Section 1780.16  Fish and Wildlife Plan

a)         Resource information.  Each application shall include fish and wildlife resource information for the permit area and adjacent area.

1)         The scope and level of detail for such information shall be determined by the Department in consultation with State and Federal agencies with responsibilities for fish and wildlife and shall be sufficient to design the protection and enhancement plan required under subsection (b).

A)        Prior to initiating such studies, the applicant shall contact the Department to determine, in accordance with subsection (a)(1)(B), what fish and wildlife resources information will be required.

B)        The Department shall determine the level of detail and the areas of such studies according to:

i)          Published data and other pertinent unpublished information;

ii)         Site-specific information obtained by the applicant; and

iii)        Written guidance obtained from agencies consulted.

2)         Site-specific resource information necessary to address the respective species or habitats shall be required when the permit area or adjacent area is likely to include:

A)        Listed or proposed endangered or threatened species of plants or animals or their critical habitats listed by the Secretary under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) or those species or habitats protected by the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act [520 ILCS 10];

B)        Habitats of unusually high value for fish and wildlife such as important streams, wetlands, riparian areas, cliffs supporting raptors, areas offering special shelter or protection, migration routes, or reproduction and wintering areas; or

C)        Other species or habitats identified through agency consultation as requiring special protection under State or Federal law.

b)         Protection and enhancement plan.  Each application shall include a description of how, to the extent possible using the best technology currently available, the operator will minimize disturbances and adverse impacts on fish and wildlife and related environmental values, including compliance with the Endangered Species Act, during the surface coal mining and reclamation operations and how enhancement of these resources will be achieved where practicable.  This description shall –

1)         Be consistent with the requirements of 62 Ill. Adm. Code 1816.97;

2)         Apply, at a minimum, to species and habitats identified under subsection (a); and

3)         Include –

A)        Protective measures that will be used during the active mining phase of operation.  Such measures may include the establishment of buffer zones, the selective location and special design of haul roads and powerlines, and the monitoring of surface water quality and quantity; and

B)        Enhancement measures that will be used during the reclamation and postmining phase of operation to develop aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Such measures may include restoration of streams and other wetlands, retention of ponds and impoundments, establishment of vegetation for wildlife food and cover, and the replacement of perches and nest boxes. Where the plan does not include enhancement measures, a statement shall be given explaining why enhancement is not practicable.

c)         Fish and Wildlife Service review.  Upon request, the Department shall provide the resource information required under subsection (a) and the protection and enhancement plan required under subsection (b) to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Regional or Field Office for their review.  This information shall be provided within 10 days of receipt of the request from the Service.

(Source:  Amended at 15 Ill. Reg. 17294, effective January 1, 1992)