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Climate <br />Annual precipitation at the mine site is 16.11 inches. The precipitation is consistent throughout the <br />year with no significant dry periods. The average temperature in January is 17.1 °F and is 65.9°F in <br />July. Regionally, wind directions run east-west following the Yampa River Valley. More localized <br />wind patterns trend along the side valleys. <br />Land Use <br />Current and historic land use in the vicinity of the operation has been mining, grazing for livestock, <br />and wildlife habitat. Irrigated cropland in the area is limited to portions of the Fish Creek alluvial <br />body and to the Yampa River floodplain. Non-irrigated crops aze grown on sloping upland azeas, as <br />well as on alluvial flats. No cropland was disturbed by mining. <br />Soils <br />The soils found within and adjacent to the mine plan area aze typical of soils found in the cold, <br />semi-arid regions of the Western United States. The soils are moderately deep (20 to 40 inches) to <br />shallow (10 to 20 inches). Soils were developed in weathered, interbedded fine sandstone, siltstone, <br />and shale, and in local slopewash and colluvium. <br />Vegetation <br />Three vegetative types; mixed brush, sagebrush grassland, and aspen characterize vegetation in the <br />vicinity of the operation. Because of livestock grazing, shrubs have increased in density while forbs <br />and grasses have decreased. <br />Fish and Wildlife <br />Numerous wildlife species inhabit the general area of the mine site. The most predominant big game <br />species aze elk and mule deer. Common raptors aze Golden Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, Great Horned <br />Owl, Marsh Hawk and American Kestrel. <br />Cultural and Historic Resources <br />The applicant conducted a number of site specific archaeological investigations of the permit area <br />between 1978 and 1987. During these cultural resource inventories, two (2) azchaeological sites and <br />one (1) isolated prehistoric artifact within the permit boundary were identified. Of these, only one <br />was considered significant; a stone hearth. The applicant entered into an agreement with the State <br />Historic Preservation Office regarding mitigation measures of the site. Copies of all survey and <br />testing reports aze on file with the State Historic Preservation Office. <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br />The Seneca II Mine is a surface operation that used area strip techniques. Surface disturbance at the <br />