2013-04-18_PERMIT FILE - C2009087 (5)

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RULE 2 - PERMITS Following the cessation of the surface mining operations in 1999, reclamation efforts where taken to • rehabilitate the mine to historic uses. The primary historic land use was rangeland, including livestock grazing and wildlife habitat (Seneca II Mining and Reclamation Plan Tab 13 — Post - Mining Land Use). Present Condition and Land Use Current land uses within the PSCM permit area and adjacent areas consist of livestock grazing (sheep and cattle), hunting, passive recreation, (hiking, bird watching, scenery), agriculture, mining, and wildlife. Historically, and currently, the area has been used by big game, upland game birds, and raptors. CDOW has classified all or portions of the PSCM permit area and adjacent areas as elk, mule deer, and pronghorn winter range, elk and mule deer severe winter range, and elk and mule deer summer range. Additionally the land is used by Columbian sharp - tailed grouse, sage grouse, dusky grouse, and various species of raptors. The proposed surface disturbance area is classified as elk general winter range and elk winter concentration area, mule deer severe and critical winter range, mule deer general winter range, and mule deer general summer range. No elk, mule deer, or pronghorn were observed in the proposed surface disturbance area during the big game 2009 winter survey. The PSCM surface disturbance area is in a Columbian sharp- tailed grouse production area and winter range area. No leks are located within the proposed surface disturbance area. The Columbian sharp - tailed grouse leks: Seneca 1, 2, and 3 are located on reclamation within one mile of the surface disturbance area. All three leks were active in 2008. There were two active raptor nests that were within a half mile of the proposed surface disturbance area in 2008: golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nest (GOEA 2E) is approximately 1 /4 mile southwest • of the proposed surface disturbance area and American kestrel (Falco spaverius) nest (AMKE 1) is located in the proposed surface disturbance area on the central western side. See Section 2.04.11 for more detail regarding fish and wildlife. Light industrial facilities including maintenance, warehouse and office facilities from the Seneca II Mine, are located in the northwest portion of the PSCM permit area. An isolated residential area exists near the central northern boundary of the PSCM permit area. Transportation and electrical transmission corridors cross the permit area in several areas. Routt County has classified this area as agricultural vacant or exempt on the State controlled lands. Land Use Capability /Productivity and Potential for Alternative Uses Land use capabilities within the mine permit area are limited by location, terrain, and environmental factors. Since the majority of the surface disturbance area has been impacted by mining and subsequent reclamation, the annual reports for the Seneca II Mine provide insight into land use and productivity. The annual reports have documented through soil sampling and analysis that the overburden is not toxic or acid forming. The salvaged topsoil is adequate to support vegetation based on sampling analysis and monitoring of previously revegetated areas. In the proposed surface disturbance area, the topsoil and overburden will be salvaged, stockpiled and stabilized for use in reclamation per the procedures described in this permit application. It is anticipated that the overburden and topsoil will be suitable for reclamation and revegetation of disturbed areas will be . successful. The post mining land use of rangeland and wildlife habitat is not expected to change. Herbaceous vegetation production on undisturbed portions of the proposed surface disturbance ranges between 740 and 770 lbs. oven -dry weight per acre (ESCO, 2009). For Seneca II Mine PSCM Permit App. 2.04 -7 Revision 03/05/10