2020-10-27_PERMIT FILE - C1981035 ‎(23)‎

• Permit No: C1981035
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 10/27/2020
• Section_Exhibit Name: KII Appendix 15 E.A. Dunn Ranch LBA
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
assembly's declarations regarding the contributions of coal mining operations and to ensure the
restoration of any affected lands designated for agricultural purposes.
The action alternatives are also in conformance with the LPC Comprehensive Plan(2017)Goal 8.2 for solid
minerals: "Promote responsible mineral development while minimizing potential impacts to the
environment and local residents", and the associated objectives and policies. The surface facilities, mine
operations and the use of county roads for coal transport, are regulated by LPC Land Use Code [LPCLUC]
Sec.82-76,82-161).Colorado statutes such as the County Planning Code(CRS§30-28-101 et seq.)and the
Local Government Land Use Control Enabling Act(CRS§ 29-20-101 et seq.) independently authorize LPC
to permit the land use, including and truck hauling operations on CR 120 for the King II Mine.The LPCLUC
includes standards for compatible development that are applied to the facilities and operations for the
mine. In addition, LPC maintains county road standards based on road characteristics and traffic levels
that determine the requirements for road maintenance and traffic levels on county roads used by GCCE.
1.6 SCOPE OF ANALYSIS
The scope of analysis described in this EA is based on the issues discussed in Section 1.9, Table 1-3. The
scope focuses on the LBA parcel area,the area within the existing OSMRE Permit area that would provide
underground access to the new lease, and private coal reserves that would be also mined under the
proposed mining plan for the new lease. Collectively these areas are referred to as the project area (the
Project). Areas outside of the LBA are discussed as impacts would potentially occur there. Such areas
include nearby residential developments, areas of private coal outside the LBA where subsidence may
occur and GCC-owned facilities where coal is delivered.
1.7 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
The BLM and OSMRE are Joint Lead Agencies in the preparation of this EA and are both recognized as
having jurisdiction by law. LPC and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources(CDNR)are cooperating
agencies for this EA based on their special expertise and jurisdiction. LPC's role is as a reviewing agency
for the EA and to ensure conformance of the EA with LPC ordinances and GCCE's Conditional Class II Land
Use Permit (Project #2012-0089). CDNR's role is as a reviewing agency for the EA and to ensure
conformance of the proposed mining operation with the applicable Colorado Laws, regulations and
policies governing coal mining.
1.8 SCOPING AND ISSUES
1.8.1 Internal Scoping
An interdisciplinary team, including OSMRE and BLM, formulated issues associated with the Proposed
Action as a result of public Scoping and tribal consultation and subsequent internal discussions,
conference calls, and meetings.
1.8.2 Public Scoping
The public Scoping period began on February 8, 2019 and finished on March 11, 2019.A public notice was
posted on the BLM's national NEPA Register, on OSMRE's website and in the Durango Herald on February
Dunn Ranch Area Coal Lease by Application COC-78825 and Mine Plan Modification EA 1-6