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Allen Sorenson -Division of Minerals and Geology <br />May 20, 2005 <br />Page 2 <br />Eagle Park Reservoir is no longer is owned by Climax. Likewise, Clinton Reservoir no longer is <br />owned by Climax. Both of these bodies contain high quality water. <br />All of the listed water bodies are available to waterfowl and shorebirds as well as other avian and <br />mammalian species during the ice-free season. While numerous observations have been made <br />of wildlife use of these bodies, wildlife mortalities related to water use or contact haven't been an <br />issue. <br />During development of the initial Climax permit application in 1976, wildlife biologists from <br />Colorado State University conducted a comprehensive, site-wide wildlife survey. Climax was fully <br />operational from both the open pit and underground at that time, and surveys of the water bodies <br />revealed no direct impact by the operation on wildlife. In the intervening 29 years, several wildlife <br />surveys and assessments (threatened and endangered species, elk and deer, winter wildlife, and <br />lynx) have been conducted on the property, including a formal survey of waterfowl and shorebirds <br />using the alcove-listed water bodies on October 1, 2002. All wildlife surveys and studies were <br />conducted by a Certified Wildlife Biologist. <br />Climax Molybdenum Company and Phelps Dodge Corporation are mindful of the Migratory Bird <br />Treaty Act and other wildlife legislation and regulations. All employees and confractors working <br />at Climax undergo formal refresher training annually in the fall. Among other wildlife related <br />issues, this training discusses informal observations of the water bodies on a daily basis and <br />procedures for reporting concerns if observed. <br />While Climax-related wildlife impacts have not presented an issue to date, Climax proposes to <br />pertorm formal monitoring for the listed water bodies on the property. Upon approval from the <br />Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG), Climax will initiate monitoring in the spring of <br />2005 and conduct a subsequent assessment in the fall of 2005. A report will be generated by <br />October 31, 2005 referencing observations, species use, and concentration of wildlife activity <br />ident~ed in the survey for the referenced water bodies. <br />A Certified Wildlife Biologist will conduct the monitoring. The assessment will wnsist of <br />observations of each of the listed water bodies using binoculars and a spotting scope. Particular <br />emphasis will be placed on the edges of the seven process/contact water bodies. All species, <br />avian and mammalian, observed using each specific water body will be recorded as will <br />behavioral activities of interest. Although roads traverse and surround most of the water bodies, <br />some areas where road observations are limited will be surveyed on foot. Likewise, random <br />stretches of shorelines around Robinson Reservoir and the three tailing impoundments will be <br />walked and searched for evidence of wildlife use that might not otherwise be observed from a <br />distance. <br />Please let me know'rf you have any questions or comment related to this letter proposal. <br />I can be reached at (303) 569-3221 ext. 1204. <br />Sir rely, <br />Bryce Romig <br />Environmental Ma ager <br />Climax Molybdenum Company <br />