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for reclamation work completed by the operator (2.07.6(2)(k)). The cost estimate with <br /> supporting documentation is set forth in the Division's "Permit Renewal 03 Cost <br /> Update" for the Deserado Mine, dated April 14, 2000. The liability amount decrease <br /> was due to a significant decrease in demolition costs, and changes in other cost factors <br /> as documented in the Division's cost estimate. <br /> 11. The permittee has provided a discussion pertaining to the non-existence of prime <br /> farmland in the vicinity of the Deserado Mine permit area in Section II.J.2 of the <br /> permit application package. The Soil Conservation Service has issued a negative <br /> determination for the presence of prime farmland within the permit area. The <br /> determination is contained in a letter to the Division from the Meeker Office of the Soil <br /> Conservation Service dated June 9, 1981. <br /> The permittee has satisfactorily demonstrated that no prime farmland exists within the <br /> permit area. The Division finds the operation in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(k). <br /> 12. Based on information provided in the application, the Division has determined that an <br /> alluvial valley floor (AVF) exists within the permit or adjacent area. The alluvial <br /> valley floor is adjacent to the White River. A surface water lagoon and associated <br /> access road and water line facilities have been constructed on an undeveloped portion of <br /> the alluvial valley floor that is not significant to farming, near the confluence of <br /> Scullion Gulch and the White River. Alluvial water level and quality is monitored in <br /> this vicinity. Kenney Reservoir has inundated a significant portion of the AVF within <br /> the permit area. For additional specific findings concerning this alluvial valley floor, <br /> please see Section B.VIII (2.07.6(2)(k), and 2.06.8(3)(c)). <br /> 13. The Division hereby approves the post-mining land use of the operation. It was <br /> determined that livestock grazing and wildlife habitat uses meet the requirements of <br /> Rule 4.16 for the permit area (2.07.6(2)(1)). <br /> 14. Specific approvals have been granted or are proposed. These approvals are addressed <br /> in the following section, Section B (2.07.6(2)(m)). <br /> 15. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, in a letter dated March 10, 1994, advised the <br /> Division that the continued operation of the Deserado Mine would pose "no adverse <br /> impact to wildlife." Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in a letter dated <br /> February 22, 1994, advised Western Fuels-Utah that Federally listed species do not <br /> occur in the project area. WFU conducted a search for black-footed ferrets on the site <br /> in 1990. The black-footed ferret is an endangered species which has been sighted in <br /> Northwestern Colorado. No black-footed ferrets where found as a result of the search. <br /> More information is contained in the report "Deserado Mine Refuse Subarea 4 Black- <br /> Footed Ferret Survey" by WFU. <br /> Both the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife <br /> Service (USFWS) were notified of RN-03 and their comments were requested regarding <br /> potential impacts to threatened and endangered species. CDOW did not comment on <br /> 17 <br />