2010-06-04_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (10)

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The design and construction of any powerlines for the Foidel Creek Mine will be in accordance with REA Bulletin 61 -10, Powerline Contacts by Eagles and Other Large Birds, or alternative guidance representing accepted industry • practice. In addition, TCC will: 1) Not use persistent pesticides on the Permit Area during surface mining and reclamation operations, except as part of an approved weed and pest control plan 2) To the extent possible, prevent, control and suppress range, forest, and coal fires consistent with approved land management plans (note: this does not preclude the use of controlled burns as a management tool, when used consistent with good land management practices and local fire regulations) As indicated in the response to Rule 2.04.11, several years of baseline aquatic monitoring have been completed. The CDOW feels that this data adequately represents baseline aquatic conditions, therefore ongoing aquatic monitoring is not required. Water quality and chemistry will, however, continue to be monitored, as set forth in the response to Rule 2.05.6(3). Big -Game To reduce the potential for big - game /vehicle collisions, TCC limits speeds to 35 mph on most mine roads. Employees are advised during mine training of the importance of adhering to posted speed limits to minimize the potential for big -game mortality, vehicle damage, and personnel injury. To the extent possible, employee shift changes are scheduled so that peak mine traffic levels do not coincide with the time period of highest potential for big - game /vehicle collisions (sunset to four hours after, see response to Rule 2.04.11). To date, these protective measures have generally been effective in minimizing big -game mortality. Because of the importance of establishing information on the baseline level of big -game road -kills (see Response to • Rule 2.04.11), TCC initiated monitoring of big -game road -kills along the haulroad in 1985. Haulroad monitoring continued through 1985, which was the first year of expected major increases in haul -truck traffic. Monitoring consisted of haul -truck drivers reporting any dead deer or elk observed along the road or off the shoulder of the road. Any big - game /vehicle collisions were reported on a standard form available to truck drivers. Monitoring occurred once a week. Recorded carcasses were marked with surveyor flagging or by other similar means to prevent recounts of the same animals. The location of each carcass was recorded to the nearest tenth of a mile. At the end of 1985 the results of this monitoring were tabulated, summarized, and submitted to the CDOW for review. If, as a result if monitoring, a problem road -kill area was identified, TCC committed to confer with the CDOW to discuss the need for any mitigative measures. No problems were identified, therefore, it was determined that further monitoring or mitigation were un- necesssary. Monitoring of the Fish Creek Water Treatment Facilities Access Road was initiated in 1990, to establish baseline levels, and continued through 1991 to coincide with the first major traffic increase. The expectation was that road - kills would at a lower level than on the haul -road since the majority of traffic on the access road would occur during low -risk time periods for big - game /vehicle collisions. Monitoring consisted of all TCC employees using the access road being requested to report any collisions with elk or mule deer to their supervisor. Big - game /vehicle collisions were reported on a standard form available to all employees. Results of this monitoring were provided to the CDOW at the end of 1990 and 1991. No significant problems were identified, therefore, it was determined that further monitoring or mitigation were unnecesssary. Sage Grouse To prevent or limit impacts to sage grouse populations on the permit area TCC will: 0 1) Locate the Fish Creek Water Treatment Facilities Access Road past the Twentymile Lek, as discussed with CDOW, so that it will be at least 0.5 mi (0.8km) away from the lek and, topographically out of direct line of sight (see Map 22, Locations of Sage Grouse Leks and Sagebrush Habitat) RN08 -05 2.05 -126 03/12/10