REV98009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

As a part of the permit renewal process CO-DMRS required BTU Empire Corporation to revise and verify their water depletion estimate for the Eagle 5 & 9 mine. In response to CO-DMRS's request, BTU Empire Corporation estimated that its current water depletion for the mine is 0.775 ac/ft per year resulting from evaporative losses at water treatment facilities and wells. BTU Empire Corporation also estimated that the pumping of the mine works to maintain a stable mine pool results in a 1,097 ac/ft augmentation to the Williams Fork River. The USF&WS has previously determined that water depletions in the Upper Colorado River System are a major source of impact to the endangered fish species. Continued water withdrawals have restricted the ability of the Colorado River system to produce the flow conditions required by the various life stages of these fish. OSM has determined that the effect of RN-04 will result in a 1,096.23 ac/ft augmentation to the Colorado River Basin, while the Eagle 5 & 9 mine is in temporary cessation that will have "no effect" on the continued existence of the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, boneytail, and razorback sucker. BTU Empire Corporation will however need to revise its water depletion estimate and consultation must be reinitiated before the Eagle 5 & 9 mine can return to an active status. Determinations of Effect Based on the above information, OSM has determined that RN-04 at BTU Empire Corporation Eagle 5 & 9 mine "may affect but are not likely to adversely affect" the bald eagle, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats. Based on the above information, OSM has determined that RN-04 at BTU Empire Corporation's Eagle 5 & 9 mine will have no effect on Canada lynx, Mexican spotted owl, Black-footed ferret, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, boneytail, and razorback sucker. It is also OSM's determination that RN-04 is not likely to jeopardize the Yellow-billed cuckoo. OSM understands that, should these species be listed in the future, the Regulatory Authority would need to reinitiate consultation with your office. If you have any questions regarding this formal consultation, please give me a call at (303) 844- 1400, extension 1500. Sincerely, C~-l~~ Car] R. Joh ton Natural Resource Specialist cc: CO-DMRS