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which are constructed during the permit term will be built following the Rural Electrification <br />Bulletin No. 61 -10 to protect eagles and other large birds from electrocution on powerlines. <br />Figure 17 and 17a, Raptor Proof Power pole Design, shows a typical design of these powerlines. <br />The effect to the stream and riparian communities associated with the Purgatoire River and its <br />drainages will be minimized during the life of the operation. <br />Disturbance of soils and vegetation during the mine operation will be minimized. The inherent <br />advantages to underground mining will be utilized to minimize these disturbances. Surface <br />structures and facilities associated with the New Elk Mine do not occupy a significant portion of <br />the total affected area. <br />During the collection and preparation of data to show the existing environmental resources at and <br />surrounding the New Elk Mine, the Operator has not encountered any threatened or endangered <br />species of plants or animals which will be affected by the mining operation. <br />Bald eagles have been reported in the vicinity, but there are no known active or inactive eagle <br />nests in the mine affected area or its immediate surrounding areas. Therefore, no impact to <br />threatened or endangered species is expected. <br />The habitat associated with the Purgatoire River and its surrounding areas will be protected by <br />the Operator under the current plans. <br />Protection of Hydrological Balance <br />Probable Hydrologic Consequences <br />Coal was extracted from the New Elk Mine between 1952 and 1988, predominantly with a room <br />and pillar operation. The mine was temporarily sealed at that time, and allowed to flood. In <br />2007. New Elk Coal Company LLC acquired the New Elk Mine and all related permits <br />necessary to begin re -entry into the mine. <br />TR -55 2.05 -58 03/11 <br />