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= RAG TMCC Fish Creek 2003: Wetland Delineation Report • Property Owners Applicant RAG Twentymile Coal Company ("TMCC") 29515 Routt County Rd. #27 Oak Creek, CO 80467 Nature of Proposed Development/Project History Surveys were conducted to determine the presence of Jurisdictional Waters of the US including wetlands for two distinct project azeas within the TMCC mining permit area. TMCC has proposed construction of a bleeder shaft and intake shaft, both requiring the construction of access roads as well. The surveyed azeas include the locations of proposed shaft pads and their associated access road corridors. The shafts aze needed to provide ventilation necessary to conduct underground mining operations. Shaft locations aze determined by the layout of the underground operation and therefore somewhat fixed to their proposed location. Based on the findings of this survey, it is concluded that there is enough latitude in locating the pads and their associated access roads to avoid impacts to jurisdictional wetlands or other Waters of the US. TMCC is requesting confirmation of this wetland delineation before proceeding. • Should TMCC find it necessary to impact wetlands, aPre-Construction Notification will be sent prior to proceeding with any work authorized by an applicable Nationwide Permit, or an individual permit application will be submitted, if needed. These TMCC project areas are located south of the Yampa River along the Fish Creek Drainage (Map 1). They have a continental climate influenced by the proximity of adjacent mountain ranges. Elevation ranges from about 6,600 feet to 7,000 feet above msl. Annual precipitation averages about 28 inches. Annual average temperature is about 46°F. The frost-free period is about 105 days. Fish Creek is the main, perennial riverine water body within the area. Fish Creek has awell-defined channel with steeply cut banks common along the watercourse. It has an active defined flood plain and terracing is evident along the creek. The area has been used historically for livestock grazing, irrigated pasture and mining. Personnel and Methodology In accordance with section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act (40 CFR 320) a routine wetland delineation was performed for the proposed project azea. Wetland boundazies were determined in the field in accordance with the US Army Corps Wetland Delineation Manual (Technical Report Y-87-1, Jan. 1987). David Wileden of Habitat Management Inc. conducted the survey on October 21st, 2003. "Normal" site conditions prevailed at the time of survey. • Habitat Management, Inc. 1 01/06/03