2019-02-13_REVISION - M2000077 (5)

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i Mule Creek Grzivel Pit - Decision NMICe alld I-ONSI P.w'e 2 DECISION This decision rcgardinL' the gravel nlininL, and rcclanlati011 of a-prCViclusly developed quarry is based upon review of the EA, supporting materials referenced in the EA, and additional information contained in this Decision Notice. I hcreb\• authorize PK Enterprises. Inc. to Implement gar vel mining and reclamation at the Mulc Creek Gravel Pit in accordance with the pic-production site preparation. production, and reclamation plans and tinlefralne delineated in Alternative C. A Special ' Use Permit for the Mule Creek Gravel Pit will be issued as a result of this decision and will include the mitigation and 1110111tOl-illg measures detailed under Chapter 5 of the EA. Implementation of*Alternative C including the proposed mitigation aild monitoring measures will be in accordance with the standards and guidelines contained in Chapter III of the Forest Plan. t i My authority to approve the mining and reclamation operations on National Forest System land is derived from: (1) The Organic Administration Act of June 4, 1897 (16 i U.S.C. 477), (2) The Forest Service Regulations at 36 CFR 251. Subpart 13: and, (3) The Forest Service Manual, 2704.3 and R2 Supplement 2700-99-1, effective 12/23/99. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED i A description of the alternatives evaluated as part of the NEPA compliance process, including the No Action Alternative was presented in the EA. It also included a description of alternatives that were considered but eliminated from detailed analysis. The alternatives studied in this EA were defined in consideration of their technical, environmental, and economic feasibility and their ability to meet the purpose and need for the proposed project. I Given the geology and soils in Teller County. there are many readily available sources of b Y aggregate, and future demands for gravel could likely be rnet from the expansion of existing sites located on private and state lands. However, the U.S. Forest Service does not have jurisdiction over the development on private and state lands. These options, from the U.S. Forest Service perspective, would therefore be included in the No Action Alternative. I I Th_- U.S. Forest Service has reviewed the status of other quarry sites located on National Forest System lands. The only quarry sites currently being operated in the Pike National 1 Forest are several small sites along the Gold Camp Road in the southeast corner of Teller County. These sites are currently permitted exclusively to the county for maintenance of Gold Camp Road. They are too small and remotely located to be effectively operated for meeting gravel needs in other parts of Teller County. The alternatives analyzed in detail in the EA are summarized below: � t i Hydrosphere Resource Consultants.1002 Walnut Suitt-100.Boulder.CO 80302 f .