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I ~_J ~~ ~.~ _iii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiu 999 Doc Date:12/11I2001 TELEPHONE CONVERSATION RECORD To: Terry Ireland, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grand Junc 'on CO From: Greg Ree i dlife Biologist, Program Support Division Subject: Mining Plan Modification for National King Coal October 27, 1998 I called Terry Ireland to discuss the proposed mining plan modification for expansion of mining into all of the Menefee Coal Bed No. 1 of the 195-acre Federal Lease COC-60941. I explained that the modification does not include additional surface disturbance and that the average annual coal production rate would not change. OSM previously prepared a biological assessment (September 22, 1997) for a revision [o add 260-acres in Federal Leases C-29125 and COC- 49465. Because of an increase in production and an increase in the estimated annual water depletion from the San Juan River, OSM determined that the operations could potentially effect the Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker. The USFWS December 8, 1997 Biological Opinion stated; "to avoid jeopardy to the Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker and to avoid destruction or adverse modification from the 7.91 acre-foot depletion the Bureau of Reclamation, in consultation with the Service, will reoperate Navajo Dam to mimic the natural hydrograph of the San Juan River, as agreed to as a result of consultation on the Animas-La Plata project. The operations agreement also will serve as the reasonable and prudent alternatives [o the King Coal Mine Project." Mr. Ireland stated that no additional consultation was necessary at this time because there is no proposed change to [he annual water depletion. The December 8, 1997 Biological Opinion remains valid, however, OSM should reinitiate consultation if there are changes to the operation [hat would increase the annual water depletion or potentially effect listed species or their critical habitat. S~~ ~eC~erS of ~e~nJcu~e~nce