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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />Collom – Rule 4, Page 19 Revision Date: 4/28/22 <br />Revision No.: TR-154 <br />As discussed in Section 2.04.11(4), it is unlikely that any threatened or endangered species occur in the <br />Collom permit expansion area disturbance. No designated critical habitat for any species is known to <br />exist in the permit expansion area. Golden eagles are known to nest in the permit expansion area, but the <br />nests are located outside the area to be mined. No bald eagles are known to nest in or near the permit <br />expansion area. Golden eagle nests and nests used by other raptor species are described in Section <br />2.04.11. There were eight nests used by raptor species other than golden eagles that were located within <br />the permit expansion area. Two of these nests have recently been active (in 2006 or 2007), and were used <br />by the long-eared owl and Cooper’s hawk. <br />As described in Section 2.04.11(1-3), two Greater Sage-Grouse and two Columbian sharp-tailed grouse <br />lek sites would be impacted by mining disturbances. Based on the survey information captured and <br />discussed previously in this submittal, the impact to the overall grouse populations in the area can <br />reasonably be described as minor. Habitat mitigation measures for sage-grouse populations displaced <br />during mining are discussed in Section 2.04.11(4), 2.05.4, 2.05.6(2). The locations of possible raptor <br />nesting sites within the Collom expansion area disturbance boundary have also been included on the map. <br />Based on the language provided within the Environmental Assessment for securing the Collom Lease <br />Tract COC-68590, Coloywo will relocate these structures to a nearby area not targeted for disturbance. <br />Based on the survey work previously referenced in this submittal, the sites targeted for direct impact by <br />mining are not being heavily utilized by raptors at this time. This Map also identifies the location of <br />habitat enhancement “stockponds” that will facilitate additional opportunities for all wildlife species. <br />Section 4.18 in Volume 1 discusses electric power line and transmission facility construction guidelines <br />for retrofitting of existing power poles to protect raptors. Colowyo has implemented these raptor <br />protection measures in the Colowyo existing permit area and will also implement them in the Collom <br />permit expansion area. Because many raptor species are predators of the Greater Sage-Grouse and <br />Colombian shap-tailed grouse, specific restorative and enhancement activities are purposefully not being <br />pursued beyond the protective measures described above with respect to electrical structures. <br />Enhancement of raptor habitat in the Collom expansion area would likely lead to a lower probability of <br />successful resumption of grouse activity post-mining. <br />As described in Section 2.05.6(2) in Volume 1, all disturbed acreage, including roads, have been kept to a <br />minimum by proper planning to reduce impacts to all environmental resources, including impacts on <br />wildlife. <br />As part of the plan to return the post-mining land use to a rangeland condition capable of supporting the <br />diverse wildlife populations identified in the permit areas, Colowyo initiated efforts to restore wildlife <br />habitats during pre-mine planning and early mining. This was accomplished by conducting an extensive <br />four year study to assist in determination of the best techniques for revegetating disturbed areas with <br />native species to enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, Colowyo implemented a habitat improvement <br />program in 1975 to offset temporary habitat loss during mining. The reestablishment of herbaceous <br />species, topographic relief, impoundments and limited reestablishment of a shrub component form the <br />integral elements of the reclamation plan. <br />Sagebrush steppe reclamation areas specifically target sage-grouse habitat is described in Section <br />2.05.4.(2)(e). These areas will also serve as enhanced habitat for many other species, including mule deer <br />and elk. Grassland reclamation areas specifically target livestock grazing but the seed mix and <br />reclamation plan focus on ensuring plant species beneficial to wildlife will prosper as well. The <br />nutritional value of both plant communities targeted for establishment on reclaimed lands in the Collom <br />expansion area should be enhanced as compared to pre-mining condition based especially on increased <br />forage availability and diversity (for both livestock and wildlife species).