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The grassland community consists basically of the same grass species found in the upland sagebrush community. The Juniper-Pinyon community is dominated by Utah ~uiniper (Sabina osteosperma), big Sagebrush, Pinyon pine (Pinus edulus>, and the same grasses mentioned above. The present land use of the area is for cattle grazing and wildlife habitat. The proposed mine area and surrounding area is used by a large variety of wildlife including coyotes, fox, mule deer, elk (in the winter) and numerous bird species. Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plan Operations on the proposed Hamflton Mine will be similar to most surface mining operations (see section 2.05 of the permit). The Hamilton Mine will recover coal from two mining areas. Mine area one will be in the north part of the permit area; mine area two will be to the south. A total of 257 acres is proposed for disturbance during this 5 year permit term. Prior to any disturbance except for road building, the surface water control system will be built. Topsoil will then be cleared of brush or trees, salvaged according to the topsoil salvaging plan and stockpiled in designated areas. Whenever possible, topsoil will be live hauled to active reclamation areas. When this is not possible, topsoil will be added to stockpiles. Stcckpiles will be protected from wind and water erosion by contour disking, terracing, mulching, ripping, or seeding. If the stockpile is to be left more than 90 days it will be seeded with the topsoil stockpile seed mix and berms will be constructed around the base to prevent any topsoil loss. Following topsoil salvage, mining pits will be opened in the northern part of the permit area and proceed towards the south. Box cut material from both mining areas will be stored in temporary spoil piles. If coal blending from both mining areas is necessary, then mining may occur in both areas simultaneously. Coal will be mined from the lower Dakota 2 and 3 seams which are of mineable thickness throughout the permit area. Coal will be trucked from the mine via county roads GG 25 and HH 31 for delivery to the buyer. The lower Dakota 4 seam is of mineable thickness in the southern portion of the permit area. At a coat production rate of 350,000 tons per year, the mine has an expected life of 54 months, from initial disturbance to final reclamation. Some of the overburden layers were found to be acidic. The operator has committed to testing and identifying these overburde- layers and selectively handling them so none of this acid producing material is replaced within four feet (including topsoil cover) of the reclaimed surface. 7o ensure that this happe^s, the operator has also committed to a regraded overburden sampling program to identify acid overburden and treat those areas accordingly to provide four feet of cover or to neutralize the acid forming potential of the material. Thes~_plans are located on pages 2.05-12 and 121 of the permit application. ~~ -10-