1978-01-11_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977493

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Mr. Jack Vayhinger -2- 1/11/78 at wildlife habitat reclamation, new habitat will be created indirectly and -enhance wildlife potential. (The Urad Mine tailing ponds were revegetated three years ago and are a fine example of secondary benefits, specifically wildlife values, of an Open Woodland type reclamation project. ) Additionally, Climax would be grateful to have the DOW consult and work with us on specific sites amenable to wildlife habitat reclamation requirements. Preparation for reclamation of No. 1 Dam and Robinson Tailing Pond will likely commence within two years. It does not appear at this time that a tailing pond can or should be reclaimed to a wet meadow; however, dry site willow will be used among other plant materials for revegetation. The majority of wetlands on the affected lands have already been displaced by tailing or other facilities at Climax and with respect to wildlife values, mitigation is difficult to provide. By restricting domestic grazing in the alpine lands around Climax, however, potential wildlife carrying capacity of the area is more apt to be achieved. Like any other industrial operation or municipality, Climax' s discharge of its industrial water is regulated by its NPDES permit. Industrial water from the primary mining/ milling operation is discharged into the Tenmile Creek, while aggregate mining water is discharged into the Arkansas River. The two discharges have different effluent limitations as specified by each NPDES permit. Commencing with the operation of the new waste water treatment system, the discharge into Tenmile Creek will be on a continuous basis and will consist of treated water. We realize that infrequent and accidental leaks and spills have occurred at Climax. Our monitoring, inspection and spill prevention and contingency programs of our complex water system are a means for us to anticipate problem areas so that leaks and spills may be prevented and their impacts may be minimized. Dr. Fred Glover' s transects were laid in three subalpine habitat types; the wet srr__ve-fir, dry spruce-fir and willow in the area of Mayflower and Humbug Creeks. Dr. Glover' s sampling was conducted in the fall for assessment of peak population densities. Specific explanations of information in the reclamation plan or additional explanatory information that we agreed upon follows: Page 7-14, 2nd paragraph addresses wildlife habitat displaced by the mining operation and the fact that the mining operation has prohibited, discouraged and altered