2009-08-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

Home Browse Search

vegetation. For the most part, the mitigation measures indicated above had the desired impact of improving conditions for sage grouse on undisturbed areas under Colowyo control. To the contrary, original reclamation plan measures did not result in a sagebrush component consistent with the original projections in many areas of the mine, especially the old reclaimed units that were revegetated with "introduced" pasture grasses. Beginning in the late 1990s and as evident in revegetated units that have been seeded since then, the sagebrush component of reclamation has improved substantially, but is still not up to original expectations. Therefore, substantial changes to the reclamation plan have been introduced in this submittal to hopefully, make another quantum leap forward in the ability to establish sagebrush steppe communities. Many changes in techniques have been proffered including variable topsoil depths, significantly increased amounts of the appropriate sagebrush seed, proper planting techniques to encourage sagebrush, etc. Given success of these techniques elsewhere in the mining industry, the potential is strong that the original projections for sagebrush establishment at Colowyo will be realized from this point forward. Additional Mitigation Measures The pre-planning for a minimum amount of annual disturbance, the establishment of herbaceous species, the replacement of native shrub species, and habitat improvement techniques are the most important areas for minimizing impacts to wildlife, several other protection measures are in effect. Electric power lines located in the permit area will be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Section 4.18 to minimize potential electrical hazards to large raptors. Vehicle use within the permit area is limited to the active mining area and the various support facilities. Off-road vehicle use is kept to a minimum and is usually only authorized for surveying, environmental data collection and monitoring, security, etc. Travel by foot, which causes much more disturbance to wildlife than vehicle traffic, is highly unlikely outside active mining areas. Hunting with firearms inside Colowyo's permit boundary is allowed and is strictly managed by Colowyo. Speed limits in the mine area are limited to reduce the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and wildlife. Colowyo employees are fully aware of the possibility of encountering wildlife on and around the mine site and take special care to avoid these species. In summary after several years of mining at Colowyo, the question is no longer whether coal mining at Colowyo has had an adverse impact on local wildlife populations. The population of deer and elk in the vicinity of Colowyo is reaching record levels. There is little doubt that wildlife populations are drawn to the reclaimed areas because of the availability of quality herbaceous vegetation. The immediate vicinity around Colowyo has become well known as a wildlife refuge, particularly during big game seasons. 2.05-76 Revision Date: 3/14/08 Revision No.: TR-72