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both seams will be mined, maximum subsidence do the tract is predicted co • be 10.22 feet. Bluffing at the outcrop could occur but geologic conditions of the coal will not allow mining close to the outcrop, therefore sluffing is unlikely. Transportation There is no coal truck traffic increase expected as a result of this operation. At 4 million tons per year production, seven co eight trains per week would haul coal and at maximum production of 5.0 million tons per year, nine to ten trains per week would haul coal out of the valley from the West Elk Mine. At maximum production for all mines in the North Fork, train traffic would increase to 14 trains per week. This is an increase of three trains per week from the number of trains per week hauling coal in 1993. County wide traffic associated with coal related growth would not be expected to significantly overload any county or State road system. While traffic accidents would be expected to increase an unspecified amount, the accident rate (accident per vehicle mile) itself would not be expected co increase. ' Wildlife and Endaneered Species Surface disturbances and activity associated with development and • operation of above ground coal mining facilities would affect wildlife to the extent they would destroy habitat, disrupt behavioral activities, causing increased competition on adjacent areas, cause direct mortality, or decreased natality. Existing stands of Grand Mesa penstemon, a candidate species, would be disturbed with initial disturbances. In the long term though, they could be increased since this species appears to be disturbance dependant. However, plant survey would be required prior to any surface disturbance to determine their presence. Breeding and nesting habitat of the loggerhead shrike and other neotropical birds would be diminished by disturbances in sagebrush, Cambel oak, and riparian vegetation stands. Disturbances in the sagebrush and oak stands should be avoided to the extent possible. No disturbances should occur within the designated riparian areas. Bald eagle nest sites, winter roost sites, and wintez concentration areas, and Golden eagle nest sites which may be established during the life of this project would be affected co the degree disturbances would occur. Through consultation with the Service and Colorado Division of Wildlife protective measures have been developed to protect these sites. Water depletion associated with coal mining on this tract would impact populations of Colorado squawfish, Razorback sucker, Humpback chub, and • Bonytail chub and their critical habitats found downstream in the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. Even though there is no anticipated water use or 21