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milkvetch, Paradox Valley lupine, Paradox breadroot, and sandstone milkvetch. Given the habitats associated with the site, and past disturbance, the presence of BLM sensitive plant species is unlikely. Conditions associated with the existing mine portal make it unlikely that any of the bats are present. The habitat on the mine site is not suited to the Paradox Valley lupine or Paradox breadroot. Environmental Consequences/Mitigation Proposed Action -There would be "No Effect" on bald eagles from the proposed action. Water use associated with this proposal could result in an impact to Endangered Colorado River fish. The annual water consumption associated with mining use is essentially impossible to quantify at this time. If water is hauled to the site in increments of 100 to 300 gallons at a time, the maximum annual use is unlikely to exceed 0.2 acre feet/year. The Fish and Wildlife Service determined in 1988 that any federal project that results in depletion of water from the Colorado River Basin would automatically be deemed likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado pikeminnow (formerly Colorado squawfish), humpback chub, bonytail chub, and razorback sucker and result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. On June 13, 1994, BLM was issued a programmatic Biological Opinion on small water depletions on public land. Utilizing this Biological Opinion, BLM would report the depletion to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and pay the fee for the depletion, thus meeting the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. No consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service would be required, and there would be "No Effect" on Endangered fish or their designated Critical Habitat In the future, if water depletions associated with mining activities exceed 0.2 acre feet per year, BLM would be notified so that further water depletion payments, or consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be initiated. If, in the future, additional effects on species listed under the Endangered Species Act are evident, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could be reopened. There would be no impacts to BLM sensitive plant species from the proposed mining activity. During extended periods of mine inactivity, bats could begin to utilize the mine, and then be displaced when mine activity resumed. The proponent proposes to install a bat gate on the mine for final reclamation. Neither the presence of a bat gate, nor extended periods of mining inactivity could insure that the mine would ever be actively utilized by bats. With no means of long term maintenance, the gate could create a maintenance and safety problem for the BLM, which could force BLM to utilize public funds to permanently close the mine opening at a later date. Preferred Action Altemative - Potential impacts to species listed under the Endangered Species act would be identical to those described in the proposed action, as would potential impacts to BLM sensitive plant species. The potential impact of the preferred alternative on bat populations would be essentially the same as that for the proposed action. Permanent closure of the opening during reclamation would prevent possible long term public safety liability for BLM and nearly eliminate regular inspection/maintenance activity associated with maintaining bat gates. Since the site is not 13