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Hydrology <br />As illustrated on Exhibit A (Legal Description and Location Map) and Exhibit <br />E (the Mining/Reclamation Map) the permit area occupies dredge mining spoils <br />(tailing). As such, the area is on the valley floor and the Swan River (quite a small <br />creek at this elevation) runs adjacent to the site. The Swan River was disturbed by <br />historic mining from above this site all the way to the Blue River (about 5 miles). <br />There are no other ditches, reservoirs, or ponds that would receive drainage directly <br />from the affected area. <br />The operation will adhere to all applicable State and Federal water quality and <br />water quantity laws and regulations. RILC is cognizant of the potential phosphorus <br />problem in Dillon Reservoir. No chemicals will be used at this site. <br />Mining of the placer tailing will not get closer than approximately two feet <br />(vertical) to the water table. <br />Wildlife <br />The Rock Island Operation is on the main Fork of the Swan River. Colorado <br />Cutthroat Trout have been found in the North Fork of the Swan River. The <br />confluence of the North Fork with the Main Fork is about one-quarter mile upstream of <br />this site. The dredge tailing in the Main Fork has prohibited the upstream migration of <br />Brook Trout to the North Fork through the years and has effectively isolated the <br />species. As indicated below, this operation will not affect this situation. <br />Alex Chappell (Colorado Division of Wildlife) inspected and commented on <br />the Alpine Rock Swan River Resource application in 1993, which included this <br />specific site. His comments with regard to that application were: <br />"Due to previous mining there is little wildlife utilizing this area. The dominant <br />species are beaver, fox and coyotes. Previous disturbance precludes the <br />area for deer and elk habitat. This project site is below the cutthroat trout <br />reclamation area and will not have an impact on restoration efforts. Mining will <br />not expose groundwater or disturb the natural existing flow of Swan River so <br />there should be no negative impact to the aquatic Irfe. Removal of the tailing <br />piles and leveling the site will improve the area for future wildlife habitat." <br />No Threatened or Endangered, State or Federal wildlife species are known to <br />utilize the site. <br />Alr Quality <br />Rodc Island Land will adhere to all air quality laws and regulations. In <br />cooperation with the County, the Company has already contributed to both paving <br />and the application of dust retardant on Tiger Road (County Road 6). <br />5 <br />