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A. Alternative One -Proposed Action Minerals Subsidence could occur due to the extraction of coal on retnaat in the application area. The most likely showing on the surface would be gradual lowering of the surface without any surface disturbances such as tension cracks, although surface fractures could occur. In addition, as a result of the requirement for the quarterly monitoring of the area for subsidence and the {Treater thickness of overburden, it is not anticipated that subsidence would be evidenced. Exhibit 60 of the Mountain Coal Company, West Elk Mining and Reclamation Plan discusses subsidence at the West Elk Mine. Table 3.3.4.2 predicts that maximum subsidence for longwall mining of the B seam is 7.97 feet and for room and pillar mining of the F seam is 2.25 feet. Predictions for the D/E seam are not available. The F seam will not be mined on the tract and it is assumed that predictions for subsidence for the F seam will be similar to the D/E seam or 2.25 feet. In areas where both seams will be mined, maximum subsidence on the tract is predicted to be 10.22 feet. Bluffing at the outcrop could occur but geologic conditions of the coal will not allow mining close to the outcrop, therefore Bluffing is unlikely. Transportation There is no coal truck traffic increase expected as a result of this operation. At 4 million tons per year production, seven to eight trains per week would haul coal and at maximum production of 5.0 million tons per year, nine to ten trains per week would haul coal out of the valley from the West Elk Mine. At maximum production for all mines in the North Fork, train traffic would increase to 14 trains per week. This is an increase of three trains per week from the number of trains per week hauling coal in 1993. County wide traffic associated with coal related growth would not be expected to significantly overload any county or State road system. While traffic accidents would be expected to increase an unspecified amount, the accident rate (accident per vehicle mile) itself would not be expected to increase. Wildlife and Endangered Species Surface disturbances and activity associated with development and operation of above ground coal mining facilities would affect wildlife to the extent they would destroy habitat, disrupt behavioral activities, causing increased competition on adjacent areas, cause direct mortality, or decreased natality. Existing stands of Grand Mesa penstemon, a candidate species, would be disturbed with initial disturbances. In the long term though, they could be increased since this species appears to be disturbance dependant. However, plant survey would be required prior to any surface disturbance to determine their presence. Breeding and nesting habitat of the loggerhead shrike and other neotropical birds would be diminished by disturbances in sagebrush, Gambel oak, and riparian vegetation stands. Disturbances in the sagebrush and oak stands should be avoided to the extent possible. No disturbances should occur within the designated riparian areas. Bald eagle nest sites, winter roost sites, and winter concentration areas, and Golden eagle nest sites which may be established during the life of this project would be affected to the degree disturbances would occur. Through consultation with the Service and Colorado Division of Wildlife protective measures have been developed to protect these sites. Water depletion associated with coal mining on this tract would impact populations of Colorado squawfish, Razorback sucker, Humpback chub, and Bonytail chub and their critical habitats found downstream in the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. Even though there is no anticipated water use or Page 13