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W <br />Subsidence could also occur d :ring the extraction of 4.5 to 7 -foot cc.:," seam pillars on the retreat in <br />the proposed 1,304.51 -acre lease area. While a maximum subsidenCL o f7 feet could occur. the most <br />likely showing on the surface ould be tension cracks such as the on3s discussed above. The greater <br />thickness of overburden in this area (i.e., 300 to 400 feet), however. suggests that subsidence will <br />not be as evident as it has beet', in those areas. sic <br />Subsidence fractures could *:iso allow the escape of methane gas to tate surface and could increase <br />the hazard of underground aiid surface fires, although this is not' `:.hely due to low- liberation of <br />methane from the Menefee eo"d. <br />3. Vegetation <br />Some minimal impacts to ve`;; tation would result from the develot?trent of the surface facilities. <br />This will require the excavat3e±n of surface soils and the removal of i:; vegatated cover. All surface <br />excavation will not be on Fed •ral Land. No indirect or cumulative . npacts have been identified. <br />4. Wildlife <br />Some minimal direct impacts '.o wildlife will result from the develcprnent of the surface facilities. <br />The application indicates tha. operations are intended to be contin.:.-d at approximately the same <br />production level. Truck traf it and human activity would continue 'affect wildlife and big game <br />species, particularly during tr. ° winter months. Wildlife, particula• wintering nrale deer, maybe <br />affected by truck traffic on C� 120 and Colorado State Hwy.140 a: :,:ul killed wildlife along these <br />roads has been reported to tt, BLM. <br />' S. Land Use <br />The proposed action would-acilitate development of coal on I.A4.51 acres of federal coal. <br />Development of the coal wezid diminish federal interest in the:; lands wit, a corresponding <br />economic return in the form of bonus bid and production royalties Approximately S-10 acres of <br />state land will be used to service the mine. No indirect or cumulative :mpacts have been identified. <br />6. Transportation <br />With a production rate of approximately 300,000 tons per year, therecontinue to bean estimated <br />18 to 28 coal trucks (30 ton trucks) traveling County Road 120 east rt; the King Coal mine site and <br />Colorado State Highway 141U south of Hay Gulch. These trucks . picaiiy operate each clay for <br />approximately 350 days of the year over the fife of the mine. Trucl•: -.raff c will continue to causc <br />deterioration of county roads and lughways. The applicant mu:.t meet State and County laws <br />concerning road and highway use. <br />15 <br />