2002-08-23_REVISION - M1983033 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Exhibit H WILDLIFE INFORMATION No new information is submitted, Wildlife statements in the original permit application and the first amendment cover the broad area around this site, so they also apply to this amend- ment. On November 27 the operator met with the local Wildlife officer Ron Oehlkers and the area biologist Eric Odell to explain the proposed revisions. A copy of their comment letter to Clear Creek County is provided for your review on the next two pages. The items raised in the letter are not supported by any solid information and are listed as concerns. The applicant does not believe the amount of area being added to the existing ODP will have an impact on wildlife in this area. Of the 166.39 acres, 130.07 acres will be reclaimed to at least the existing condi- tions or be undisturbed, and 23.57 ac. will be commercial area There will still be 1,024 acres the Frei's own that will remain undisturbed and access will be limited, so the area becomes private buffer area and wildlife reserve. In 1983 when the permit was originally approved there were no Big Horn Sheep on the property, very little wildlife used the site because it was being heavily grazed by live stock. The first sheep began to appear in 1985 and now number over 70 animal at certain times of the year. On any given day one is likely to see sheep in the operations area of the mine of on surrounding slopes. Great care is take to protect them as the mining takes place. Wildlife watering tanks have been built on the Frei property at their expense to help the wildlife and improve the habitat in the area. Albert Frei and Sons, Inc., has been willing to work with DOW in the past and will continue to do so. Many of Mr. Oehlkers comments have little to do with wildlife and are directed towards his frustration with other regulatory issues out of his control. 25 (Revised 8/19/02)