GENERAL35514 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

XI. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has selected appropriate plant species and distributions [o benefit fish and wildlife. (4.18(4)(1)). Information pertaining to fish and wildlife is presented in Section 2.04.1 of the permit application. National King Coal contacted the local office of the Colorado Division of Wildlife requesting their assistance in assessing any potential impacts the mining operation may have on wildlife. A copy of the Division of Wildlife's response is found in Section 2.04.11 and exhibit 6. The general area of the mine site is considered critical deer winter range. However, it is the Division of Wildlife's opinion that, because of the long history of mining in the area, many of the impacts to wildlife have already occurred. Since no additional surface disturbance is anticipated, no additional impacts should occur. Reclamation of the site will enhance wildlife habitat in the area. Based upon the available information, the Division finds, pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(n), that the activities will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. XII. Protection of Underground Mining National King Coal does not plan to undertake any surface mining activities at this site, therefore, it complies with this section (4.22.4). XIII. Subsidence Control Information submitted indicates there aze two structures, the Huntington Irrigation Ditch and the Crawford Irrigation Ditch in the permit area which have the potential for mine related subsidence impacts. Impacts on these structures will be monitored by quarterly visual inspections for evidence of subsidence features within the permit area. Repairs, if necessary, will be effected by the operator for the ditch and have the approval of the surface landowners. This method has proved to be effective as in early 1990, subsidence cracks transversed the Hunnington Ditch and National King Coal immediately effected repairs by placing an impermeable fabric liner down several hundred feet of the ditch to repair the crack and prevent further problems if additional cracks appeared. No renewable resource lands lie within the permit azea. Information provided in the application indicates that the Pine Gulch drainage, which at one time was suggested to be a renewable resource azea, does not in fact qualify as one. There is no aquifer or recharge azea for an aquifer in the Pine Gulch area. Core hole data supplied with the original application demonstrate that the bedrock section above the level of the coal is dry. The survey of wells and springs in the area of the mine has established 23