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planned blasts could fracture the rock no deeper than seven feet. Thus, it is highly unlikely that the <br />planned blasts will damage the aquifer. <br />62. The Applicant has satisfied Construction Materials Rule 6.3.2 and 6.5(4). <br />WILDLIFE <br />63. Construction Materials Rule 6.4.8 requires that the applicant describe the game and non-game resources <br />on and in the vicinity of the proposed permit area. This description must include seasonal use, the <br />presence and estimated population of any threatened or endangered species, and a description of the <br />general effect the proposed operation would have on wildlife. <br />64. Construction Materials Rule 3.1.8 requires that the Applicant prepare a reclamation plan that takes into <br />account the safety of wildlife. If the Applicant's reclamation plan includes habitat management and <br />creation, then the Applicant must also encourage diversity of wildlife species and protect, rehabilitate or <br />improve wildlife habitat. <br />65. The Applicant hired a wildlife biologist to conduct a wildlife survey, in consultation with the United <br />States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The results are included in <br />Exhibit H of the application. This survey describes game and nongame resources on and in the vicinity <br />of the application area, in compliance with Construction Materials Rule 6.4.8. The Applicant found no <br />evidence of threatened or endangered species. <br />66. Contrary to Objector speculation, the Applicant's wildlife biologist found no amphibian or reptile <br />species at the site that are identified by either the federal or state government as a species of concern. <br />Similarly, the Survey found no evidence of a prairie dog community at the site. The nearest colony is <br />adjacent to, but outside, the proposed permit area. <br />67. The Applicant consulted with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to identify the presence and estimated populations <br />of threatened or endangered species, as well as species of special concern. The Applicant also contacted <br />the Natural Heritage Program ro investigate possible species of concern at this site. None of these <br />entities reported any species that warrant concern. <br />10 <br />