REP20649

• Permit No: M1999025
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 3/18/1999
• Doc Name: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOARING EAGLE RANCH GRAVEL PIT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

material transferred from the 2.8 acres. Bench sloping and design will be similar to the
constructed wetland in the Phase I area (Appendix B, DS-2).
Wetland mitigation in Phase III Mining area proceeds eastward from the 3.7-acre constructed
wetland bench (340' X 470') in area C, receiving the 1.9 acres of wetland vegetation and soils from
area D (Appendix B, W-1). The 2.18-acre constructed wetland bench (340' x 280') in area D
progresses on the availability of backfill material obtained from mining the Phase III and IV areas.
Mitigation efforts under Phases E and F involve placing soils and vegetation from the 1.46-acre
wetland in Mining Phase III area (proposed Phase E) into the previously constructed Phase D
bench. Mitigation in this area continues by removing wetlands from Phase F and the two north
elongated wetland "fingers" and placing them into areas E and F, respectively. Bench
construction coincides with overburden availability produced by mining remaining Phase III area
plus that of Phase V. These efforts result in a: 1.72-acre bench (340' x 220') in the Phase E area
completed using materials obtained from the 0.85-acre wetland in the proposed Phase F area and;
a 1. I acre wetland in Phase F constructed using about 1.0 acre of wetland material excavated
from the two elongated "finger" wetlands (Appendix B, W-1).
Final mitigation Phase G involves remaining site wetlands located in the Phase V Mining area.
Approximately 0.5 acres of wetlands will be excavated using wetland soils and vegetation to
create a 0.75-acre constructed wetland bench located north of pit abutting undisturbed riparian
area (Appendix B, W-1). Bench design and construction will be similar to other reconstructed
wetlands with substrate elevation corresponding to saturated conditions of surrounding landscape
conducive to sustaining wetlands.
4.3 Ownership Status
Site mining and reclamation will be overseen by the project proponent under an agreement with
Soaring Eagle Ranch landowners. The property is anticipated to remain under the ownership of
the Soaring Eagle Ranch after project is completed.
Water rights for site irrigation water are owned and administered by the Soaring Eagle Ranch.
Pastureland outside project area will remain under irrigation from early spring through late fall,
providing tail water to downgradient wetland areas.
4.4 Existing Functions and Values of Mitigation Area
Cattle grazing has severely impacted wetlands by browsing and physical perturbation of the soils.
Grazing can change composition of wetland vegetation communities by altering rooting structure,
surface cover, and aesthetic values. Surface water and groundwater quality is also probably
impacted by animal waste high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium nutrients. Potential
4-2