7
2.3
SOLID WASTES
The following protection measure will be implemented to reduce impacts resulting from wastes:
•
All refuse generated during exploration activities will be removed and disposed of in an
authorized landfill facility off site, consistent with applicable regulations. No refuse will be
disposed of or left on site. Garbage will be collected and hauled off site daily during
drilling operations.
2.4
SCENIC VALUES
Disturbances associated with exploration activities will be reclaimed within 2 years, and
therefore, any visual impacts would be temporary and short term.
2.5
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Baseline surveys for fish and wildlife and habitat are being conducted in conjunction with
permitting of the Bull Hill Mine. The following measures will be implemented to minimize impacts
to fish and wildlife and their habitats:
•
Bear-proof containers, approved by WGFD, will be used for temporary storage of all
garbage; however, trash and garbage will not be allowed to remain on-site overnight to
discourage attracting scavengers, including corvids, coyotes, and bears.
•
Speed limits and caution signs will be posted to the extent allowed by surface owners,
federal and state regulations, local governments, and land use policies, as appropriate.
•
Employees and subcontractors will not be allowed to carry firearms while on the job or
riding in company vehicles. These provisions will be included in subcontractor
agreements limiting the use of firearms to the same standards applied to company
operations.
•
Employees and subcontractors will be instructed to avoid walking away from vehicles or
facilities into view of wildlife, especially during winter months and breeding (courtship,
nesting) seasons.
•
Employees and subcontractors will receive environmental awareness training during
orientation that will inform and educate employees and subcontractors about laws and
wildlife conservation practices, including no harassment or feeding of wildlife.
•
Any known or newly identified beaver den sites will be protected and disturbance to
hydrological regimes within the survey area will be minimized.
•
Known bat roosts (day and/or night) will be protected in accordance with Black Hills
National Forest Plan in order to maintain bat habitat, nurseries, or hibernacula.
•
Traffic routes will be restricted to established roads to protect wildlife habitat for bats
unless authorized by the Forest Service.
•
The removal of snags will be restricted to only those that pose a safety concern or when
absolutely necessary for project activities. Forest Service personnel will be notified prior
to the cutting of any snags in order to inspect the snag and determine if an alternate
solution is feasible. Where possible, any snags cut as safety hazards will be left on site.
•
To protect important upland game bird (i.e., grouse and turkeys) breeding and nesting
habitat, project activities and surface use will be avoided near identified leks or nest sites
during the breeding and nesting periods. Any newly documented winter grouse
concentration areas or wild turkey roost sites will also be adequately addressed in
protective measures.
