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West Elk Mine • MCC has taken the following factors into account to protect wildlife on the affected area: 1. Since the area is not a prime wildlife area, it is generally possible to operate and locate roads so as to avoid and minimize impacts on fish and wildlife species. 2. Since no major migration routes have been identified on the permit azea, it is not necessary to guide migratory wildlife species by the means of fencing so as to direct their movement under roadways or other obstructions which might result from construction of the surface facilities. 3. There aze no ponds containing toxic-forming materials; however, should such a facility be constructed, the pond will be fenced to exclude wildlife. 4. With regard to bald eagles and Canada lynx, the potential effects of surface-disturbing projects on populations and designated habitats (at the time specific surface disturbing projects are proposed) will be evaluated, and mitigation measures will be applied to avoid adverse impacts to these federally listed species, in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. 5. Aquatic communities existing in the North Fork will be protected by the use of 50-foot wide buffer zones of undisturbed land along stream channels. 6. The use of persistent pesticides is not anticipated. • 7. Mountain Coal Company will, to the extent possible, prevent, control, and suppress range, forest, and coal fires that aze not approved by CDOW as part of this or any other management plan. 8. Since wildlife habitat is to be the secondary post-mining land use, MCC has selected plant species to be used on reclaimed azeas based on the following criteria: a. Their proven nutritional value for wildlife b. Their use for cover for wildlife species c. Their ability to support and enhance wildlife habitat after release of bond These factors have been discussed in other portions of the permit document. As discussed, the intent of MCC is to distribute the plant species in clusters so as to maximize the benefit to wildlife. This will provide adequate edge effect, cover, and forage benefits for the wildlife species occurring on and adjacent to the site. Protection of Hydrologic Balance - 2.05.6(3)(a)(i) The surface effects of mining on the hydrologic balance in the SOD area are anticipated to be minimal. Section 2.05.6 (6) in this document describes at length the anticipated impacts to the ground surface resulting from mining activities in the SOD. It is acknowledged throughout this permit that numerous landslides and slumps are present throughout the MCC permit area and these features generally move in response to saturation by precipitation events. Monitoring plans included in 2.05.6 (6) describe how MCC will .- observe these features for effects due to mining related activities. 1.05-91 RevisedJwre 1005 PRIO