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anticipate where mining will occur during the restricted time period and eliminate <br />potential nesting sites by tilling up the existing prairie dog burrows. The second option is <br />to have a wildlife specialist monitor the near term mining areas in the spring of each year <br />for the owls. If owls are observed, burrows will be eliminated ahead of nesting; or if <br />nesting occurs, Western Fuels will work with CDOW on a plan for monitoring or <br />removal of the nest. Annual reports to DRMS will include any Burrowing Owl <br />mitigation performed during the previous year. <br />Ve etg ation <br />The mining operation will clear all vegetation ahead of stripping topsoil. After <br />transferring the topsoil to a regraded portion of the mine, vegetation will be reestablished. <br />Irrigation systems will be reestablished and intensive management of the revegetated area <br />will maximize the recovery of the vegetation. One of the inevitable affects of removing <br />vegetation and reestablishing it is invasion of weeds. DRMS has very strict noxious <br />weed control regulations and part of the permit application will address a noxious weed <br />control plan. The plan will incorporate provisions of Montrose County and San Miguel <br />Basin Weed Control guidelines. <br />Visual Impact <br />The projected short life of the operations and the mining area would not profit from <br />landscaping with shrubs or trees. The topsoil and overburden stockpiles will act as a <br />partial visual buffer. Stockpiles and regraded areas will be seeded within a year of <br />disturbance. Mining activities such as drainage control, surface facilities, stockpiles, and <br />haul roads may be preformed up to the mining permit boundary. The top edge of the <br />excavation for mining will be 50-100 feet from the permit boundary and the coal <br />extraction will start approximately 150' from the permit boundary. This strip of land <br />around the top of the pit will also limit the visibility into the pit. <br />Mine Safety and Health <br />The primary mine safety and health related regulations will be handled by the federal <br />Mine Health and Safety Administration, MSHA. This agency covers many aspects of <br />mining such as slope stability, electrical safety, equipment safety, noise exposure and <br />dust exposure. Extensive health and safety training is required for all mine employees <br />both for pre-employment and on an annual basis. <br />Utilities <br />There are no major utilities crossings the mining area. There are power and <br />communications lines in the County road ROW. No requirements for relocation of utility <br />lines have been identified for this operation. Western Fuels will work with the local <br />utilities to protect existing utility lines along the roads and at mine access points. <br />Other Permits <br />Other permits, licenses and certifications will be acquired as necessary to maintain <br />compliance of the operation with other local, state and federal requirements. <br />Page 13