Laserfiche WebLink
comparatively minor significance for big game or other species of high concern to DOW. The <br />saline, fine textured soils will present significant reclamation challenges, however. My <br />recommendation to Jim Stover was that to the extent that deposits of the gravelly soils on colluvial <br />deposits or pediments aze disturbed, the salvage of such material should be maximized for use as <br />plant growth medium. <br />There is a stock pond in the planned rail loop/ coal stockpile/ processing plant facility vicinity, <br />which currently provides an important water source for wildlife in the acid landscape. Mine <br />related disturbance and activity will likely impact use of the pond by wildlife, and DO W staff <br />indicated that provision of alternative water sources would be an important mitigation tool for big <br />game and other species. <br />For the conveyor line that would run from the mine portal area down to the processing area, DOW <br />felt there would be a need for a number of wildlife crossings; buried sections preferable to <br />underpasses, and the crossings should be located at natural topographic "funnel" locations or <br />established big game travel corridors. <br />There is the potential for raptor nest sites in the canyon habitat in the vicinity of the proposed <br />portal facilities; thorough inventory will be required and appropriate mitigation measures will need <br />to be developed as applicable. <br />Following the conclusion of the Redcliff site visit, Paul Creeden and Steph Duckett accompanied <br />me on a brief site visit to McClane Canyon and Munger Canyon mines. Neither of them had <br />previously been to the mines, and I felt it would be helpful to them to get an overview of the <br />operations, so they would have a better basis to respond to our periodic requests for comment at <br />permit midterms, renewals, and revisions. They both seemed to think that it was worthwhile. <br />