GENERAL32961

• Permit No: M1999002
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Date: 8/18/1998
• Doc Name: COMMERCIAL MINE PLAN SUBMITTED TO BLM SECTION 7
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

• excluded for specific habitat-based reasons. The raptor survey was conducted during
two distinct phases of the raptor nesting period in May and June 1998. All observed
active and inactive raptor nests were flagged in the field and their locations depicted
on maps, and the status and condition of each nest were recorded.
Initial results from the 1998 raptor survey indicate that the Piceance Site currently is
not heavily used by breeding raptors. The results of the 1998 raptor survey will be
provided to the BLM upon completion.
Previous surveys along the proposed pipeline corridor from the Greasewood
Compressor Station south to the Parachute Site were completed in 1994 for the
Colorado Interstate Gas Company and Barrett Resources natural gas pipelines.
These surveys indicated minimal use of areas along the proposed corridor, with
some use of mature riparian trees along Parachute Creek (CIG 1995). American
Soda's 1998 raptor survey included those portions of the 44-mile pipeline corridor
considered by the BLM to be suitable raptor nesting habitat. Survey areas
emphasized pinyon-juniper and aspen habitats because the BLM has determined
these areas to be the most sensitive for nesting raptors. Areas 500 feet on either side
of the pipeline centerline were surveyed within these habitats (Steigers 1998, BLM
1998e). The results of the pipeline corridor portion of the 1998 raptor survey will
also be provided to the BLM upon completion.
• 7.7.3 Sage Grouse
The most productive sage grouse habitat near the project area exists along the Roan
Plateau in southern Rio Blanco County and northern Garfield County (BLM 1994).
Known sage grouse leks (strutting areas) exist near the pipeline corridor in T4S,
R96W, Sections 3, 10, and 15. These areas are illustrated in Figure 7-21. The nearest
active lek is situated approximately 600 feet west of pipeline corridor in Section 10.
A lek is defined by the CDOW as "an open area usually located in low sagebrush
where sage grouse traditionally display and breed" (CDOW 1998b).
Sage grouse nesting habitat exists in T4S, R96W, Sections 3, 10, 15, 22, 27, and 34 (CIG
1995). An isolated population of sage grouse also exists near the Greasewood
Compressor Station (BLM 1994). The proposed pipeline corridor will approach these
areas but will not intersect any of them.
7.7.4 Waterfowl
Seasonal and perennial aquatic habitats exist along Piceance Creek. These habitats
often support migration-related use during September through November and
April through May (Denison 1989). They also sustain very limited nesting by
mallards and cinnamon/green-winged teal. No aquatic habitats suitable for
• waterfowl use exist at the Piceance Site, with the possible exception of the two
American Soda, L.L.P. 7_39
Commerual Mine Plan
August ]8. 199!3