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(l)~:3(2 possible mineral exploration or development in these areas. IMPACTS ON OIL, GAS, AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Management. Managing 616,911 acres of federal oil and gas estate as open to leasing of fluid minerals would make these resources available. About 110,007 acres not available in WSAs would result in little impact to the oil and gas program because of little or no likelihood for the occurrence of these resources. IMPACTS ON SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Soil and Water Resources Management. The implementation of the "Long Gulch Sediment Control and Riparian Habitat Improvemeut Project" would reduce downstream sediment yields by up to 300 tons per year, increase vegetation production for watershed protection, improve the hydrologic functions of the riparian zone by raising the alluvial water table, and provide some downstream flood control beneIits by reducing peak flows from runoff events. Erosion control projects, that are primarily designed to increase plant basal cover on uplands would indirectly result in improved watershed conditions. Securing minimum stream flows on Iisheries streams would result in water quantity protection being provided within Iisheries to existing Iish populations, and inadvertently would improve or protect hydrologic functions within adjacent riparian zones. Sediment yields would also be reduced by maintaining roads and watershed developments. CURRENT MANAGEMENT IMPACTS Impacts from Locatable Minerals Management. If mineral development occurs on 683,285 acres in the Planning Area identified as open to mineral entry and location, increased sedimentation and physical damage to stream beds or banks could potentially result. These impacts would most likely occur somewhere within the 105,000 acres that have a high likelihood for the occurrence of locatable minerals. Physical disturbance to stream channels and increases in sedimentation would be greatest from placer mining operations. Heavy metal contamination of surface water is p05sible from mine water discharges and spoil-pile runoff. Heavy metal pollution is usually associated with mine drainage resulting from the oxidation of pyrite. The area with the highest potential for this situation to occur is within about 1,200 acres near Iris and Midway, and south and west of Lake City. Underground mining operations could create the potential for ground water aquifer dewatering and mixing of water from different aquifers, diminishing both groundwater quantity and quality. Impacts from Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Management. No significant environmental impacts are anticipated from one or two wells. If any development were to occur, surface-disturbing activities such as road and drill pad construction could result in increased sediment yields. Accidental fluid discharges such as produced water, during drilling operations, could contaminate surface waters and soils. Impacts from Saleable Minerals Management. Mineral material disposal that results in surface disturbance, road construction, and vehicle use would increase erosion and sediment production, and decrease soil productivity. Operations in close proximity to perennial water courses would have the potential effect of destabilizing and altering natural stream channels and disrupting the beneIicial values of floodplains. Impacts from Riparian Zones Management. Projects designed to stabilize streambanks and increase vegetation cover would improve stream channel stability, water quality and increase flow periods. 4-3