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Burning Coal. Historically, coal operations west of Durango have not <br />• experienced any problems with burning or smoldering coal; however, all <br />coal storage areas will continue to be routinely inspected. If any coal <br />is found burning or smoldering, it will be separated and extinguished by <br />burying it or smothering it. <br />Fish and Wildlife Plan <br />The description of the wildlife resources in the permit and adjacent <br />areas is reported in Section 2.04.11. <br />Because of the previous underground mining and the location of State <br />Highway 160 in the area, the wildlife populations found in the area of <br />planned surface operations and facilities are extremely low. <br />Nonetheless, impacts on the wildlife resources identified within this <br />area will be minimized by implementing the operational and subsequent <br />reclamation plan in such a way as to avoid further disturbance to <br />habitats either within the permit or adjacent areas. Where surface <br />disturbance has occurred, mitigation measures such as proper location <br />and adequate sediment control are called for by the operational plan. In <br />all instances, disturbances will be limited for areas needed for the <br />actual surface facilities, storage of coal, etc. with the commitment <br />that all disturbed lands will be reclaimed as soon as possible after <br />mining activities to restore the necessary environmental balances. <br />The following paragraphs discuss the impacts of various operations on <br />wildlife resources and related environmental values, explains how <br />disturbances and impacts will be avoided or minimized and states how the <br />enhancement of such resources will be achieved. <br />Disturbance of Soils. No topsoil was ever salvaged from surface <br />facility construction activities at the from past mining activities in <br />Coal Gulch. Disturbance of the area for surface facilities and portal <br />face-ups, although only a small area, will have a direct impact on <br />animals with subterranean habitat requirements. This impact, however, <br />will be minimal due to the small amount of area disturbed and will be <br />2.05-39 <br />