2021-02-03_REVISION - M2020008 (4)

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Rifle Gravel P!t #1 January 202 1 (.Amendment to File No M-2020-008) The project would comply with CDPHE-WQCD Stormwater Permit requirements: site stormwater would be collected and treated appropriately and would not be discharged to the Colorado River. Therefore, the project is not anticipated to increase the likelihood of future contamination of downstream waters. For these reasons, the project would have no effect on the greenback cutthroat trout. 9.2.3 Debeque phacelia No habitat exists on the property or in nearby adjacent or downgradient areas. This species is restricted entirely to outcroppings of the Wasatch geological formation, generally in areas of steep gradient and extensive bare mineral soil. The proper geologic substrate is not found on the property, nor are the native xeric biological communities where the species is found. Because the project will not directly or indirectly impact habitats, and is relatively far from potentially occupied habitats, there is no anticipated direct, indirect or cumulative impacts to habitats. This project will have No Effect to the phacelia or its Critical Habitat. 9.2.4 Ute ladies'-tresses Habitat for this orchid occurs along riparian edges, gravel bars, old oxbows, high flow channels, and moist to wet meadows along perennial streams. It typically occurs in stable wetland and seepy areas associated with stable features within historical floodplains of major rivers. It also is found in wetland and seepy areas near freshwater lakes or springs, and soils range from alluvial sands and gravels to coarse silts and clays. This species was discovered in the Roaring Fork valley along irrigation ditches, canals, and ponds near Carbondale in 2009 and was subsequently added to County lists in the area by USFWS. This species has not been observed much further downstream along the Roaring Fork than Cattle Creek confluence and has not been observed on the Colorado River mainstem. Although the property is outside the area of known occupancy for the orchid, suitable habitat does occur in discontinuous areas on the property, primarily along the banks of the Last Chance return ditch and within the herbaceous wet meadows supported by irrigation return flows. The development of the mine would entirely remove any areas of potential habitat for the orchid. There is a potential for direct impacts to individuals if a previously unrecorded population occurs on the property. If the project includes a federal nexus, the USFWS may request that surveys be completed in areas of suitable habitat before those areas are developed. Surveys must be completed during the orchid's blooming season, generally in August. There are also areas of suitable habitat adjacent to the property. Indirect impacts to adjacent habitat are limited to and increased potential for noxious weed establishment during the reclamation process. There is no gradient or mechanism for discharges of sediment to reach adjacent habitat areas, assuming compliance with CDPHE Stormwater Permit conditions. BMPs would be used to control noxious weeds during operation and reclamation. In summary, the property contains limited potential habitat for the species but is outside the area of known occupancy. The potential habitat would be lost in the process of developing the mine, but the likelihood of direct impacts to a previously unrecorded population is very small. The USFWS may request clearance surveys to establish species absence if the project includes a federal nexus. Surveys would eliminate the potential for direct impacts. 36