2018-02-05_PERMIT FILE - C1992081 ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: C1992081
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 2/5/2018
• Section_Exhibit Name: TAB 11 FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

of invertebrates collected at Site D-3 are indicative of a biological community as defined by Rule
4.05.19(3). These include the Baetis spp., Gammarus lacustris, Empemeroptera, Leptophlebidae,
Tricoptera, and Optioservus spp.
Periphyton samples in May, 1974 at Site D-3 resulted in the collection of 15 species of diatoms.
Surirella patella dominated the sample (68.2 percent relative abundance). In the fall, both diatoms (17
identified species) and green algae (2 species) were collected. Various species of Navicula accounted
for 64.6 percent of the total periphyton at lower Dry Creek (Site D-3) in November, 1974.
Threatened or Endangered Species. The original baseline fish and wildlife information contained in
the application for Permit C-80-003 was developed by 3R Corporation. No quantitative studies were
made of fish or wildlife for their habitats within and adjacent to the Loadout Permit Area at that time,
although consultation was conducted with the CDOW regarding the application. The 3R Corporation
concluded that no Federally -listed threatened or endangered species occur within or immediately
adjacent to the proposed Permit Area due to lack of suitable habitat (3R Corporation, 1977b).
Although no quantitative studies were specific to the Loadout area, sufficient information on wildlife
resources was contained in the original C-80-003 application to warrant issuance (and six subsequent
renewals) of the original Permit. For example, the January 23, 1987 Proposed Decision and Findings
of Compliance document for Permit C-80-003 states at page 28 that "the Division finds that the
proposed activities will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result
in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats."
In the process of preparing HGTI' s permit application (C-92-081), HGTI representatives contacted the
CDOW and USFWS to update information contained in the original application (C-80-003) regarding
important wildlife and wildlife habitat. Letter responses were received from Mr. Jim Morris, Wildlife
Biologist with the CDOW, and Mr. Keith L. Rose, Assistant Colorado State Supervisor, USFWS (see
correspondence in Attachment 11-1, Consultation Correspondence). In addition, telephone
conversations were conducted with USFWS representatives (Mr. Bob Leachman) regarding the
Loadout facility permitting. As part of HGTI's permit application, CDOW reviewed the status of
wildlife species on or near the Loadout facilities area. They concluded that no know State -listed
threatened or endangered species occur in the vicinity of the Loadout that would impact permitting of
the facility. The USFWS also reviewed the status of important wildlife and wildlife habitats with
regard to re -permitting the facility. They identified several species that may occur within the area of
influence of the Loadout facility (see Attachment 11-1).
HGTI conducted more recent literature searches to update information in the permit application
package on endangered, threatened and species of special interest. CPW (formerly CDOW) and BLM,
in partnership with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP, 2008), keep information on area
wildlife including big game and game birds and other species of concern (CDOW, 2008; BLM, 2008,
CPW, 2017). This includes federally and state -listed threatened or endangered species and other
species considered to be rare or of special interest. In addition, USFWS periodically updates the
Colorado endangered, threatened, proposed and candidate species listing (USFWS, 2008/2017). Table
11-5, Fish and Wildlife Endangered, Threatened, or Candidate Species and Species of Concern for the
Hayden Gulch Loadout Permit Area, summarizes the current species listings.
Habitat for the bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub and razorback sucker does not occur
within the permit area. Critical habitat for these fishes exists in the Yampa River downstream in
Moffat County. In addition to the absence of perennial streamflow with suitable habitat, the Dry
RN17-05 11-12 Revised 12/17