2008-08-18_REVISION - C1982056 (2)

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STATE OF COLORADO Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Thomas E. Remington, Director 6060 Broadway Denver, Colorado 80216 Telephone: (303) 297-1192 wildlife. state. co. us August 6, 2008 Janet H Binns Environmental Protection Specialist 1313 Sherman St., Room 215 Denver, CO 80203 Re: Foidel Creek Mine (Permit No. C-1982-056) Technical Revision Application No. 64(TR-64) Phase H Development of Western Mining District Dear Ms. Binns, RECEIVED AUG '15 2008 Divis Loft ion and Sd* ScpNHEO y Jf?1V OF For Wildlife- For People Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Foidel Creek Technical Revision Application for Phase II Development of the Western Mining District. This development includes construction of several underground development mains in the Western Mining District, completion of development mains in the Northern Mining District, and coal extraction from panels 22R and 24R in the Northern Mining District. This development would all occur underground with no new surface disturbance. Since the Technical Revision Application contains no new surface disturbances, there should be minimal effects on local wildlife. There is a potential for some disturbance from increased human activity around the newly operational mine portals, but the amount of activity around these portals should be relatively low. The only other potential impact to wildlife could result from the seasonal raising of water levels on Fish Creek caused by ground subsidence from mining operations. Aquatic wildlife as well as local grouse populations may be affected from this flooding, especially during the spring runoff. There are several active grouse leks surrounding Fish Creek, with the majority of birds attending these leks and nesting within close proximity during the spring and early summer months. However, most grouse leks are located at higher elevations and not in low-lying areas where flooding may occur. Thanks again for the opportunity to comment on the Technical Revision permit. If you have any further questions, please contact District Wildlife Manager, Danielle Domson at (970) 846-3056. Si ely, James M. Haskins Area Wildlife Manager Cc: Velarde, Area File, Domson DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Harris D. Sherman, Executive Director WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Robert Bray, Chair • Brad Coors, Vice Chair • Tim Glenn, Secretary Members, Dennis Buechler • Jeffrey Crawford • Dorothea Farris • Roy Mr-Anally • Richard Ray • Robert Streeter Ex Officio Members, Harris Sherman and John Stulp