2024-06-07_PERMIT FILE - M2024026 (36)

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Exhibit H Page 6 (C) Identify the presence and estimated population of threatened or endangered species from either federal or state lists. Refer to Item(a)above for discussion relative to threatened or endangered species from either federal or state lists. (d) Provide a description of the general effect during and after the proposed operation on the existing wildlife of the area,including,but not limited to,temporary and permanent loss offood and habitat,interference with migratory routes,and the general effect on the wildlife from increased human activity,including noise. Impacts on local wildlife during construction and regular operations within the Permit Area will vary by degree depending on species and seasonal timing.Species that utilize the Permit Area year-round or for breeding/nesting will be impacted more than species that may only use the Permit Area for foraging or short-term use,as a stopover point during migration.Likewise, some more adaptable species may tolerate disturbances better than more sensitive species. Certain species may temporarily avoid the Permit Area and/or adjacent lands during construction and regular operations due to noise,illuminated areas,or anthropogenic activity. Habitat loss or alteration also would result in the direct loss of smaller,less mobile species of wildlife (e.g., small mammals and reptiles)and the displacement of more mobile species into adjacent habitats. Of greatest concern for biological resources within the region is the loss or alternation of associated suitable breeding habitat for migratory bird species and species associated with prairie dog colonies and other mammal burrows. Burrowing owls, which are State-listed as threatened,are known to use the Permit Area.Potential direct impacts on breeding burrowing owls as a result of mine-related activities could include abandonment of a breeding territory or nest site or the potential loss of eggs or young,which would reduce productivity for that breeding season,if present. Habitat available for wildlife,including special status species,within the Permit Area is currently impacted by existing oil and gas construction and operation. While the projected life-of-mine for the Kersey Mine is on the order of twenty(20)years,inclusive of pre-development,production,and closure and reclamation activities,it can be considered a "temporary"use of the land.Further to this,the mmmg operations will employ a progressive pit with concurrent reclamation;that is,the active mine pit will advance across the Permit Area with concurrent reclamation (revegetation)occurring immediately following the completion of minmg within a given year's mine block.After the regular operations cease and the land is reclaimed,species use of the Permit Area will likely return to its pre- mining state.Accordingly, the duration of loss of food and/or habitat will effectively be decreased to a period of time significantly less than the full projected life-of-mine;and,in such a manner that revegetation(and habitat restoration)will be occurring on a continuing basis,utilizmg native habitat grasses and forbs to re-establish habitat to the post-mming designated land use. CSC plans to coordinate with USFWS and CPW on the field survey results (Exhibit H-1) and to develop applicable avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts on significant wildlife resources. To reduce impacts on nesting birds and ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,CPW recommends implementing avoidance measures such as performing land clearing/disturbance and existing facilities demolition outside the breeding season(August 1 through March 14).If land disturbance and facilities demolition will occur during the breeding season(March 15 through July 31),pre-construction surveys for nesting bitrrds should be conducted and active nest buffers and avoidance periods should be implemented. Colorado Sand Company II,LLC Kersey Mine Construction Material Regular(112)Operation Reclamation Permit Application June 7,2024