Laserfiche WebLink
APPENDIX 14-1 • <br />Wildlife Observations and Mitigation <br />Tab 11, Wildlife Baseline Report, of Permit CO-80-005 describes the <br />premising wildlife distribution at the Seneca II Mine. Since the time <br />of permit application, Peabody has made observations of wildlife <br />responses to mining activity. Following is a summary of these <br />observations along with a description of wildlife related activities <br />that have taken place since permit issuance. <br />Golden Eagles <br />Three active golden eagle nests were identified in the baseline report <br />(see Exhibit 11-3, Important Wildlife Habitat, Tab 11). Two nests were <br />located off the permit area, one in Section 27, T6N, R87W and the other <br />in Section 10, T5N, R87W. The third nest is located on the southeast <br />permit boundary in Section 13, T5N, R87W. Casual observations of all • <br />three nests have shown them to be active every year since permit <br />issuance. None of the eagle pairs have appeared to have been impacted <br />by mining operations. In fact, the Section 27 pair, which is in close <br />proximity to the Colorado-Ute operated ash pit, has fledged young every <br />year since permit issuance, in spite of almost daily truck traffic and <br />dozer operation up to 1985 within one quarter mile (line of sight) from <br />the nest. The ash pit currently is used on an occasional basis. <br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Grand Junction Office, Mike <br />Lockhart) has also identified a nest in Section 7, T5N, R86W. Peabody <br />Coal Company has been observing this nest site during 1986, during which <br />the nest was not active, although during the nesting season a pair of <br />red-tailed hawks were observed on the bluff where the nest is located. <br />The nest site is approximately 875 feet outside the permit boundary. <br />Peabody Coal Company has discussed potential impacts of mining on the <br />Section 7 nest with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Personal • <br />Communication, Mike Lockhart, October 6, 1986) and agrees to monitor <br />this nest. If the nest becomes active, Peabody agrees to contact the <br />14-1-1 Revised 10/01/86 <br />