2011-05-23_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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o Habitat impacts were evaluated when the disturbance boundary was determined to avoid high value habitat areas such as leks where practicable. - Installation of raptor deterrent structures on power poles, etc. o This is a requirement of the existing permit that will apply to the Collom area. - Minimize noise through administrative/engineering methods. o This is a MSHA requirement and part of Facility Design review. - Utilize proper livestock grazing techniques of sage grouse habitat in off-site areas. o This is standard practice on off-site grazing leases currently. - Utilize post mining reclamation efforts in re-creating suitable sage grouse habitat in the areas where such habitat existed. o Colowyo's new reclamation plan and proposed Collom plan selectively targets the establishment of sage grouse brood rearing habitat on reclaimed land. - Avoid the use of aggressive non-native grasses, forbs and shrubs in seed mixes. o Colowyo has previously incorporated this concept into the existing package. - Placing marking flags on fences to minimize grouse-fence collisions. o Colowyo will incorporate this practice on lower elevation fences. - Treat stock water ponds for mosquitoes. o Colowyo will evaluate this request and will agree to perform this task if it is determined not to conflict with CDPS (Water Quality Control Division) permit restrictions. COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAIL GROUSE - Colowyo has no specific issues with CDOW's comments. ELK - Minimize disturbance footprint. o Habitat impacts were evaluated when the disturbance boundary was determined to avoid high value habitat areas where practicable. - Don't use aggressive non-native species in seed mix. o Colowyo has previously incorporated this concept into the existing package. Use of wildlife friendly fence where wildlife/mining interact. o Colowyo will ensure that additional fencing efforts will include CDOW recommendations to ensure minimal impacts to wildlife. Post mining reclamation efforts in re-creating suitable elk habitat in the areas where such habitat existed. o Colowyo's existing reclamation plan and proposed Collom plan selectively targets the establishment of sage grouse brood rearing habitat on reclaimed land given direction by CDOW that this habitat was most critical in the area of the proposed Collom disturbance footprint. However, the proposed reclamation plan also focuses on overall improvement of shrub establishment across the entirety of the disturbance footprint, especially given the new variable topsoil depth allowances. Improvements in forage availability should be realized that will have a positive impact on elk populations in the area. As evidenced by the current level of utilization by elk of Colowyo's existing reclaimed lands, the long-term negative impact on elk populations due to Colowyo Mine C-1981-019 page 3 of 9 4 May 2011 Permit Revision 03 - Collom Permit Expansion