GENERAL52614 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Tab]e 41 (page 2.04.]1-2) states that golden eagles and bald eagles are uncommon migrants. However, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that there are golden eagle nests within the permit boundary. All of the nests lie in areas that are not proposed for surface disturbance. However, there is a need to establish buffer zones around Lhe nests so that if expansion requires additional surface disturbance, the nests will be protected. To satisfy this requirement, the following stipulation is necessary. STIPULATION N0. 4 TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF GOLDEN EAGLE NESTS, NO SURFACE DISTURBANCE WILL OCCUR FROM JANUARY 15 TO JULY 1 5 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: T5N, R91W NW1/4 OF SECTION 8 T6N, R92W SWl/4 OF SECTION 36 WITHIN THE PERMIT AREA NE1/4 OF SECTION 36 S1/2 NW1/4 OF SECTION 36 SE1/4 OF SECTION 35 WITHIN THE PERMIT AREA SEI/4 OF SECTION 25 In addition, the potential exists for the Colorado squawfish, a Federally listed endangered species, to inhabit sections of the Williams Fork and Yampa rivers, No Colorado squawfish were observed during the quarterly fish and benthic organism survey that was conducted by the applicant in selected sections of the Williams Fork river for a period of two and one-half years. This study demonstrated that the mining operation was not impacting the fish or benthic invertebrate biotas of the Williams Fork River, Surface disturbance will have an effect upon wildlife during mining operations. A71 post-mining areas are to be reclaimed to pre-mining land uses including wildlife habitat. With successful implementation of the reclamation plan, no long-term impacts to fish or wildlife are predicted. Pursuant to the finding required by Rule 2.07.6(2)(n), and on the basis of available information, the Division finds the proposed operation will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. These sections of the application are in compliance for Eagle Mines No. 5, 5A and No. 6. XIII. Prime Farmland - Rules 2.04.12, 2,06.6 and 4.25 The Division has made a negative determination for the presence of prime farmlands within the proposed permit area. One soil in the region of the permit area falls within the category of potential prime farmlands of Moffat County, Colorado. This soil is 038, Have fine sandy loam, 0-5% slopes. The soil lies adjacent to the Williams Fork River and extends to the Yampa River. Approximately 50% of the 03B soil is already disturbed land and if development progresses, this figure is expected to increase. Therefore, the S.C.S. -53-