7.11 SOILS
Soil fieldwork, mapping, and corresponding analysis was conducted for the Upton Plant site on
June 18-19, 2012. A soil sampling plan was constructed and implemented based on WDEQ-
LQD Guideline 1 for Non-Coal. A map exhibit will be prepared showing sample site locations for
lab analysis and soil map unit boundaries. Soil mapping units included Bahl. Lohmiller, Orella,
Samday, and Savageton. Results of the 2012 soil sampling will be analyzed and a detailed
report will be submitted in November 2013.
7.12 FISH AND WILDLIFE
Wildlife baseline investigations to help identify potential wildlife and habitats that may be
impacted within the proposed permit area of the Upton Plant site and surrounding vicinity will be
conducted in 2012. A detailed wildlife survey scope of work and protocols will be conducted in
accordance with requirements referenced in WDEQ-LQD Guideline 5. The work is intended to
satisfy the requirements of the permitting agencies, including WDEQ-LQD, the Wyoming Game
and Fish Department (WGFD) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Survey boundaries will
be determined in coordination with WDEQ-LQD and WGFD.
7.12.1 Big Game
The WGFD has developed big game range designations for the entire state depicting crucial
and seasonal big game use areas. However, there are no special range designations (e.g.,
spring/summer/fall, winter, or crucial) within the wildlife survey area. Specific aerial surveys
were conducted during winter 2011/2012 targeting big game species distribution and
classification (determining sex and age). Data collected during these surveys include the
species, number of animals, sex, age, herd location to quarter-quarter section, and habitat type.
All big game observations in the survey area and a 2.0-mile perimeter will be documented
during each site visit throughout the baseline study period. Currently two big game species
including mule deer (
Odocoileus hemionus
) and pronghorn (
Antilocapra americana
) have been
documented during initial baseline surveys. A general account of big game occurrences
throughout the 2.0-mile perimeter survey area during the baseline period, and all range
designations within the survey area will be detailed in the Wildlife Baseline Report. The report
will also reference big game population trends, sex/age composition counts, harvest data for the
area using WGFD Annual Big Game Herd Unit Reports and Annual Reports of Big Game and
Trophy Game Harvest.
7.12.2 Upland Game Birds
One known sage-grouse (
Centrocercus urophasianus
) lek (i.e., display and breeding site) has
been documented within the wildlife survey area. During winter survey efforts, incidental
observations of sage-grouse, sharp-tailed grouse (
Tympanuchus phasianellus
), and wild turkeys
(
Meleagris gallopavo
) were also confirmed within the project area.
Surveys were conducted at all known grouse leks and suitable upland game bird habitats in the
survey area during spring 2012. No sage-grouse were observed at the known lek location south
of the permit area; however, lone males were recorded displaying at two locations west of the
permit area. One brooding sharp-tailed grouse was also recorded in the survey area during
summer 2012. All new leks/display sites, nests, or observations of upland game birds will
continue to be recorded throughout the duration of the baseline study. New leks or display
locations will be plotted on a topographic map submitted with the Wildlife Baseline Report.
Summarized attendance data at each lek will be included in the report along with information for
upland game bird harvests from the WGFD Small and Upland Game Annual Harvest Reports.
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