymile Park area. Lek
abandonment and reduced nesting success are both potential impacts from increased human disturbance in/near
these areas.
The affected area also provides important summer range and winter concentration areas for elk and mule deer, as
well as production areas for Canada geese. Other wildlife species associated with the Fish Creek Riparian area may
also be impacted by drilling and pumping activities, due to the close proximity (within 1/8 of mile) of the creek.
Thanks again for the opportunity to comment on the Foidel Creek Mine Technical Revision Applications. CDOW
staff members hope that this information is helpful in determining the appropriate action to be taken by your
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Harris D. Sherman, Executive Director
WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Tom Burke, Chair • Claire O'Neal, Vice Chair • Robert Bray, Secretary
Members, Dennis Buechler+ Brad Coors • Jeffrey Crawford • Tim Glenn * Roy McAnally • Richard Ray
Ex Officio Members, Harris Sherman and John Stulp