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H-30 • increased noise, hunting pressure, human activity, and road kill will affect wildlife populations. Due to the limited scale of the proposed project, the overall impact of the project will not signifi- cantly alter the animal populations or distribution, and will probably not affect the economic value of hunting in the area. The following discussion outlines the possible impacts to major groups of wildlife species which would be affected by the development of the project. Mule Deer The establishment of the well field and plant facilities, including roads, buildings, processing facilities, and topsoil storage areas, will necessitate the removal of some wintering habitat and feeding areas. Approximately 100 acres of the well field will infringe on mule • deer severe winter range, of which about 50 acres will be disturbed. The ultimate impacts on mule deer in the vicinity of the project will depend on several factors. First, the number and extent of developments in the Piceance Basin area will influence the ultimate impact on wildlifE~. Second, severe climatic conditions (e.g., low temperatures and deep snows) when added to the impact of habitat alteration and/or reduction, will affect the animals by increasing their concentration in the major use areas. However, construction of the well field will result in small areas of disturbance located within large contiguous areas of one habitat type. Consequently, after reclamation, the total habitat diversity will increase and probably result in increased deer populations in the area. Increased vehicular traffic to and from the project area will increase the probability of deer loss. The probability of increased harassment and poaching of deer due to mining activities is likely. • THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS TRADE SECRETS AND PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL DATA AND MAYONOT BE DISCLOSED, COPIED OR MADE AVAILIABLE FOR PUBLICNNSPECTION. ~~~~ ~ ~~, ~ ~