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CHAPTER FOUR 5,160 acres with a high likelihood for the occurrence of locatable minerals. IMPACTS ON OIL, GAS, AND GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Oil, Gas and Geothermal Management. Managing 680,911 acres of federal oil and gas estate as open to the leasing of fluid minerals would result in these resources being available. About 46,007 acres not being available and 85,567 acres with stipulations would result in little impact to the oil and gas program because of little likelihood for the occurrence of these resources. IMPACTS ON SALEABLE MINERALS IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Saleable Minerals Management. permitting the disposal of mineral materials on 666,530 acres of federal mineral estate would more than satisfy the current demand of 12,500 cubic yards annually and meet the anticipated future demand. Not permitting the disposal of saleable mineral materials on 62,037 acres offederal mineral estate, or implementing seasonal closures for mineral material disposal on 188,970 acres of federal mineral estate, would not result in any significant impact due to the amount of materials which would remain available. IMPACTS ON SOILS AND WATER RESOURCES IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Soil and Water Resources Management. The continued implementation of the "Long Gulch Sediment Control and Riparian Habitat Improvement Project' would continue to 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 benefits by reducing peak flows from runoff events. Erosion control projects, including those primarily designed to increase plant basal COVer on uplands, would indirectly result in improved watershed conditions. Securing minimum instream flows, where appropriate, would protect water quality and hydrologic functions. Maintaining roads and existing water source developments in good condition would reduce erosion and sedimentation. Impacts lI'om Locatable Minerals Management. If mineral development occurs on 674,490 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 105,368 acres that have a high likelihoud 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 possible from mine water discharges and spoil-pile runoff. Heavy metal pollution is usually associated with mine drainage resulting from the oxidation of pyrite. The highest potential for this situation to occur is on lands south and west of Lake City and 1,200 acres near Iris and Midway. Underground mining operation 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 dri11 pad construction could result in increased sediment yields. Accidental fluid discharges, such as produced water during drilling operations could contaminate surface waters and soils. Seasonal or no surface occupancy stipulations in this alternative would lessen these potential impacts if development occurs. 4-56