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AmerAlia, Inc. <br />Page 3 <br />Sincerely, <br />/ /0 (Z <br />Ron D. Velarde <br />West Region Manager <br />Yellow Creek vicinity are very attractive to migratory birds due to the lack of water impoundments in the <br />vicinity. Negative impacts to migratory birds can be completely avoided by netting the pond. CDOW <br />recommends that any pond that is expected to develop hyper - saline waters at any point during its life be netted at <br />the outset to eliminate any impact to migratory birds. <br />CDOW is very concerned about the possibility that project water may come from surface diversion or shallow <br />alluvial wells in Yellow Creek. CDOW owns and manages water rights in Yellow Creek below the mine site for <br />wildlife, particularly waterfowl and other migratory birds. Improved management of riparian and upland habitats <br />has increased surface water in Yellow Creek and Duck Creek below the mine site. Riparian vegetation and bank <br />stability have improved. Yellow Creek has run more perennial water as a result. Riparian and wetland habitats <br />in arid areas like the Yellow Creek basin are precious due to their limited extent and extraordinary value to <br />wildlife. CDOW believes that withdrawal of the amount of water proposed by AmerAlia from the alluvial <br />system puts these important habitats at risk. Consumptive use of surface water may also harm the four <br />endangered fish species occupying the White River downstream from the mine site. CDOW strongly encourages <br />the development and use of non - alluvial water sources for mine operations. <br />CDOW also encourages AmerAlia to develop a strong employee wildlife awareness program to minimize <br />car /deer accidents and other disturbances. This program should include a strong disciplinary policy to <br />discourage intentional harm and harassment of wildlife. Contractors and vendors should be held to the same <br />standard to the extent possible. CDOW encourages the establishment of company policy prohibiting the <br />possession of firearms by employees, contractors and vendors in personal or company vehicles on the mine site <br />and while traveling to and from the mine site. <br />Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on this permit application. Please contact Brad Petch, Habitat <br />Biologist, 970 - 878 -4493, if you have need of any further assistance in this matter. <br />cc: Dan Prenzlow, Mike Grode, Bob Towry, Walt Graul, Steve Norris, Mike Long, Dan McAuliffe, EDO <br />DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Greg Watcher, Executive Director <br />WILDLIFE COMMISSION, Chuck Lewis, Chairman • Mark LeValley, Vice - Chairman • Bernard Black, Secretary • Rick Enstrom, Member <br />Philip James, Member • Marianna Raftopoulos, Member Arnold Salazar, Member Robert Shoemaker, Member <br />