What is the primary effect to bull trout from the proposed Rock Creek Mine?
A. The main effect to bull trout from the proposed Rock Creek Mine is degradation of spawning and rearing habitat due to sedimentation during the initial 5-year construction period and for two years afterward. Even with measures to minimize sediment entering Rock Creek, some amount of sediment will find its way into the creek and reduce the quality of the habitat by despoiling clean spawning gravels and fill pools and foraging areas. The effect is anticipated to subside about two years after the construction is done as the sediment is eventually flushed from the creek and the revegetated areas adjacent to the affected stream reach begin to recover. Q. What will be done to minimize or mitigate the effects to bull trout? A. Measures will be employed during construction to avoid or reduce sediment from entering the creek. Silt fences, straw bales, sediment barriers, geotechnical fabric, slash filter windrows, and other best management practices will be employed when working near the creek
