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C-81-019 2000 Midterm Review <br />November 20, 2000 <br />Please correct the reference to NIap 19 (page 2.05-60 of the PAP) as showing (graphically) <br />the post-mining land use. <br />Item 39. Rule 2.05.6(2)(a). The PAP is in compliance with this rule. The Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />starts on page 2.05-65 of the PAP. The magnitude of disturbance is minimized (PAP page 2.05- <br />67) by prohibition of grazing (cattle)(PAP page 2.0~-67), raptor protection on power lines (PAP <br />page 2.05-72), limiting construction of roads and off-road travel by vehicles (PAP page 2.05-72), <br />prohibition of hunting (PAP page 2.05-72), vehicle speed limits (PAP page 2.05-72) and <br />employee education (PAP page 2.05-73). Wildlife habitat was improved by clearing of mature <br />brush (PAP page 2.05-62) and the habitat created through the reclamation projects (including <br />selection of seed mixes and shrub plantings). A condition that clearly shows enhancement of <br />wildlife resources has developed. The mine site has become such a preserve, especially for elk, <br />that an improvement program of harvesting elk through a "Ranching For Wildlife" program has <br />been entered into with [he Colorado Department of Wildlife (PAP page 2.05-73). No threatened <br />or endangered species aze known to utilize the habitats present on the permit area (PAP page <br />2.04.11-47). Raptors are known to the area, but suitable nesting habitat is in permit areas that are <br />not be disturbed by mining activity (PAP page 2.04.11-47, Map 15). <br />Item 40. Rule 2.05.6(2)(b). Map 14 depicts wildlife habitat, ranges and production azeas. Big <br />Game Use Information and habitat improvement areas are shown on Map 13. Raptor nesting <br />areas and Sagegrouse strutting grounds are shown Map 15, as are wildlife observation transect <br />locations. A text description is provided for the fencing "facility" used to protect wildlife and <br />related environmental values, but no depiction on a map was found during this review. <br />Please depict the locations(s) of fencing used to enhance wildlife habitat (suggest the <br />Existing Structures Nlaps 21 and 22, or NIap 14). Please revise the text on page 2.05-67 of <br />the PAP to reference the appropriate map. <br />Item 41. Rule 2.05.6(3)(a). The text of the PAP with regards to the protection of hydrologic <br />balance and water quality is dispersed in the PAP. Discussions start on page 2.04.7-85 and again <br />on page 2.05-73. Maps 11, 12, 12A, 32, 33, 33A, and 37 all relate to this rule. Shortcomings in <br />these maps were addressed under Rules 2.04.7(1)(a)(iv), 2.04,7(2)(a), 2.04.7(4)(a) and <br />2,04.7(4)(b) above. The PAP is in compliance, by exception, with Rule 2.05.6(3)(a)(iv), as there <br />is no underground mining in this permit. <br />Item 42. Rule 2.05.6(3)(b). The PAP contains a plan for the control of surface (through <br />diversions and sedimentation ponds) and groundwater (none) drainage. However, statements <br />made on page 2.05-74 and 4.05-2 that (to the effect) sedimentation ponds provide treatment of <br />surface runoff from disturbed areas are outdated. There are some exceptions [Rule 4.05.2(3)]. <br />The conclusion is presented in the PAP, beginning on page 2.05-73, that the Colowyo Mine will <br />not adversely affect the hydrologic balance or water quality of the adjacent azeas. The conclusion <br />is based on baseline hydrologic and geologic data and evaluations of operations. The PAP <br />includes a plan for the collection, recording and reporting of required ground and surface water <br />quality and quantity data. However, the plan (monitoring) is found to be segmented and dispersed <br />within the PAP. A hydrologic reclamation plan is not required as no material damage or adverse <br />hydrologic impacts are anticipated [Rule 2.05.6(3)(b)(iv)]. Aplan for the restoration of the <br />14 <br />