Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
behavior change, habitat loss, or mortality is not expected to reduce the overall population in the
Cibola National Forest or surrounding areas and would not result in a trend toward Federal
listing.
While no surveys found any American peregrine falcons in the permit area, suitable habitat
exists for both hunting and nesting. Impacts to the falcon would be the same as the impacts to
other migratory birds discussed below. Nesting habitat is limited in the area and would be
restricted to arroyo canyons and cliffs. Displacement of the falcon during the breeding season
could have major adverse effects to the falcon in the area. BMPs and mitigation efforts not
included in the Plans of Operations would be needed to minimize effects to the American
peregrine falcon if this species is found during mining development or operation. 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 that may include timing restrictions during the
peregrine breeding season.
Hypothetically, raptors like the falcon would also be most susceptible to adverse effects from
bioaccumulation of uranium and other radionuclides; however, as noted earlier, proper handling
and management, as proposed, would likely avoid these effects altogether. Overall long-term,
adverse effects are anticipated to range from minor to moderate in magnitude and medium to
large in extent as long as proper mitigation efforts were taken if this species was discovered.
Effects would be possible and slight to moderate in precedence. If American peregrine falcon
mortality or nest destruction resulted from mine development or operation, effects to this species
would be major in magnitude.
Forest Service Sensitive Species
At least four small to large Gunnison’s prairie dog towns exist on the project area. During
surveys, these towns appeared to be healthy (RHR, 2009d). Possible direct adverse effects would
be similar to effects to general wildlife and could occur from mineral exploration; clearing and
crushing vegetation; habitat loss due to surface facilities, pipeline, power lines, and road
development as well as from well operation; fragmentation of available habitat; displacement and
mortality of prairie dogs; alteration of surface water drainage; and increased compaction of soils
(CODNR, 2010). Because there is limited surface water on the permit area, alteration of surface
water in this area is not anticipated.
Indirect effects of mineral development could include increased exposure to shooters and OHV
users because of improved road access into the area and invasion of habitats by invasive weeds. A
potential beneficial impact to the prairie dog would be the reduction in shrub cover through
blading and grading, enhancing the available prairie dogs habitat. The use of BMPs would also
help protect prairie dogs. Speed limits of 15 mph would reduce the amount of vehicle collisions
and fencing around the mine shaft would help to keep prairie dogs out of the mine. In 2008, the
USFWS published a “12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Gunnison’s Prairie Dog as
Threatened or Endangered.” The USFWS found that this species is not threatened or endangered
throughout all of its range, but that the portion of the current range of the species located in
central and south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico represents a significant portion
of the range where the Gunnison’s prairie dog is warranted for listing under the ESA (USFWS,
2008). The Gunnison’s prairie dogs found within the project area are not warranted for listing
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 239