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Soils Two soil types have been identified at the mine site. These are the Heldt silty clay, found on the lower slopes, and the Nihil stony loam found on the steeper slopes. The Heldt silty clay occurs on alluvial fans and side slopes of the mountain valleys. The clay is fine, slightly montmorillic and is grayish-brown in color. It varies from 10 to 60 inches in depth and is well drained. The Nihil stony loam occurs in alluvial fans and side slopes of the mountain valleys. It also is a deep (60 inches), well drained soil with rapid permeability and low water retention capability. The color is a very pale brown classified as a loamy-skeletal mixture of sand and clay. Wildlife Big game species such as mule deer and elk as well as smaller mammals such as raccoons, rabbits and coyotes are common to the mine site. Less common are black bear and mountain lion. Waterfowl and game birds are abundant due to the proximity of riparian habitat near the Colorado River. Red tailed hawks have been observed as have the Kestrel and the Cooper hawk. No eagles have been recorded as nesting in the area. Five species of reptiles and twenty-seven species of fish have been reported in this area. An endangered species assessment was made and the findings verified that the mine would not impact any endangered species nor affect a potential habitat for same. Land Use Current land use on and adjacent to the permit area includes grazing, cropland, developed water resources, residential and previous mining activities. Land use classification is designated agricultural/residential/ rural with federal lands designated as open space. NCIG Financial, Inc. has committed to restoring all lands disturbed by mining activities to their post-mining land use. Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans The Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine is designed as a hydraulic mining process within the Wheeler Coal Seam. The hydraulic mining process is a relatively new development within the coal industry, which uses high pressure water to fracture and rubbilize the coal. Entries within the coal seam are designed to move upslope so that gravity allows the slurry of coal and water to flow from the mining section to the portal. The entire mine is designed as a closed water system enabling reuse of almost all the water within the hydraulic system. The present permit term of the Coal Ridge No. 1 Mine will involve an operations plan that calls for minor disturbance both on the surface and underground. The proposed surface disturbance of this permit term is 20 -10-