Laserfiche WebLink
A. ISSUES WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DIVISION AND BOARD <br />1. Rule 6.4.8 - Exhibit H - Wildlife Information <br />The letter from Catherine Neva and Debra Cross voices concerns related to three ponds on their <br />adjacent property that serves as habitat for blue heron, ducks, migrating geese, muskrats and <br />deer. Further it states that hawks and eagles have been seen in the area. The concerns are <br />related to the impacts on this wildlife in the form of noise, air, soil and water contamination and <br />pollution. <br />Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety (DRMS) Responses <br />The questions raised by the above comment is related to Rule 6.4.8 of the Construction Materials <br />Rules and Regulations, regarding the requirement of the applicant to supply information related to <br />wildlife in the application materials, including: <br />a) A description of significant wildlife resources on the affected land; <br />b) Seasonal use of the area; <br />c) The presence and estimated population of threatened and endangered species from either <br />federal and state lists; and <br />d) A description of the general effect during and after the proposed operation on the existing <br />wildlife of the area, including but not limited to temporary and permanent loss of food and <br />habitat, interference with migratory routes, and the general effect ton the wildlife from <br />increased human activity, including noise. <br />The applicant did, in fact, address the information requested above in the application materials. <br />The area proposed for the permit is know habitat for several species of wildlife and potential <br />habitat for some threatened and endangered species. As specified in the permit application, the <br />phased mining approach proposed for the site may result in some temporary displacement from <br />specific areas of wildlife currently inhabiting the site, but it is likely that these animals would <br />relocated to another, nearby portion of the permit area or adjacent land. After mining and <br />reclamation, however, it is likely that the wildlife will return to the area. Wildlife on adjacent land <br />may be disturbed by the mining activity at the site, but it is likely that it will remain in the area <br />and/or will return after the completion of activity at the site. No direct impacts to threatened or <br />endangered species are identified that would restrict or prevent issuance of the permit. No <br />comments were submitted by the Division of Wildlife relative to the permit application. <br />Division Comment <br />The Division has determined that the projected impacts to wildlife are not adequate to prohibit <br />issuance of a permit for the site. <br />2. Rgle 3.1- Reclamation Performance Standards <br />• The letter from Catherine Neva and Debra Cross voices concerns that the site may not be <br />properly reclaimed. <br />2