2008-11-03_REVISION - M1999098 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXHIBIT H Wildlife Information Presently, the amendment areas are used for farming and livestock grazing and do not contain significant wildlife habitat. The proposed amendment properties do not include any jurisdictional wetlands or potential endangered species habitat, and the amendment areas are not located in the Cache La Poudre River riparian zone. There is significant habitat for many wildlife species along the river corridor within the existing permit boundary, and current and future reclamation adjacent to the riparian corridor is enhancing this habitat. Phasing, configuration and timing of mining and reclamation activities have been designed to limit impacts to wildlife within the mine site and along access roads to the mine site. The existing site is being mined and reclaimed to create a diverse, stable and sustainable environment. There are significant opportunities to enhance wildlife habitat and the natural aesthetics of the Cache La Poudre River riparian corridor along the southern boundary of the currently permitted property. Mining operations adjacent to the corridor have maintained appropriate setbacks to protect this area, and the majority of mining adjacent to the corridor has been completed and reclaimed to wetlands. Additionally, Aggregate Industries (AI) is currently undertaking a revegetation plan to re-establish native grasses and enhance the undisturbed riparian zone. Reclamation activities within the existing permitted area have created approximately 40 acres diverse wetlands, 20 of which are already established. Blue heron, yellow-headed blackbird, pelicans, and many other species are now present within the newly created habitat. Many of these species were not present on the site when mining activities began. As shown on Exhibit C Mine Plan Map, the southern portions of Cell 3 have been reclaimed to wetland. Wetland creation will continue to the north of these reclaimed areas as sedimentation ponds are filled with process fines to elevations appropriate to support wetland vegetation. An upland area has been backfilled along the east boundary of Cell 3, and the remainder of Cell 3 will be open water pond with backfilling and sloping around the perimeter to create an undulating shoreline. Cells 2 and 5 will be reclaimed in the same manner as Cell 3. Created wetlands may be used for wetland mitigation banking credits in accordance with a letter of intent acknowledged by the Department of Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Denver Regulatory Office (copy of March 22, 2004 letter included with Exhibit E). Riverview Resource Amendment to Permit M1999098 112c Page H1 of H2