2016-10-28_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (4)

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threatened or endangered plant or animal species or any critical habitats of such species are known to occur in this area and hence there is an extremely remote possibility that this action will cause any impacts to these species. No state listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species or any critical habitats of such species are known to occur in this area. However, there is the potential that the Burrowing Owl might be found in this area and a special monitoring plan with operational considerations is included herein. There are no other known species of state or federal concern such as eagles, migratory birds or other animals that are known to occur in this area or which might be affected by this action. The area contains no habitats of unusually high value for fish and wildlife such as cliffs supporting raptors, special shelter or protection, reproduction, nursery areas or critical wintering areas. Impact on Wetlands The permit area does contain some wetland and riparian areas, but these areas appear to be mostly irrigation induced wetlands from the extensive flood irrigation found in the area and possess low functional value and importance in an ecological sense. There will be a minor amount of wetlands disturbed by this mining operation. A formal wetland survey performed to the standards of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) for wetland delineations was performed within the permit area. According to the requirements of the COE, as found in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual and the recent supplement entitled Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Arid West Region issued in 2005, approximately 14,000 plastic pin flags were placed along the wetland boundaries. The boundaries were then surveyed accordingly and 174 wetland sample plots were evaluated using the two page COE field form entitled the WETLAND DETERMINATION FORM - Arid West Region. The extent of jurisdictional and non jurisdictional wetlands on the New Horizon North Mine area is shown on Map 2.05.6(2)-1 New Horizon North Mine - Wetland Map. NHN has obtained a Nationwide General Permit No. 21 - Surface Coal Mining Activities (Section 404) from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for the wetland disturbances necessary at the New Horizon North Mine. No mining will occur within jurisdictional wetlands. However, the North Haul Road will cross Meehan Draw as shown on Map 2.05.3(3)-3. Construction, maintenance, and reclamation activities associated with the crossing include but are not limited to: • Topsoil will be salvaged outside of the wetland areas prior to disturbance within delineated wetlands. • Heavy equipment working in wetland areas must be placed on mats or other measures must be taken to minimize soil disturbance. • Synthetic fabric will be placed beneath the temporary fill in order to separate the fill material from the wetland soils. Section 2.05.6(2) Page 5 April 2016 (PR -01)