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The reclamation plan is designed to return the area to a postmining land use of <br /> agriculture predominated by irrigated pasture. A hedgerow, composed of Russian olive <br /> (Eleagnus angustifolia) and cotoneaster (Cotoneaster acutifolia) will be planted along two <br /> field borders within the central portion of the permit area. The total length will be <br /> approximately 1,400 feet and will be composed of the above species planted in an <br /> alternating pattern. This will provide escape and nesting cover, as well as food habitat, <br /> for a variety of upland game birds and other bird species. Two groupings of cottonwood <br /> and mulberry will be planted in the reclaimed area (see Exhibit 22-2 in Tab 22). The <br /> irrigated pasture seed mixes, used on the majority of the area, will provide good ground <br /> cover that can be used as escape and nesting cover for birds, and as forage for the few <br /> deer that may use the reclaimed area. Minimizing disturbances to the Swale type in the <br /> western half of the permit area will further mitigate the loss of habitat. The small size <br /> of the permit area and large amount of adjacent habitat (see Exhibit 11-3 in Tab 11 <br /> "Wildlife") will further serve to mitigate any impacts to wildlife populations. Because <br /> of abundant irrigation water supplies it is expected that components of the swale type <br /> will reestablish naturally. <br /> There are no wildlife migration routes through the permit area that would require access <br /> or special fencing. <br /> There have been no toxic water quality problems at the current Nucla Mine, and no phase of <br /> the anticipated operations in the Nucla East area would indicate any future problems. <br /> NPDES permit requirements provide additional protection of water quality. <br /> Pesticides may be used in extreme cases if alternative mitigation measures fail to achieve <br /> adequate results. If pesticides are used, they will be selected based on the specific <br /> recommendation for the target species in the current Colorado Pesticide Guide or Colorado <br /> Weed Control Guide and with the approval of the CMLRD. Any use of these will be in strict <br /> accordance to all federal, state, or local statutes or requirements. <br /> Power Transmission facilities in the Nucla East area will be designed and constructed to <br /> minimize electrocution hazards to raptors. The design and specifications of the power <br /> transmission facilities will follow the appropriate standards in affect under <br /> "Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems" (USDI, USDA 1970) and the Rural <br /> Electrification Administrations Bulletin 61-10, "Powerline Contacts by Eagles and other <br /> Large Birds". <br /> 23-6 Revised 04/11/88 <br />