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o Transit Mix Concrete Co. <br /> Applicant proposes a phased mine approach over the next 40 years, please address, in accordance <br /> with Rule 3.1.8(1), conducting pre-construction nesting raptor surveys prior to the <br /> commencement of operations and prior to mine phase advancement. Also, in accordance with <br /> Rule 3.1.8(1), please address if the Applicant intends to conduct pre-construction Mexican <br /> spotted owl (MSO) surveys in the future as well. <br /> Response: Transit Mix commits to conducting the pre-construction raptor nest surveys in <br /> coordination with CPW and USFWS. Since Transit Mix conducted MSO surveys for three <br /> consecutive years, in accordance with USFWS guidelines, and because no MSOs were <br /> documented during the surveys, no further MSO surveys are required. <br /> 4. Under the Mitigation Measures portion of Section III. Potential Effects of Exhibit H, the <br /> Applicant states a noise study was completed to measure ambient noise and predict project noise <br /> levels and attenuation distances. In accordance with Rule 6.4.8(1)(d), please submit this noise <br /> study. <br /> Response: The existing noise study was prepared to estimate noise levels at the property <br /> boundary, and the results demonstrate that noise is limited to the areas of disturbance. <br /> Noise levels attenuate to permissible levels within approximately 100 feet of running <br /> equipment. The site topography contains ridgelines near the property boundary, and these <br /> provide significant noise attenuation. There will be no noise impacts to the Mexican <br /> Spotted Owl Potential Activity Center that is approximately 1.8 miles to the north. The <br /> distance from the quarry provides noise attenuation to below background noise levels. <br /> Also, MSO have nocturnal breeding and foraging habits when there will be no mining <br /> activity. The limited hours of operation prevent noise impacts to MSO. Transit Mix has <br /> included a discussion of noise impacts and conclusions in the vicinity of the quarry area in <br /> Exhibit H, but since the study was specifically performed for noise levels at the property <br /> boundary it has not been included with this submittal. <br /> 5. Under the Mitigation Measures portion of Section III. Potential Effects of Exhibit H, the <br /> Applicant states nesting raptor surveys were completed in the spring of 2016 and 2017. Only the <br /> 2017 Nesting Raptor Survey report was submitted in Exhibit H. In accordance with Rule 6.4.8(1) <br /> and Rule 3.1.8(1), please submit the 2016 Nesting Raptor Survey report. <br /> Response: The 2016 Nesting Raptor Survey report is included in Exhibit H. <br /> 6. Under the Mitigation Measures portion of Section III. Potential Effects of Exhibit H, the <br /> Applicant states in 2017 one long-eared owl nest was found. In accordance with Rule 6.4.8(1) <br /> and Rule 3.1.8(1), please discuss any future surveys and mitigation plan, prior to the <br /> commencement of mining activities, specific to this long-eared owl nest. <br /> Response: Transit Mix commits to coordinating with CPW and USFWS on conducting the <br /> necessary surveys and mitigating impacts to species of concern, including this long-eared <br /> owl and nest. <br /> Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry(M-2017-049) <br /> Response to Comments—March 9,2018 <br />