Laserfiche WebLink
XII. PROTECTION OF FISH. WILDLIFE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL <br />FACTORS <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has <br />selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife. <br />Detailed information on matters relating to fish and wildlife issues is found in Tabs <br />11 and 21 and Exhibit 11-1 of the permit application; and the Summary Section of <br />this document (4.18(4)(1). <br />The HG Loadout was originally permitted in 1982 in conjunction with the HG Mine <br />(Permit C-80-003). A comprehensive biological inventory was not conducted at the <br />HG Loadout during that period or since. The applicant has, however, done some site <br />reconnaissance at the site and referenced regional studies of the area. <br />In lieu of a comprehensive inventory, both the applicant and the Division have <br />undertaken extensive consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service <br />(USFWS) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). This review of fish and <br />wildlife concerns proceeded with the approval of both agencies. A biological <br />assessment by the Division was forwarded to USFWS on February 25, 1993 as <br />requested. <br />Fourteen measures for protecting fish and wildlife resources are incorporated into the <br />permit beginning on page 2, Tab 21 of the permit application. These measures <br />include 1) limiting additional disturbance to soils and vegetation, 2) prevention of the <br />discharge of hazardous substances, 3) installing raptor protection on new transmission <br />facilities, 4) adoption of a no firearms policy 5) compensation to the USFWS for <br />depletion of waters to the Yampa River and 6) prompt reporting to the Division of <br />any discovery of critical habitat or species of concern. <br />XIII. PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING <br />There is no current or historic underground mining within the permit area. <br />XIV. OPERATIONS ON ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS <br />Information regarding alluvial valley floors may be found in Tab 14 of the permit <br />application. <br />1. The status of Dry Creek as an alluvial valley floor is unclear. Evidence of <br />vegetation and surface water quality at the loadout seems to suggest that the <br />alluvial valley floor and surface water within the permit area is unsuitable for <br />flood or subirrigation of hay or other field crops. However, based upon <br />information included in the permit application (including mapping of alluvial <br />deposits, agricultural fields located below the rail loop which may be subirrigated, <br />s~ <br />