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Based on site sampling holes, groundwater is not anticipated to be encountered during any phase <br /> of mining. In the event that groundwater is encountered, excavation will be halted and the area <br /> will be backfilled with at least two feet of site excavated material. No mining will occur beyond <br /> the depth where groundwater is encountered, if required. <br /> 4. Vegetation <br /> Vegetation on site is typical rangeland grasses for this area. The NRCS Ecological Site <br /> Description for Loamy Plains and Sandy Plains details that potential vegetation of each un- <br /> grazed area is 75-90% and 70-85%,respectively. Due to a lack of burning on a natural time scale <br /> as well as heavy grazing, causes both communities to be classified as 'at risk.' Therefore, <br /> realistic cover percentages for the site are closer to 30-60%. Total annual production of an 'at <br /> risk' loamy plains or sandy plains community can vary from 400-1200 and 600-1600 pounds of <br /> air-dry vegetation per acre and will average 900 and 1100 pounds during an average year, <br /> respectively. <br /> 5. Wildlife <br /> Forage and cover for wildlife is very limited due to the arid climate. Small animals (rabbits, <br /> foxes, etc.) make use of the surrounding environment. The site is within range for white tail deer, <br /> mule deer, pronghorn, prairie dog, various fox, various snakes, various skinks, various lizards, <br /> quail, lesser sandhill crane, and ring-necked pheasant. Impacts to wildlife will be mitigated <br /> through a weed management plan and reseeding all mined areas with a diverse and native <br /> rangeland seed mix. Also,the site will only be disturbed for a short time. <br /> 6. Structures <br /> Structures are shown on the Existing Conditions Map. A list of structures within 200 feet of the <br /> permit area can be found in Exhibit L. Damage waivers for these structures can also be found in <br /> Exhibit L. The structures will remain unchanged throughout mining and reclamation. <br /> 7. Soils <br /> The NRCS soil map is included in Appendix 1. Additional details of soils on site are also <br /> included in Appendix 1 as NRCS Ecological Site Descriptions. The site contains three soil types: <br /> pg.2 <br />