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<br /> <br /> <br /> 13 <br />or animal species or any critical habitats of such species are known to occur in the mining area . <br />No state listed threatened or endangered plant or animal species or any critical habitats of such <br />species are known to occur in this area. However, there is the potential that the Burrowing Owl <br />(threatened species in Colorado) might be found in this area and a special monitoring plan with <br />operational considerations is being implemented to address this species. <br /> <br />Prime Farmland Investigation- Section 2.04.12 of the permit <br /> <br />The NRCS has identified one soils mapping unit within the NHN permit area to be "prime farmland <br />if irrigated." This mapping unit, 71 - Nyswonger silty clay loam, appears in two locations, totaling <br />1.46 acres on permit Map 2.04.9-1, NRCS Soils Map. The "Rice Tract" site is located on the <br />eastern edge of the permit area, immediately north of the area mined and previously reclaimed <br />under the New Horizon Mine permit C-1981-008. This area was redisturbed by mining and <br />reclamation activities under the NHN permit. The second site, "Tuttle Draw", is found at the <br />southern end of the equipment corridor, at Tuttle Draw. Detailed maps of the two sites are <br />provided as permit Maps 2.04.12-1 and 2.04.12-2, respectively. Neither of these locations have a <br />history of having been irrigated or cropped. In a letter dated May 8, 2009, the NRCS issued a <br />negative determination for the presence of prime farmland at the "Rice Tract" location. <br /> <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br /> <br />Operation Plan <br /> <br />Mining at NHN utilizes surface mining methods. Development activities began in 2013 with the <br />construction of the mine's surface facilities, including the buildings, necessary portions of the haul <br />roads, and necessary pond(s). Map 2.05.2-1 of the permit shows the features of the site, including <br />the anticipated progression of the mine from south to north. Topsoil was stripped from the <br />southern portion of the permit area, and stockpiled as shown on Map 2.05.4(2)(d)-2. Stockpiling <br />of soils was necessary only during the initial phases of mining. Live haul and replacement of soils <br />is the process used as the active pit progresses to the north. <br /> <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 />and hauled to the back of the pit for placement in the uppermost overburden level of the backfilled <br />pit. The replaced Bench 1 material will directly underlie all topsoil that will be redistributed. The <br />lower overburden consists of shales and sandstone, which requires blasting in order to remove it. <br />Overburden will be removed by bulldozer or a shovel and trucks after an area has been drilled and <br />shot. An ANFO slurry is the primary agent used in the blast. All shots are monitored with <br />seismographs located at structures nearest to the blast. Blasting schedules are published in the <br />local newspaper. Most blasting occurs mid-day early in the week. Daily notifications are made <br />prior to each blast to certain individuals who have requested this service. <br />