PERMFILE133654

• Permit No: C1981022
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Doc Name: COLO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSULTATION LETTERS
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 2.04-E7 Part 2
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

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The following information pertaining to wildlife is provided for use by
the Land Reclamation Board in their consideration of a mining permit
for U.S. Steel Corporation
Somerset Coal Mine)
The Colorado Division of Wildlife does hereby find, to the best of our
knowledge, that the impact of the proposed mining operation on wildlife
will be
X minor
moderate
maJor
•
Mine Location: T. 13 S., R. 90 W., Section 7, SW 1/4, Section 8 W 1/2,
E 1/2, W 1/2 and T. 13 S., R. 91 W., Section 1, SE 1/4, NE 1/4 and Section
2, SE 1/4
Wildlife Species List: (may be attached) Deer, elk, bear, blue grouse,
coyote, bobcat, raptors, (including golden and bald eagles) and numerous
small mammals and non-game birds inhabit this area.
Endangered Species Impacted: Northern Bald Eagle (Winter)
Assessment of Impact on Wildlife: The majority of the impacts on wildlife
have occurred during the past during prior development work. The mine
location is adJacent to critical deer and elk winter ranges, primarily in the
Hubbard and Bear Creek drainages. Increased drilling and maintenance activities
in these areas, in association with other mines has increased the adverse
impacts on fish and wildlife during the past two years. Increased traffic
and road building has increased sedimentation loads in Hubbard Creek affecting
water quality. As U. S. Steel and other mines continue to expand their operations
in this area, water quality problems will continue to increase and activities
associated with mining will impact aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and their
habitats.
Mine Reclamation Recommendations: (may be attached) Water quality is a very
important problem in the North Fork Valley. It is imperative that mine acid
drainage from U.S. Steel be closely monitored and controlled. Our Division
concurs with U.S. Steel's long range reclamation plans for the area. We
look forward to continued cooperation with U.S. Steel and encourage them to
formulate wildlife mitigative plans with us as they continue to expand their
operation. As coal development in the North Fork Area expands, it will be
imperative to initiative wildlife mitigation programs. We would like to be
aware of any wildlife mitigation programs U.S. Steel concurrently has planned.
Prepared by Rick Sherman
Title Wildlife Biologist
• Date July 15, 1980
2.04-79