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direct disturbance to any alluvial valley floors. Any mining impact that might occur will be <br />indirect in nature. For additional specific findings concerning these alluvial valley floors, please <br />see Section B, Item XXII of this document. <br />XII. Land Use <br />The Division approved the post- mining land use of the operation as rangeland and wildlife <br />habitat. It was determined that range and wildlife use meets the requirements of Rule 4.16 for <br />the permit area (in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(1)). <br />XIII. Specific Approvals <br />Specific approvals required under Rule 4 have been granted. These approvals are addressed in <br />Section B of this document (in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(m)). <br />XIV. Endangered or Threatened Species <br />The Division finds that the activities proposed by Colowyo would not affect the continued <br />existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification <br />of their critical habitats (in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(n)). Letters from the BLM (dated <br />July 28, 1997 and July 29, 1997) concur with this finding and are in Exhibit 10 of the PAP. <br />Additionally, through a request by OSM, the USFWS performed a formal Section 7 consultation <br />(a biological assessment) for threatened and endangered species at the Mine. On March 9, 2007 <br />the USFWS responded to the OSM and issued a "Final Biological Opinion" stating that the <br />proposed activities in the South Taylor area would not affect the listed threatened and <br />endangered species. <br />When the application for RN -06 was found complete, the Division sent letters to USFWS <br />(December 26, 2012) and the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (November 13, 2012). <br />These agencies have not commented on the application. <br />Colowyo and the Division will continue to monitor any changes in the status of endangered or <br />threatened species at the mine site. In particular, the status of sage grouse will be closely <br />followed. <br />XV. Fees <br />The Division has contacted OSM, Reclamation Fees Branch. As of April 4, 2013, Colowyo is <br />current in the payment of reclamation fees required by 30 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) <br />Chapter VII, Subchapter R (in compliance with Rule 2.07.6(2)(0)). <br />Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance January 2012 <br />Permit Renewal 06 Page 129 <br />