2019-02-13_REVISION - M2000077 (5)

Home Browse Search

I G Disi O;/1MUIe Creek /U0 Pate 9 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 1 Public invok-cmcnt processes concerning the operation and reclamation of the Mule Creek Gravel Pit have been conducted by the USDA Forest Service and Teller County. In 1998, the USDA Forest Service made available to the public the proposal received from PK Enterprise~, Inc. relative to the reopening of mining activities and a reclamation plan in Mule Creek Gravel Pit. In addition. the USDA Forest Service sent a scoping letter to interested parties. During 1998 and 1999, several articles and news releases were published in local and regional newspapers, and the project was covered by TV Channels 5 and 30. The USDA Forest Service also conducted several site visits during 1999 with interested public parties. The public involvement in 2000 has included site visits to Mule Creek Gravel Pit, and participation in the Planning Commission Meeting and in the Teller County Planning Commission Work Session. IFINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT I have determined that implementation of Alternative C will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not needed. This determination is based upon the analysis of environmental consequences documented in the EA. The following discussion focuses on factors to be considered in determining what constitutes "significant effects on the environment(see Council on I Environmental Quality regulations at 40 CFR 1508.27) Context The approved alternative, Alternative C, will impact approximately 14 acres of National Forest lands, in the northern half of the currently disturbed site. The southern, steeper portion of the site will remain unchanged from what it is today. The operational period for this project will last 5 to 7 years beginning in spring of the year 2000. The Special Use Permit for the operation and reclamation of the mine will expire on December 31, 2010. Intensity I I The physical and biological effects of this action will be confined primarily to the area occupied by the Mule Creek Gravel Pit, but it is expected that environmental benefits associated with the reduction of erosion and sedimentation will extend to downstream areas that are outside of mine. Adverse effects on soils, water, air, wildlife, recreation and vegetation are judged to be not significant due to the temporary nature smail scale of the operation impacts, and mitigation and monitoring measures required (as delineated in I i I Hydrosphere Resource Consultants, 1002 Walnut Suite 200.Boulder,CO 80302 I