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Section 815.13 Continued. u As indicated in Section 776.12, Energy Fuels will not conduct coal exploration during which more than 250 tons of coal are removed. Section 815.15 Performance standards for coal exploration. The performance standards in this Section are applicable to coal explora- tion which substantially disturbs land surface. (a) Habitats of unique value for fish, wildlife, and other related environmental values and areas identified in 30 CFR 780.16(b) shall not be disturbed during coal exploration. Over three years of exhaustive fish and wildlife studies, in and around the proposed exploration area, have identified two areas of unique habitat, as identified by and described in Sections 779.20 and 780.16 (b). An elk calving ground was identified in a portion • of the S 1/4 of Section 18, Township 4 north, Range 86 West and an adjoining part of the N 1/4 of Section 19, Township 4 North, Range 86 [Jest. The studies performed by Ecology Consultants, Inc. and Energy Fuels determined that the critical period for elk calving occurs between May 30th and June 7th. Exploration activities in these areas will not take place during the elk calving period. A sage grouse strutting ground was identified in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 13, Township 4 North, Range 87 West. This is located outside the exploration area and therefore disturbance will not take place. No other unique values, as described in Section 780.16 (b), are within the exploration area or will be affected during coal exploration. (b) The person who conducts coal exploration shall, to the extent practicable, measure important environmental characteristics of the exploration area during the operations, to minimize environmental damage to the area and to provide supportive information for any permit appli- • cation that person may submit under Subchapter G. 815-3