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Further, it appears that the DMG has erroneously analyzed the JD mine complex under the less <br />stringent regulations of Rule 110. However, the MLRB's June, 2006 notice of hearing and the <br />permit file indicates that JD-8 and 3D-9 mines operate under 112 permits. Further, there is some <br />question as to the propriety of permitting these mines separately. These mines are viewed as a <br />single lease complex by the owner of the federal estate encompassed by the mine permits and is <br />known as the "Paradox Valley lease tracts." <br />The JD-6, JD-8, and JD-9 mines ("JD Mine Complex") are part of afederally-leased uranium <br />mine complex operated by Cotter Corporation. Federal agency records indicate that the Paradox <br />lease tract is part of Department of Energy ("DOE") tract leased to Cotter Corporation on or <br />about 1995 for a term of 10 years that either has expired or is set to expire in the near future. <br />Publicly available federal and state records indicate that intermittent exploration and mining have <br />taken place on these federally leased uranium deposits for nearly forty years. Public records <br />indicate that buildings and structures, mine-waste rock piles, adits/inclines, vents, drill roads, <br />drill holes, petroleum tanks, dewatering equipment, and retention ponds are found on site. <br />Currently available Mine Safety Health Administration ("MSHA") records list these operations <br />as "non-producing" with only one employee on site in the ls` quarter of 2006. <br />In addition to state regulation under the Mined Land Reclamation Act ("MLRA") and the terms <br />contained in the federal lease, activities that take place on the JD Mine Complex aze subject to <br />federal laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act and are subject to the oversight <br />responsibilities of the Depaztment of Energy and the Bureau of Land Management. Activities <br />regarding JD Mine Complex may also implicate the Endangered Species Act due to federal <br />records indicating the presence of protected species, including the listed southwestern willow <br />flycatchers, on the actual lease tracts. Public records also indicate that the JD Mine Complex is <br />located in important mule-deer winter habitat and that Bald Eagles are located in the area. <br />Several species of protected bats are also likely found on, in, or near the JD uranium mines. <br />Public records recognize that human health of both workers and the general public may be <br />impacted by exposure to both radiological and nonradiological hazards on the lease tracts. These <br />mines are located on federal public lands that, although leased, remain open to multiple use by <br />the public. <br />These mines have been operating sporadically since first obtaining MLRB permits in 1970s and <br />early 1980s. The DMG files indicate that for much of that time, approximately 25 years, these <br />mines has been idle and involuntary cessation status. Agency records, including those of <br />MSHA, have identified multiple health and worker exposure violations at the JD mines. DMG <br />inspections have also documented concerns and problems at these mines. <br />The DMG report and analysis dated April 5, 2005 indicates that "contamination build up of <br />surface materials from prolonged use of an azea may be an issue of concern" at all these mines. <br />As a single example of the impacts, "major erosion has occurred" at the 3D-6 Mine and the <br />associated Mineral Joe Claims. During a recent, but brief period of active mining in 2005, <br />"approximately 50 tons of materials was observed stockpiled" at the JD-6 mine to maximize <br />haulage efficiency. At the JD-9 mine, "60 to 80 tons of ore [were] noted stockpiled" and ponds <br />were "beginning to show their age." <br />