REP33845

• Permit No: M1977208
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 9/16/2004
• Doc Name: Wildlife Resource Assessment Rpt
• From: DMG
• To: DOW
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Wildlife Resources Assessment
Cemex "C" Pi[ and CKD Disposal Site
Page 10
5.4 Colorado Natural Heritage Program
A records search for Boulder County was conducted by the report preparer of the
Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) data base for threatened, endangered and
sensitive animal species. CNHP records some of the trapping records for Preble's
Meadow Jumping Mouse in the area. No records for other species are found on or near
the analysis azea.
6.0 MITIGATION OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Introduction
This section includes a wildlife habitat assessment of the 900 acre cement plant site, as
well as a more narrowly focused assessment of "C" Pit, discusses those wildlife species
of concern that warrant additional consideration, presents an impact analysis, mitigation
options, assesses the general effectiveness of the mitigation options, and presents
recommendations on the mitigation options.
6.2 Habitat Assessment
The habitats of highest value include the St. Vrain Creek corridor along the northern
property boundary, one mile to the north of "C" Pit, portions of the Swede Ditch in the
west-central area and near the south boundary, as well as wetlands and ponds scattered
throughout the site, including "A" Pit in the southeastern corner. The tame pasture and
reclamation sites generally have low habitat values, except those areas adjacent to the
high value habitats described above. In addition, prairie dog colonies are found in the
south-central area south of "C" Pit, and are of note as they provide prey base for bald
eagles and other birds of prey. Disturbed sites generally have low habitat values.
At "C" Pit habitat values are low. With a PH of 12, the water in the bottom of the pit has
no fish and supports no aquatic invertebrates or aquatic vegetation [hat would provide
food for wildlife, and thus is not attractive to wildlife. The northern side of the pit is a
tall CKD embankment (Photo Point 1), with steep sides, no vegetation or security cover,
and is difficult to cross as the CKD is either in a powder form, or is slimy from sprinkler
water. Terrestrial wildlife would find it difficult to cross this area. The southern and
eastern side of the pit is mostly exposed high wall, approximately 30 tall. Rock doves
commonly perch and roost on these cliffs, and likely nest there as well. No swifts or
swallows have been observed using these cliffs as nest sites. Bats may use the high wall,
but no specific search at dawn or dusk has been conducted to document their presence.
The western side of the pit is a combination of backfilled CKD and high wall.
' Most of the area azound the pit is disturbed habitat, including roads on the north and east,
feed stock piles and conveyor terminal (the patio) to the north, ore stockpiles and
boneyazd to the south. Reclaimed land and the covered portion of the Swede Ditch is
' located to the west (Figure 3 and Photo Points 8-11). The ditch has some good habitat in
this azea, but it is narrow and somewhat isolated from other higher value habitat.
' 6.3 Species of Concern
Species of concern that are known to occur on the site include bald eagle, ferruginous
hawk, Preble's meadow jumping mouse, and prairie dog. The northern leopard frog and
' common garter snake may be present. The bald eagle is present because of prairie dogs