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survey was adequate to assess future conflicts with nesting raptors. As such, stipulation No. 15 of the initial permit is considered satisfied. However, as a result of the initial survey, the U.S.F.W.S. provided recommendations on the establishment of buffer zones to protect nest sites of high federal interest species of raptors. Therefore, in consideration of the proposed central facilities area permit revision which involves substantial changes to the original mine plan and significant increases in the area of disturbance, the following stipulation is required: Stipulation No. 12 THE PERMITTEE SHALL MAINTAIN RAPTOR BUFFER ZONES ESTABLISHED FOR THE MUNGER CANYON MINE BY THE U.S.F.W.S. FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE INITIAL RAPTOR SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JULY 1983. NO SURFACE DISTURBANCES SHALL OCCUR WITHIN ESTABLISHED BUFFER ZONES EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY CMLRD IN CONSULTATION WITH THE U.S.F.W.S. AND C.D.O.W.. Salt Creek Mining Company has committed in Section 4.5 of Volume VI of the application to conducting a road kill survey for the Munger Canyon Mine area during its operation. This study will commence before the mine reaches a production of 149,000 tons per year. Details of timing and reporting procedures for the study will be worked out under consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Concern was also expressed regarding the mule deer critical winter range surrounding the mine site. At the time the initial five-year permit was issued, the area of existing disturbance was limited and future development, as authorized by the initial permit, was considered to be minimal. However, following approval of the central facilities area permit revision, the area of existing disturbance (35 acres) will be increased by 87 acres to a total disturbed area of 122 acres. In light of this significant increase in the area to be disturbed by surface operations and facilities, the following Stipulation No. 13 was attached to the permit during the 1985 Permit Revision No. 1. The operator submitted Technical Revision No. 4 in January 1986 which addressed these concerns. Construction of powerlines at the Munger Canyon Mine will conform to REA Bulletin 61-10 to provide adequate protection for raptors against electrocution. Salt Creek Mining Company has stated that a posted speed limit of 15 mph will be enforced at the mine to minimize the potential for vehicle-deer collisions. The crossing over East Salt Creek has been designed to safely pass the required flow events to avoid damage to the creek. No pesticides will be used in this operation. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(n) and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed activities will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats. -42-