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compliance with the NHPA, the Colorado State Protocol Agreement, and other federal <br />law, regulation, policy, and guidelines regarding cultural resources. <br />SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS: Colorado State Highway 139 is part of the Dinosaur <br />Diamond National Scenic Byway which highlights the area's unique paleontological <br />resources and scenery. The existing quarry pre -dates the designation of the Byway <br />(designated in 1997). Expansion of the quarry would likely temporarily increase the <br />visual effects (contrast in form, line, color and texture) for travelers along that section <br />of the Byway. <br />DRINKING WATER AQUIFERS; WETLANDS, FL OODPLAINS: The proposed <br />action would not occur within any drinking water aquifers. East Salt Creek and <br />associated alluvial sediments and floodplain are buffered from the existing mine area <br />by highway 139 and would not be directly impacted through mining operations. <br />However, surface disturbance greater than I acre would require stonnwater permitting <br />through the State to be compliant with CWA regulations. <br />Air Quality: Surface disturbing actions should not occur when wind speeds exceed 35 <br />mph. <br />MIGRATORY BIRDS: The proposed action includes restrictions on vegetation <br />disturbance during the peak breeding season. Proposed disturbance does not include <br />areas with nesting raptor concerns, expansion of the disturbance area beyond that <br />outlined in the diagram on page 4 would require raptor surveys. <br />PALEONTOLOGY: Paleontological resources may be present in the project area. If <br />any vertebrate fossil resources are discovered during mining, operations will halt in <br />the area of the discovery and the BLM geologist/paleontology coordinator will be <br />notified. <br />3. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts <br />concerning alternative uses of available resources. <br />The impacts of borrow pits are generally well known and documented in the academic <br />and practicing communities. Therefore the environmental effects are not likely to be <br />controversial. <br />4. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or <br />Involve unique or unknown environmental risks. <br />Borrow pits have a long history in the region and pose no unique or unknown risks. <br />5. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about <br />future actions with potentially significant environmental effects. <br />This decision is like one of many that have previously been made and will continue to <br />