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tons per year to 6 million tons per yeaz and that associated with the addition of the new train <br />loadout. Based upon Bowie Resources LTD's estimates, the net effect of Permit Revision 6 will <br />result in an additiona120.3 ac/fr average annual depletion to the North Fork of the Gunnison <br />River in the Upper Colorado River Basin from 236.6 ac/ft [0 256.9 ac/fr. As a part of their <br />revised consumptive use estimates, Bowie Resources LTD also contends that, based upon <br />historic water consumption records for the mine, the increase in annual coal production to 6 <br />million tons per yeaz and the additional evaporative loss from the new sedimentation pond would <br />be only be 190.8 ac/fr and below the 236.6 ac/ft per year considered in previous Section 7 <br />consultations. Documentation supporting this contention, was not submitted for OSM's review. <br />In a memorandum dated December ] 0, ] 999, (GJ-6-CO-99-F-034) USF&W S concurred with <br />OSM's September 10, 1999 "may effect" determinations for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus <br />leucocephalus), peregrine falcon Falco pereerinus), and southwestern willow flycatcher <br />(E~idonax traillii extimus). This same memorandum also concurred with OSM's "may effect" <br />determination for the Colorado pikeminnow, (formerly the Colorado squawfish) (Ptl~chocheilus <br />Lucius), razorback sucker (Xvrauchen texanus), boneytail (Gila ele ans), and humpback chub <br />(Gi(a cvpha) due to water depletion impacts. <br />The USF&WS has previously determined that water depletions in the Upper Colorado River <br />System are a major source of impact to the endangered fish species. Continued water <br />withdrawals has restricted the ability of the Colorado River system to produce the flow <br />conditions required by the various life stages of these fish. <br />OSM has determined that the effect of Permit Revision 6, will result in an increased annual <br />depletion of water from the Colorado River Basin that may effect the continued existence of the <br />Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, boneytail, and razorback sucker. Therefore, OSM is <br />requesting the initiation of formal Section 7 consultation for the cumulative 256.9 ac/ft depletion <br />resulting from this project. <br />If you have any questions regarding this biological assessment, please give me a call at (303) <br />844-1400, extension 1500. <br />Sincerely, <br />...~ - <br />%~~~ <br />Cazl R. Johns on <br />Northwest ranch <br />cc: CO-DMG -Joe Dudash <br />