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None of the species were encountered, and they determined that it is highly unlikely, if not <br />impossible, for them to be found at the NHN Mine site. <br />Fish and Wildlife -Section 2.04. 11 of the permit <br />A large variety of wildlife utilize the area surrounding the New Horizon North Mine including <br />coyotes, fox, mule deer, elk (in the winter) and numerous bird species. No federally listed <br />threatened or endangered plant or animal species or any critical habitats of such species are known <br />to occur in the mining area. No state listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species or <br />any critical habitats of such species are known to occur in this area. However, there is the potential <br />that the Burrowing Owl (threatened species in Colorado) might be found in this area and a special <br />monitoring plan with operational considerations is being implemented to address this species. <br />Prime Farmland Investigation- Section 2.04.12 of the permit <br />The NRCS has identified one soils mapping unit within the NHN Mine permit area to be "prime <br />farmland if irrigated." This mapping unit, 71 - Nyswonger silty clay loam, appears in two <br />locations, totaling 1.46 acres on permit Map 2.04.9-1, NRCS Soils Map. The "Rice Tract" site is <br />located on the eastern edge of the permit area, immediately north of the area mined and reclaimed <br />under the New Horizon No. 1 Mine. This area will be disturbed by mining and reclamation <br />activities. The second site, "Tuttle Draw", is found at the southern end of the equipment corridor, <br />at Tuttle Draw. Detailed maps of the two sites are provided as permit Maps 2.04.12-1 and 2.04.12- <br />2, respectively. Neither of these locations have a history of having been irrigated or cropped. In <br />a letter dated May 8, 2009, the NRCS issued a negative determination for the presence of prime <br />farmland at the "Rice Tract" location. <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br />Operation Plan <br />Mining at the New Horizon North (NHN) Mine utilizes surface mining methods. Development <br />activities began in 2013 with the construction of the mine's surface facilities, including the <br />buildings, necessary portions of the haul roads, and necessary pond(s). Map 2.05.2-1 of the permit <br />shows the basic features of the site, including the anticipated progression of the mine from south <br />to north. Topsoil was stripped from the southern portion of the permit area, and stockpiled as <br />shown on Map 2.05.4(2)(d)-2. Prior to the commencement of mining, the high wall that was <br />backfilled during reclamation of Peabody's Nucla Mine was exposed. The excavated backfill was <br />placed in the temporary overburden stockpile for storage. The stockpiling of soils was necessary <br />only during the initial phases of mining. Live haul and replacement of soils is the process used as <br />the active pit progresses to the north. <br />Individual pit cuts are oriented east -west, with mining having commenced at the south and moving <br />northward. Individual panels range between 100 and 120 feet in width and lengths approaching <br />2200 feet. Removal of the topsoil from an area to be mined will expose the overburden that will <br />be removed. The upper overburden, or "Bench 1" is unconsolidated, and is generally "free -dug" <br />by the mine's shovel without the need for blasting. The Bench 1 overburden is loaded into trucks <br />