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West Elk Mine <br /> <br />2.05-103 Rev. 06/05- PR10, 03/06- PR10, 05/06- PR10, 11/060- TR107, 04/07- TR108, 09/07- PR12, 02/08- PR12; 11/10- MR372; 10/20- MR-452; <br /> 12/20- TR149; 12/21- TR150, 1/24-TR152, 2/25-MR486 <br />2. Since no major migration routes have been identified on the permit area, it is not necessary to <br />guide migratory wildlife species by the means of fencing so as to direct their movement under <br />roadways or other obstructions which might result from construction of the surface facilities. <br />3. There are no ponds containing toxic-forming materials; however, should such a facility be <br />constructed, the pond will be fenced to exclude wildlife. <br />4. With regard to bald eagles and Canada lynx, the potential effects of surface-disturbing projects <br />on populations and designated habitats (at the time specific surface disturbing projects are <br />proposed) will be evaluated, and mitigation measures will be applied to avoid adverse impacts <br />to these federally listed species, in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. <br />5. Aquatic communities existing in the North Fork will be protected by the use of 50-foot wide <br />buffer zones of undisturbed land along stream channels. <br />6. The use of persistent pesticides is not anticipated. <br />7. Mountain Coal Company will, to the extent possible, prevent, control, and suppress range, <br />forest, and coal fires that are not approved by CDOW as part of this or any other management <br />plan. <br />8. Since wildlife habitat is to be the secondary post-mining land use, MCC has selected plant <br />species to be used on reclaimed areas based on the following criteria: <br /> a. Their proven nutritional value for wildlife <br /> b. Their use for cover for wildlife species <br /> c. Their ability to support and enhance wildlife habitat after release of bond <br />These factors have been discussed in other portions of the permit document. As discussed, the intent <br />of MCC is to distribute the plant species in clusters so as to maximize the benefit to wildlife. This <br />will provide adequate edge effect, cover, and forage benefits for the wildlife species occurring on and <br />adjacent to the site. <br />Protection of Hydrologic Balance – 2.05.6(3) <br />The hydrologic balance and probable hydrologic consequences are discussed after the Subsidence <br />Survey, Subsidence Monitoring and Subsidence Control Plan in section 2.05.6. The surface effects <br />of mining on the hydrologic balance in the SOD, Apache Rocks West, the Southern Panels and <br />Sunset Trail Mining areas are anticipated to be minimal. Section 2.05.6 (6) in this document <br />describes at length the anticipated impacts to the ground surface resulting from mining activities <br />in these areas. It is acknowledged throughout this permit that numerous landslides and slumps are <br />present throughout the MCC permit area and these features generally move in response to <br />saturation by precipitation events. Monitoring plans included in 2.05.6 (6) describe how MCC <br />will observe these features for effects due to mining related activities. Protection of the Hydrologic <br />Balance and Probable Hydrologic Consequences are discussed as they relate to the effects of <br />subsidence and follow the Subsidence Section of 2.05.6 (6). <br /> <br />