2020-03-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (39)

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RULE 2 PERMITS deer and elk in the vicinity of Colowyo is reaching record levels. There is little doubt that wildlife populations are drawn to the reclaimed areas because of the availability of quality herbaceous vegetation. The immediate vicinity around Colowyo has become well known as a wildlife refuge, particularly during big game seasons. The issue now is how can Colowyo assist CPW in efforts to control wildlife populations to a level that can be supported by adjacent ranges. To do so, in 1990 we have entered into a cooperative effort with the CPW to establish a "Ranching For Wildlife" area located south of Hayden. Colowyo has also cooperated with the CPW in allowing public hunters access to company properties in Axial Basin Ranch to increase harvest of local cow elk populations. The concern for wildlife mitigation has clearly evolved from a concern for the impact of mining on the wildlife population to a concern for involving Colowyo in managing increasing populations especially for big game animals, particularly elk. As one of the large landowners in the region, Colowyo will continue to work with the CPW to assist where possible to manage local big game populations. With regard to sage grouse populations, Colowyo believes that the new revegetation metrics presented within this submittal will more completely address the concern for negative impacts to area populations and brooding habitat. As this new reclamation technology progresses and adapts into the future, it is anticipated that sage grouse use of reclaimed lands will return to pre -mining levels, or perhaps return to elevated levels as has been experienced at certain Wyoming mining operations. Related to this mitigation and emphasis on wildlife populations, focus must be maintained on the fact that Colowyo is the landowner on the overwhelming majority of disturbed acreage. Were it not for the need for permitting of coal mining operations, and the desire to be a responsible steward of the land, the company could select to manage lands in a manner similar to other Western ranching operations that emphasize red meat production from livestock with little concern for the needs of wildlife. Protection of Hydrologic Balance and Water Quality Based on the data, other references available and reclamation plans previously presented in this section, the Colowyo Mine will not adversely affect the hydrologic balance or water quality of the adjacent areas. The Colowyo Coal Company intends to use all practical methods to maintain the hydrologic balance and water quality in its present state and may improve the surface water characteristics as a result of reclamation procedures. The focus of this discussion will center on the permit area as it is the area of mining disturbance. The hydrologic balance, previously discussed, will be protected through a number of procedures designed to mitigate any potential impact from mining. Temporary and permanent diversions will route runoff away from disturbed areas to minimize erosion and sediment loss. Temporary channels are designed to safely pass the runoff from a 10 -year, 24-hour precipitation event and, Rule 2 Permits 2.05-51 Revision Date: 5/25/18 Revision No.: RN -07