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utilized for the Project Area. Field work carried out in 2012 utilized the 2012 National Wetland
Plant List.
The routine wetland delineation approach with on-site inspection was utilized, and the survey
was conducted by pedestrian reconnaissance and review of orthophotography maps. Field
observations of hydrophytic plants and hydrology were conducted on August 15-18 and 22,
2011. Intrusive sampling for hydric soils could not be verified due to anthropology constraints.
The observed areas indicated the probable presence of wetland hydrology, a dominance of
hydrophytic vegetation, and the possible presence of hydric soils within the proposed
disturbance area. Field investigations conducted on July 2, 2012 included intrusive soil sampling
for hydric soils and observations of hydrophytic plants and hydrology.
Dominant wetland vegetation species include; Nebraska sedge (
Carex nebrascensis
) Northwest
Territory sedge (
Carex utriculata
), redtop (
Agrostis gigantea
), fowl mannagrass (
Glyceria
striata
), and wild mint (
Mentha arvensis
). No hydric map units were identified within the Project
Area based on NRCS data; however, hydric soils presumably exist as small inclusions within
the Project Area.
Wetlands classified as Palustrine Emergent, seasonally flooded (PEMC) wetlands, Palustrine
Emergent, semipermanently flooded, beaver (PEMFb) wetlands, Palustrine Aquatic Bed,
intermittently flooded, beaver (PABGb) wetlands, and Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom,
seasonally flooded (PUBC) wetlands (Cowardin, 1979) were identified.
These wetlands were located within perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral drainages, and open
water. Hydrology for most wetlands within the Project Area are dependent upon spring runoff
and precipitation or are maintained by groundwater fed springs. The majority of the wetlands
located within the Project Area are considered isolated wetlands and do not affect interstate
commerce and are considered non-jurisdictional. The major streams and tributaries found within
the Project Area include Beaver Creek and Whitelaw Creek. Wetlands are currently identified
near Cole Canyon Spring, Corral Spring, Hutchins Spring, Leeman Spring, Willow Park Spring,
Whitelaw Project Spring, and Whitelaw Spring.
Fieldwork observations were conducted for the Miller Creek Access Route in 2012. The
presences of hydrophytic plants and hydrology were noted along the route. Intrusive soil
sampling for hydric soils was carried out along a portion of the route. Field observations for the
power transmission route were not carried out in 2012. Surveys will be carried out along this
route as deemed necessary. Data from the 2011 and 2012 surveys will be included in the Bear
Lodge Project Bull Hill Mine Wetland Report.
5.16.2 Design Features/Environmental Protection Measures
RER has identified the following design features/environmental protection measures to reduce
potential impacts to wetlands:
Sediment control structures will be installed during construction and slopes will be
stabilized to reduce erosion. Sediment control structures, such as weed-free straw
bales, will also be used on mineral exploration activity sites within water influence
zones to reduce sediment and erosion into creeks as determined by the Forest
Service.
Construction activities will be timed accordingly to minimize erosion by restricting
operations during extreme rainfall. Flows will be diverted around construction sites to
minimize downstream sedimentation.
Stream bank protection (primarily riprap – 6 to 18 inches) will be established to
minimize sediment production from stream banks and structural abutments in natural
waterways.
