2010-02-09_REVISION - C1994082 (3)

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Please note that the renewal application does not incorporate additional lands into the permit area, does not propose additional disturbance, and does not otherwise alter previously approved permit conditions or mitigation measures. Active mining operations have ceased at Yoast, and reclamation has largely been completed, with on-going activities primarily focused on maintenance and monitoring. In association with Permit Revision No. 2 (PR-2), approved February 28, 2006, the Division made a finding that the proposed operation would not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats. Two state listed species (Columbian sharptailed grouse and greater sandhill crane) and one federally listed species (bald eagle) are listed as occurring within the permit area. Protective measures and monitoring that were conducted during active operations and early portions of the reclamation operations are described in the Fish and Wildlife Plan section of the approved permit application. Termination of wildlife monitoring was approved (with CDOW and USFWS concurrence) in Technical Revision No. 41, and as of 2009 wildlife monitoring is no longer conducted. The Division's Findings of Compliance for PR-2 noted that USFW S had determined that the projected annual water depletion of up to 53.7 acre-feet of surface water from the Colorado River Basin "may affect the future occurrence of the Colorado squawfish, razorback sucker, bonytail, and humpback chub... However, an ongoing habitat recovery project conducted by USFWS serves to mitigate impacts due to water depletion from the river basin". The Division will review the Fish and Wildlife Plan section of the approved permit application during the RN-3 adequacy review to ensure that the section is accurate and up to date, and will apprise OSM of any concerns identified. The applicant is required to publish notice in the Steamboat Pilot that this permit renewal application has been deemed complete. At the time of publication of this notice, the applicant is additionally required to place a copy of this application at the Hayden Public Library, 201 E. Jefferson Avenue, Hayden, CO 81639-1813, and at the Division office. For additional information or to provide written comments, or request an informal conference, contact the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety, 215, 1313 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567. In order for us to comply with regulatory time frames, we request that comments be submitted within thirty (30) days of the last publication mentioned above. Please cunt t me at the Division's Grand Junction Field Office, (970) 242-5025, if you have questions. Sinc ly Daniel T. Mathews Environmental Protection Specialist DTM/Ahd Enclosure(s) GRN.05C C1994082 DTM_02102010101713.doc