2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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Golden Eagle: No Golden eagles nest sites are located on or near the property, though some Wyoming groundsquirrels do inhabit the Phase 2 site. These are a key prey species for Golden eagles in the Piceance Basin, so gravel pit operations could have an effect on the local groundsquirrel population. However, this is an abundant prey species distributed widely in the region, so a small local reduction in population is extremely unlikely to have an affect on golden eagle populations. Prairie Falcon: There are no suitable cliffs or nesting sites on or near the property, so gravel pit operations should have no affect to this species. Bald Eagle: The nearest identified winter roosts are located approximately 1 mile upstream and 1.75 miles downstream of the Phase 2 project area. Both roost sites are located on private property. There are no known nesting sites within 1 mile of the project area and the riparian corridor will remain unaffected by the proposed project. Therefore there should be no affect to this species. Northern Harrier: The Phase 2 site contains no suitable habitat for this species and the adjacent riparian zone will not be impacted by the project. Therefore there will be no affect to this species. Northern Goshawk: The Phase 2 site contains no suitable habitat for this species and the adjacent riparian zone will not be impacted by the project. Therefore there will be no affect to this species. TESS Fish Affected Environment: The project is adjacent to the White River and its 100 -year floodplain, which floodplain is designated as critical habitat for the Colorado pike - minnow, though the habitat in this region is presently unoccupied. The USFWS has concerns that water depletions in the White River basin could impact other endangered fish species as well. These include the Humpback chub, Razorback sucker and the Bonytail. Further, stormwater runoff and potential sedimentation is always a concern related to fisheries habitats, and the proximity of earthmoving- operations in this case warrants attention. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: TESS Fish Since this project will actually utilize less water resources than are currently diverted for agricultural production on the property, water depletions in the basin will not be an issue and therefore there will be no affect to any endangered fish species. With regard to stormwater runoff and potential sedimentation, the site will have an approved stormwater management plan and be under permit authority from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which agency has regulatory authority to ensure no sedimentation will occur to State waters. Please refer to Section 3.2 Water Quality for a detailed discussion regarding stormwater management. Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 17 of 30 March 09