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RULE 2 - PERMITS <br />2.05.6 (2) Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />The PSCM permit area is approximately 10,164 acres, of which only 146.4 acres have the potential <br />to be disturbed. The PSCM surface disturbance area is partially located in a previously disturbed <br />and reclaimed area (Seneca II Mine). Due to the location and type of proposed mine development <br />(underground mining), and the intent of the PSCM to minimize disturbance and continue to <br />implement all appropriate wildlife monitoring, and protection and/or mitigation plans prior to and/or <br />during mine operations, impacts to wildlife are expected to be limited to the facilities area. The <br />development and operation of the PSCM will result in minimal short-term habitat loss for some <br />species, but careful reclamation efforts on-site, any habitat enhancements off-site and the ready <br />availability of immediately adjacent extensive habitat will mitigate impacts and should allow for <br />their eventual recovery in the PSCM disturbed area. <br />Monitoring efforts that have taken place on the reclaimed Seneca II and Yoast Mines have provided <br />an abundance of data concerning the historic and current habitat use and availability within and <br />surrounding the PSCM permit area. The lengthy monitoring conducted at the Seneca II Mine is <br />available as a part of the public record through the Division and has documented the return of <br />wildlife populations and habitat use, occurring over a relatively short time. This occurred during <br />mining and reclamation activities with species such as mule deer, elk and Columbian sharp -tailed <br />grouse utilizing reclaimed and native habitats in close proximity to ongoing operations. <br />In development of this fish and wildlife plan (consistent with Rule 4 — Section 4.18), PSCM will use <br />the BTCA to minimize disturbances and adverse impacts of the operations on fish, wildlife, and <br />related environmental values and where practicable, achieve enhancement of such resources. <br />PSCM will work closely with Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) to incorporate wildlife <br />considerations into future development and operating plans. During the location and design phase <br />for future roads, CDOW and CDRMS will be consulted in order to minimize or avoid impacts to <br />fish and wildlife. All disturbed areas will be restored to their premining condition and use through <br />removal of surface structures; backfilling, grading and contouring the areas, and revegetating the <br />areas with diverse native plant species unless otherwise approved by CDRMS and CDOW. <br />Various design and operation measures developed to minimize impact on fish and wildlife species <br />and to be implemented at PSCM include: <br />• Limiting additional mining -related surface disturbance <br />• Developing design and constructing powerlines in accordance with REA Bulletin 61-10, <br />Powerline Contacts by Eagles and other large birds, or in alternative guidance manuals <br />approved by CDRMS <br />• Installing conveyor underpasses on conveyors that cross natural drainage corridors to allow <br />movement of larger wildlife (primarily elk, deer, and pronghorn) through the area <br />• Posting speed limits on all mine roads <br />• Fencing electrical substations and other potentially hazardous installations <br />• Preventing, controlling, and suppressing range, forest, and coal fires <br />• Utilizing proper handling and storage practices for mine waste materials <br />• Not using persistent pesticides on the PSCM permit area during reclamation operation <br />unless approved by CDRMS <br />PSCM Permit App. 2.05-64 Revision 07/2015 <br />