2016-12-23_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (8)

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was conducted in the proposed permit area in the spring of 1984. Results of this survey are presented and discussed under the wildlife baseline characterization section. • Both Greater Sage Grouse and Columbian Sharp- tailed Grouse are know to occupy and utilize portions of the Permit Area, and the entire region for breeding and nesting, and preferred food sources are common in the area. Extensive grouse baseline studies were conducted in the area, as outlined in the wildlife baseline characterization section. Grouse reestablishment has been very successful on reclaimed surface mine areas, and TCC has, and continues to cooperate with the Colorado Division of Wildlife with protection, mitigation, and capture and transplant programs to assure the continued survival and viability of these species. Given the information summarized above, TCC has determined that the mining operations described in this application will not jeopardize the continued existence of any TES species listed pursuant to Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) or the Non -game, Endangered or Threatened Species Conservation Act (Section 33 -8 -101 et seq. C.R.S. 1973), or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of those species. Wildlife Monitoring and Mitigation Plans Because the proposed expansion of the Foidel Creek mine will be entirely underground, impacts to wildlife in the permit area are expected, for the most part, to be minimal. The only surface disturbance associated with the proposed mine, in addition to the main portal and facilities areas already disturbed, are the 18 -Right Bleeder Shaft, EMD Ventilation Fan Installation, 10 -Right borehole and powerdrop, Northwest Mains Ventilation Fan, 6 -Main North Ventilation Shaft and ancillary facilities, Fish Creek Borehole /Shaft Area and associated treatment ponds, 18 -Left Ventilation Shaft Installation, and the associated access roads. Placement of access roads will be primarily along existing dirt roads, but there will be some upgrading and widening of these roads. Habitats traversed by the access roads will include cropland, reclaimed pastureland, mountain sagebrush, low sagebrush, and sagebrush/meadow. Most of the disturbance will occur in cropland and • reclaimed pastureland. Since the principal habits to be disturbed are cropland, pastureland and reclaimed land, impacts to wildlife through habitat loss are expected to be negligible. Three other major areas of concern have been identified by the regulatory and wildlife agencies: 1) Location of mine facilities in relation to big -game critical winter range and the potential for increased occurrence of big -game road -kills 2) The effect of mine development and operations on sage grouse strutting grounds 3) The effect of mine development and operations on sandhill crane nesting activity in Twentymile Park Map 19, Elk Biological Features, and Map 20, Mule Deer Biological Features, show the location of the Fish Creek Borehole /Shaft Area and associated access road in relation to elk and mule deer winter concentration areas and critical winter range. As shown on these maps, no new surface disturbance will occur in elk or mule deer critical winter range. There is, however, a potential for occurrence of elk and mule deer /vehicle or haul -truck collisions, especially in areas where the access or haul -road are in proximity to winter concentration areas or critical winter range. The potential for elk and mule deer /vehicle collision is discussed in detail above. Possible mitigation measures to reduce this potential are presented in the response to Rule 2.05.6(2). The locations of proposed surface facilities in relation to sage grouse strutting grounds and important sage grouse habitat are shown on Map 22, Locations of Sage Grouse Leks and Sagebrush Habitat. As previously discussed, the only disturbance to sagebrush habitat will occur from widening and upgrading the existing roads, and from the construction of a new road which will connect existing roads to be upgraded, over sagebrush/meadow habitat at Fish Creek. A total of only 6.8 acres of low sagebrush, 0.4 acres of sagebrush/meadow and 0.6 acres of mountain sagebrush will be disturbed, and the effect on sage grouse populations will be negligible. As discussed previously, •no sage grouse critical winter habitat occurs on the permit area. The Hudspeth Complex is not likely to be affected by mine development activities. The closest portions of the access road are at least 1 mi (1.6 km) away from the Hudspeth Complex and are out of direct line of sight from the complex by virtue of the surrounding topography. The Twentymile Lek is located somewhat closer to the proposed access road and Fish Creek Borehole /Shaft Area. RN08 -05 2.04 -77 03/12/10