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West Elk Mine <br />raptor protected in one of two ways: <br />a. Raptor protectors are constructed on the power pole cross-arms, or <br />b. The powerlines aze configured vertically in such a way that the birds cannot land on charged <br />lines. The top wire on which the birds land is the neutral wire, and the bird's wings or tail <br />cannot contact the chazged line on takeoff or landing. <br />Mountain Coal Company has taken the following factors into account to protect wildlife on the <br />affected area; <br />1) Since the azea is not a prime wildlife azea, it is possible to operate and locate all roads so as to <br />avoid and minimize impacts on fish and wildlife species. <br />2) Since no major migration routes have been identified on the permit azea, it is not be necessary <br />to guide such wildlife species by the means of fencing so as to direct their movement under <br />roadways or other obstructions which might result from construction of the surface facilities. <br />3) There aze no ponds containing toxic forming materials; however, should such a facility be <br />constructed, the pond will be fenced to exclude wildlife. <br />4) Since no habitat of unusually high value for fish and wildlife have been identified, it will be <br />. unnecessary to take mitigation measures in this regazd. <br />5) Aquatic communities existing in the North Fork of the Gunnison will be protected by the use <br />of 50 foot wide buffer zones of undisturbed land along stream channels. <br />6) The use of persistent pesticides is not anticipated. <br />7) Mountain Coal Company will, to the extent possible, prevent, control, and suppress range, <br />forest, and coal foes which aze not approved by the Division as part of this or any other <br />management plan. <br />8) Since wildlife habitat is to be the secondary post-mining land use, Mountain Coal Company <br />has selected plant species to be used on reclaimed areas based on the following criteria: <br />a, Their proven nutritional value for wildlife. <br />b. Their use for cover for wildlife species. <br />o, Their ability to support and enhance wildlife habitat after release of bond. <br />As discussed eazlier, Mountain Coal Company's intent is to distribute the plant species in clusters <br />so as to maximize the benefit to wildlife. This will provide adequate edge effect, cover and <br />forage benefits for the wildlife species occumng on and adjacent to the site. <br />2.05-83 Revised Dec, 1997 MR208; Revised Jun 1999 TR90 <br />Revised May 1003 MR-294; Rev. Apsi/ 1006 PR/0 <br />