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Wildlife <br />Canyon walls in the permit area provide potential raptor nesting sites, and peregrine falcon nexting has been <br />documented in the permit area in recent years. The river is used by waterfowl during migration, wintering and <br />nesting seasons. Western portions of the pernut azea provide winter range for mule deer, and overlap a portion <br />of a federally designated wild horse management azea. <br />During winter months, bald eagles have been observed along the Colorado River through DeBeque Canyon. <br />Three species of threatened or endangered fish may potentially inhabit the Colorado River in this area. These <br />three fish species include Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and humpback chub. Riparian <br />willow/tamarisk vegetion in the permit vicinity provides potential habitat for the endangered southwest willow <br />flycatcher. <br />Additional information on the wildlife in the area can be found in Tab 11 of the permit application. <br />Land Use <br />Due to the long mining history of the azea, and existence of the Cameo Power Plant adjacent to the North <br />Portal mine facilities, current land use along the river and I-70 corridor in the mine vicinity is industrial. <br />Wildlife habitat is the primary use on adjacent dry uplands and tributary canyons. The post-mining land use <br />for the permitted area is wildlife habitat. <br />Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans <br />The general description of mine operations can be found in Tab 12 of the application; the reclamation plan in <br />Tab 14. <br />Mining by modem underground methods began in the pemrit azea in 1974. Between 1974 and December <br />1999, when operations ceased, a total of 3,281 acres were affected by underground workings (including surface <br />azea encompassed by the projected 12 degree subsidence angle of draw). Total surface disturbance associated <br />with the mining and reclamation operation is approximately 243 acres. The mine has been inactive since <br />December 1999, and the operation is in permanent cessation with the exception of the unit train loadout, which <br />is in temporary cessation. At present, (August 2003) mine portals have been sealed and extensive reclamation <br />work has been performed. The approved permit does not include plans to reinitiate mining, and no future <br />disturbance of previously undisturbed areas is proposed. Cameo Refuse Disposal Area No. 3 (CRDA-3) and <br />ancillary facilities had been proposed prior to mine closure, and were to be constmcted in Coal Canyon, west <br />of CRDA-1. Disturbance associated with the facilities did not occur, and the permit has been amended to <br />clarify that the facilities aze no longer proposed or approved. Fina] reclamation is to be completed in all areas <br />with the exception of the unit train loadout by the end of 2004. <br />The reader is referred to the Division's February 10, 2000 Findings of Compliance Document for a discussion <br />of the mining methods employed during active operations. <br />Sediment Control System <br />All surface runoff from disturbed azeas is primarily routed through one of eight sediment ponds to prevent <br />additional contributions of sediment to streamflow or runoff outside the permit azea due to mining <br />14 <br />