Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Wildlife Mortality
Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
Wildlife mortality could occur during development and operation of the mine. These mortalities
would generally be associated with collisions with vehicles and construction equipment, though
mortality could also occur from wildlife collisions with stationary objects. These effects normally
remain localized and limited to the immediate vicinity of a project site and are most pronounced
for small ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, since they are generally less
mobile than larger mammals and birds. However, the eggs and young of birds are practically
susceptible to mortality from nest destruction during nesting season. Birds and bats are also
susceptible to collisions with stationary objects (power lines, buildings, construction equipment)
(USFWS, 2002).
To minimize the amount of wildlife mortality from vehicle collisions, the maximum speed limit
on the mine permit area would be posted at 15 miles per hour and signs would be posted along
access roads to and around the permit area alerting drivers to the presence of wildlife onsite
(RHR, 2009c). Wildlife, especially birds and bats, could also fly into the mine causing wildlife
mortality. Fences would be placed around mine shafts and ventilation holes to keep wildlife out of
these areas, and screens would be placed over ventilation openings to deter birds and bats. Also,
power lines and associated equipment such as transformers and substations would be built using
BMPs for raptor safety (RHR, 2009c). Additional BMPs and mitigation efforts not included in the
plan of operations could be needed to minimize adverse effects to sensitive species, particularly
migratory birds. These mitigation efforts include contacting the Forest Service and developing
appropriate avoidance and minimization measures if a migratory bird nest is discovered during
mining operations. Mitigation measures could include working around the nest site as feasible to
avoid disturbance or developing a mitigation and monitoring plan. The Forest Service could also
impose timing restrictions, where possible, so that some aboveground activities could be
scheduled to avoid the nesting season, which could mitigate the habitat removal impact to
migratory birds. The timing restriction would be April 1 to July 31. Long-term adverse effects to
wildlife from wildlife mortality could range from minor to major in magnitude and would be
medium in extent, probable, and slight in precedence. If high priority migratory bird mortality
resulted from mining, RHR would be in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MTBA),
causing major impacts.
Habitat Loss, Alteration, Degradation and Fragmentation
Loss of habitat can be temporary or permanent and short term or long term (USFS, 2011c). Longterm
loss of habitat would result from mining operations such as removing topsoil for surface
facilities, digging, and road construction. To minimize harm to wildlife habitat, pruned and felled
trees would be scattered to provide cover, where appropriate. Also when trees are chopped, the
mulch would be spread onsite in open areas away from personnel traffic (RHR, 2009c).
Reclamation activities would restore the permit area to rangeland after mining operations are
complete. However, according to the plan of operations, the mine could be in operation for
approximately 17 years (RHR, 2009c). This would lead to long-term habitat loss and avoidance.
Many animals would avoid the permit area for the life of the mine, and this avoidance may
continue for some time after reclamation for certain long-lived species. Impacts to vegetation are
discussed in an earlier section and any alteration to vegetation could cause habitat loss or
degradation.
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 231