2003-07-31_PERMIT FILE - M2003001

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NY. Thomas Schreiner Juy 29, 2003 Page 4 of 7 Temporary Substitute Supply Plan and Aquifer Impact Analysis prepared by Forest Leaf, P.E., there is only one well not owned by Hall-Irwin located within 600 feet of the mining area. This well, Widcershame #161560, is over 350 feet from the edge of raining. t 9. Hall-Irwin will not mine within two feet of groundwater until the Office of the State Engineer has approved the temporary substitute water supply plan and issued a well perrnit 6A.8 EXHIBIT H - Wildlife Ir-formation 20. We are in the process of corrtacting the Colorado Division of Wildlife to discuss this application. We will send each objector a copy of your adequacy review and a copy of this letter. As you are aware, Savage and Savage conducted a wildlife assessment for the site. Hall-Irwin contracted with this firm because the principals of Savage and Savage are certified and perrrritted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife to survey for a number of candidate and listhd threatened and endangered species, including the Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Ute ladies'-b'esses orchid, southwest wilbw flycatcher, bald eagle, mountain plover, and burrowing owl. Savage and Savage has prepared numerous wildlife mitigation plans for these species. They have also prepared numerous reclamation plans for mining operations throughout Colorado. The Savages found, 'There are no signficant natural vegetation communities within the project site....During the site investigation we errcourrtered few wildlife species within the project site. The majority of wildlife species were observed north of the project site within the adjacent corridor....Arxording tothe proposed mineral extraction plan, none of the riparian corridor will be disturbed, thereby avoiding and protecting the most valuable wildlife habitat adjacent io the project site. Noise and air emissions during mining may cause a temporary disturbance to wildlife. Species such as raccoons, coyotes, beaver, deer, and raptors will continue to use the riparian corridor during mining operations and the site itself opportunistically,d prey or food species are present...The mining and reclamation will create a more diverse habitatthan is currently present Areas of open water will sustain additional species of reptiles and amphibians as well as shorebirds and waterfowl. The addition of the water will create finge environments favorable tb predatory mammals and raptors, as well as food and water sources for herbivores. With the planting of additional trees and shrubs, additional strata and vegetation layers will be added to the site, creating improved cover, foraging, roosting, and nesting areas for wildlife.' The mining plan has been devised to minimize impacts to wildlife. Hall-Irvuin will mine the site in phases, convey material when possible, and reclaim the site concurrently to limit wildlife disturbance. Please note that Exhibit H included a letter tp the US Fish and Wildlife Service prepared by Savage and Savage requesting disqualification for the UteLodies'-tresses Orchid. We have enclosed a letter of concurrence from the US Fish and Wildlife Service dated February 7, 2003.