2008-07-16_REVISION - C1982056 (2)

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-17 These lands encompass approximately 19,940 acres and are found on the USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle maps of Rattlesnake Butte, Cow Creek, Dunckney, Milner, Mount Harris, and Oak Creek. The mine has been in operation since 1983 and life of the currently approved mining operations within the approved permit area is estimated to continue for an additional six (6) years. The mining operations utilize longwall mining methods, with continuous miners for entry and development work to recover coal from the Wadge seam at an average production rate of about 7-8 million tons per year but could reach the approved maximum production rate of 10 million tons per year. Specifically, TR-64 proposes to extend development and longwall mining in Federal lease COC-67514 for the first time and to delete a previously approved longwall panel in the mine's Northern Mining District. OSM has determined that a Mining Plan Modification for the approval of the Assistant Secretary, Lands and Minerals Management is necessary under 30 CFR 746.18(d)(4) since Twentymile Coal Company will be entering this Federal lease for the first time. In addition, TR-64 proposes to extend development mining without longwall mining in Federal leases C-20900 and C-081330 in the mine's Western Mining District. No new surface disturbance is associated with TR-64 and the mine's estimated annual water depletions to the Upper Colorado River System will not change. Site Description The permit area ranges in elevation from 6,600 feet to 7,500 feet above mean sea level with the portals located at 6,885 feet along Foidel Creek. Generally, the topography consists of gently rolling hills, dip slopes and cliff outcrops. Flatter topography is present in the valleys of major streams draining the area. The permit area is drained by Foidel Creek, an intermittent stream, and Fish Creek and Middle, both perennial streams. Fish Creek drains to the east into Trout Creek and Foidel Creek drains northeast to Middle Creek before Middle Creek joined Trout Creek. Alluvial valley floors have been identified downstream of the permit area at the confluence of Foidel Creek and Middle Creek, and on Trout Creek from its confluence with Middle Creek down stream to the Yampa River. The vegetation communities within and adjacent to the permit area is characterized by four major communities: grasslands, mountain shrub, big sagebrush, and cropland; and by two sub-types; aspen and mountain shrub-rock outcrop. Within the Foidel Creek mine disturbed area, the predominate vegetation types prior to mining were big sagebrush and croplands (dryland small grains). Canada lynx The Canada lynx (Lynx Canadensis), is a medium-sized cat with long legs, well furred paws, long tufts on the ears, and a short black tipped tail. Adult males average 22 pounds and thirty- three inches in length head to tail. Adult females average nineteen pounds and measure thirty- two inches in length. Suitable habitat includes primary habitat of coniferous forests of spruce