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i <br /> 18 <br /> chemical concentrations resulting from mine operations is difficult, <br /> and conclusions tenuous, because of the general lack of meaningful <br /> standards for the protection of aquatic life (Davies, pers. comet. 1980). <br /> Of perhaps more concern in considering impacts on stream habitats <br /> are possibilities for causing increased sedimentation in the stream. <br /> Suspended and settleable solids can adversely affect fish populations. <br /> Damage to spawning sites and coating of benthic (bottom) food organisms <br /> are examp'---s of the many problems associated with an excess of suspended <br /> a <br /> and settleable solids. <br /> Some of the point and non-point sources of increased sedimentation <br /> include construction; of diversions and ponds for various purposes in or <br /> near the Purgatoire 'drainage, excavations and soil surface shaping for <br /> buildings or other purposes, road construction, and erosion of refuse <br /> piles (reclaimed or untreated) . Mine discharge should not contribute <br /> to the problem of suspended and settleable solids as long as NPDES <br /> effluent standards are observed. <br /> Endangered Species <br /> The peregrine falcon is a possible spring and fall migrant in the <br /> Purgatoire River drainage, although no recent sightings have been <br /> i <br /> reported there. Peregrines have been reported along I-25 near Trinidad <br /> 30 miles east of the mines and in Berwin and Del Aqua canyons northwest <br /> of Trinidad (Holder, pers. comm. ). Bald eagles winter in the vicinity <br /> of Stonewall and are occasionally observed at other locations along the <br /> } Purgatoire River where there are large cottonwoods. Golden eagles are <br />