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Chapter IV <br /> Wildlife habitat is a primary post-mine land use. Plant species listed for final reclamation <br /> have been carefully chosen for a number of characteristics including: native to the <br /> mine plan area or native to Pitkin or Gunnison county; perennial species; long-term <br /> revegetation potential; growth on steep slopes; erosion control potential; potential <br /> biomass production; cover and food value for deer, elk, game and non-game birds, <br /> small mammals, cattle and horses; protein and energy value. <br /> The selection process for plant species to be used in final reclamation has been <br /> co-ordinated with appropriate federal and state agencies, including the State Division of <br /> Wildlife. <br /> The number of plant species listed for reclamation has been maximized to provide life <br /> form diversity, and species diversity. Shrub groupings will be distributed in clumps <br /> among the grass and forb understory to optimize edge effect and cover for wildlife. <br /> Upon cessation of mining, the grassed meadow areas will remain as bird habitat while <br /> the forested areas will continue to be prime habitat for big game such as deer and elk. <br /> As discussed in the subsidence section, mine subsidence will be minimal if it occurs at <br /> all, and will not adversely affect existing habitats. <br /> C. PROTECTION OF THE HYDROLOGIC <br /> BALANCE <br /> 1. Introduction. <br /> Mid-Continent has designed and constructed water control structures (sediment ponds, <br /> diversion ditches, berms, culverts, etc.), and closed water use systems to mitigate <br /> adverse impacts on the existing hydrologic balance. The hydrologic baseline data <br /> developed by the Company (Section E, Chapter III) provides an understanding of the <br /> hydrologic balance that must be attained. The present water quality monitoring <br /> program will identify any problems, should they occur, in maintaining the balance. <br /> To ensure compliance with existing water quality standards and effluent limitations, the <br /> Company has designed, constructed and is maintaining sediment control structures to <br /> meet, at a minimum, the following water quality criteria: <br /> 6 <br />