2008-12-03_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1992081

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Information regarding post-mining land use may be found in Tab 20 and Exhibit 18-1 of the permit application. Post-mining land uses of the Loadout area are designated as grazing and wildlife use. These land uses will be supported by reestablishing rangeland, dryland pasture and improved pasture on areas disturbed by proposed operations. XII. PROTECTION OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit wildlife. Detailed information on matters relating to fish and wildlife issues is found in Tabs 11 and 21 and Exhibit 11-1 of the permit application; and the Summary Section of this document (4.18(4)(i). The Loadout was originally permitted in 1981 in conjunction with the Hayden Gulch Mine (Permit C-80-003). A comprehensive biological inventory was not conducted at the Loadout during that period or since. The applicant has, however, done some site reconnaissance at the site and referenced regional studies of the area. In lieu of a comprehensive inventory, both the applicant and the Division have undertaken extensive consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). This review of fish and wildlife concerns proceeded with the approval of both agencies. A biological assessment by the Division was forwarded to USFWS on February 25, 1993 as requested. HGTI provided updates in June of 2008 to the fish and wildlife portions of the permit, Tab 11, and has updated threatened and endangered species impacts. Mitigation measures for potential impacts to wildlife species are contained in Tab 21 of the PAP. Fourteen measures for protecting fish and wildlife resources are incorporated into the permit beginning on page 2, Tab 21 of the permit application. These measures include 1) limiting additional disturbance to soils and vegetation, 2) prevention of the discharge of hazardous substances, 3) installing raptor protection on new transmission facilities, 4) adoption of a no firearms policy 5) compensation to the USFWS for depletion of waters to the Yampa River and 6) prompt reporting to the Division of any discovery of critical habitat or species of concern. XIII. PROTECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING There is no current or historic underground mining within the permit area. XIV. OPERATIONS ON ALLUVIAL VALLEY FLOORS Information regarding alluvial valley floors may be found in Tab 14 of the permit application. 1. Evidence of vegetation and surface water quality at the Loadout seems to suggest that the alluvial valley floor and surface water within the permit area is unsuitable for flood irrigation or subirrigation of hay or other field crops. However, based upon information included in the permit application (including mapping of alluvial 25