2019-02-13_REVISION - M2000077 (5)

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MUIC Creek Gravel Pit - Decision Noticc and FON'SI 0i/i /UU Pa,Te i the use of seeded species fronn locally native plants, l'crtilizers Lind mulch will also apply to the reclamation activities. Prior to be�crinnin`, work on the lIMUIC Creck Gravel Pit operation, PK Enterprises, Inc., Will II11plCl11ent a public notification process. This process shall include media releases, personal contacts and general information about the benefits of the project. PK Enterprises will also work with Mueller State Park and Forest Service personnel to develop a high quality brochure about the project for distribution to the public. The public notification process and brochure will be developed prior to the beginning of work in the gravel pit. Comparison of Alternatives i The criteria selected by the Forest Service for evaluation of alternatives were based primarily upon environmental and feasibility factors. In particular, alternatives with reduced environmental impacts and with reclamation potential were favored. Other considerations included the supply of gravel. • Alternative A —Under this alternative, the nuisance factors associated with the proposed quarry operations would be avoided, but the existing abandoned quarry i located on both private land and National Forest System land would remain in its i current condition and no action would be takers to reclaim the site. This alternative would result in additional soil losses due to wind and water erosion processes, continued sedimentation to streams and wetlands, colonization of disturbed areas with aggressive noxious plants, the gradual loss of trees and understory vegetation on National Forest System land due to erosion of steep cut slopes, and the associated J degradation of wildlife habitat and scenic values. • AIternative B—The proposed action was not selected. Under Alternative B, the gravel mine would be developed and reclaimed in three phases: 1) pre-production site i preparation; 2) production; and 3) reclarnation to be initiated concurrently with the production phase. The purpose and need for the proposed project would be to provide aggregate for use in Teller County, to mitigate impacts form the abandoned quarry that currently exist and to reduce the potential for additional impacts to occur in the future. The main positive environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action (Alternative B) include: reduction of the cut slopes, reshaping of contours to simulate natural topographic conditions, erosion control, reduction of sedimentation from the site, long-term improvement in air quality, improvement of aquatic and wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, revenues to the Forest Service from the sale of trees and gravel, provide aggregate for use in Teller County, and significant improvement of the aesthetic character of the site. This alternative, however, would result in impacts to air quality, noise levels, and wildlife during the production period, and the use of non-native species in the seed mix during reclamation would contribute to the displacement of n.ative species. This alternative would require the use of explosives on occasion to fracture exposed rock: outc,-oppings. i Hydrosphere Resource Consultants,1002 Walnut Suite 200.Boulder.CO 90302