5600-PM-BMP0321-12
3/2012
Module 12: Land Use / Vegetation / Fish and Wildlife / Prime Farmland
12.1
Land Use
Identify the present uses of each land use area within the proposed permit area. If the use of the land has changed
within the last five (5) years, also identify the use of the land prior to the change. If the land has been previously
mined identify the use before it was mined. (Key land use(s) to Environmental Resources Map, Module 14.)
12.2
Vegetation
Provide a description of the existing vegetative cover types within the proposed permit area. If the permit area
includes areas previously disturbed (and unreclaimed) by mining activities, identify the percent ground cover of the
existing vegetation on each previously disturbed area. Indicate the approximate acreage of each cover type and the
relative extent to which the cover types and acreages will change as a result of the proposed mining and reclamation
activities.
12.3
Fish and Wildlife (Protection/Enhancement Plan)
a. Has any threatened or endangered species and/or critical habitats of these species (includes species
listed or proposed and habitats listed by the U.S. Department of Interior under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973) been identified within or adjacent (within 1,000 feet) to the proposed permit area?
Yes
i.
ii.
No
Provide PNDI search results for proposed surface and underground activities.
If yes, identify the species and habitat area and include within your response to 12.3c and 12.3d
information specific to the species and habitats identified.
b. Has any habitats of unusually high value (e.g., wild trout streams, wetlands, riparian areas, cliffs/caves
supporting raptors, areas offering special shelter or protection) been identified within or adjacent to the
proposed permit area?
Yes
No
If yes, identify the habitat area and include within your response to Modules 12.3c and 12.3d information
specific to the habitats identified.
c.
Describe the measures that will be taken to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to fish and wildlife
resources.
d. Describe the measures that will be taken to enhance fish and wildlife resources.
e. Any facilities proposed for protection or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources are to be identified on
the Operations and /or Reclamation Map, Module 14.
f.
12.4
If no enhancement measures are identified in Module 12.3d, explain why enhancement is not
practicable.
Prime Farmland
a. Are there any soils within the permit area classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) as
prime farmland soils?
Yes
No
(Provide a U.S.D.A. Soil Survey Map delineating the proposed permit area and the prime farmland soils)
b. Have all prime farmland soils within the proposed permit area been historically used for cropland?
Yes
No
If No, identify on the Soil Survey Map those prime farmland soils which have not been historically used
for cropland.
c.
Is a negative determination being requested for those soils within the permit area that have been
designated by U.S.D.A. as prime farmland soils?
Yes
No
If yes, provide documentation for the request.
If no, contact the Pottsville District Office for details.
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