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II ' SECTIONTHREE scoping Results ' 3.3.1 Wildlife • The proposed line will now make an impact on the newly grown antelope herds that aze just beginning to come back, after the building of the Gas Plant on 6.5 road, and the new power lines in that same area. • The construction and railroad spur have the potential to negatively impact both aquatic ' and terrestrial wildlife. As relates to aquatic species, CDOW anticipates that Designated Critical Habitat for the kit fox may be affected. State endangered (SE) bonytail chub and razorback sucker, along with the State Threatened (ST) humpback chub and Colorado ' pike minnow may be negatively impacted by water depletion related to the mining process. Other native aquatic species, including the Species of Special Concern (SC) Colorado roundtail chub may also be impacted. ' • The proposed rail line will run through white-tailed prairie dog habitat, a species of growing concern for CDOW. Burrowing owls (ST) are often associated with prairie dog ' colonies, and were observed during the 2006 preliminary ecological survey. • The bald eagle (ST) may occur near the riparian area of East Salt Creek as well as in the agricultural lands and desert habitats near Loma and Mack. Other raptors including the ' ferruginous hawk (SC), the American peregrine falcon (SC), prairie falcon, Swainson's hawk, American kestrel and northern harrier are known to occur within the area proposed for the mine. Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks were observed in proximity to the mine ' portals. These raptors and their habitat protection will have to be addressed in the EIS. • The greater sandhill crane (SC) is a common visitor to the agricultural areas neaz Mack ' during migrations, and some have successfully nested in the azea. Buffer zones for various raptor/birds of prey from 7S meters to 1/3 mile, aze recommended depending on species. ' • The midget faded rattlesnake (SC) is a probable resident of the habitat to be affected. The longnose leopazd lizard (SC) also occurs in the area, and was noted in the 2006 ' ecological inventory. • The pond located near the proposed train loadout is believed to provide important habitat for the Great Basin spade foot toad. ' • Impacts to wildlife may include direct mortality, habitat destruction, decreases in the ability of wildlife to utilize important habitats (habitat effectiveness) due to increased disturbance, and habitat fragmentation resulting from the inability of certain species to negotiate obstacles such as the proposed conveyor system. • Another issue of significant concern is the potential for the railroad line to fragment ' habitat. • Fencing of the railway would have severe negative consequences for pronghorn antelope. ' As an alternative, CDOW recommends slow train speeds in order to reduce the potential for collisions with wildlife or livestock. • CDOW anticipates that impacts to wintering populations of deer and elk from new ' disturbance could be significant. The route between the unit train load out and the mine entries bisects an important winter range for both deer and elk. ' 3-7