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

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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The normal temperature range for the area is 14 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit('F) in January to 55 to 86'F in July. The Durango area receives an average annual precipitation amount of approximately 20.84 inches. Average annual wind resultants are generally from the north, west southwest, and east northeast at speeds of approximately 4 to 8 mph.The fastest winds originate from the west (Meteoblue 2017). Wildlife that may occur in the Project Area include those typically found in southwest Colorado. Game species include mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk (Cervus elaphus), black bear (Ursus americanus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Raptor species that may occur include bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), red-tail hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), and American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Numerous other bird species may occur including 29 species listed as Colorado Partner in Flight priority species (BLM and OSMRE 2017). 3.3 RESOURCES NOT ANALYZED IN DETAIL As mining at the King II Mine is conducted underground,surface resources above the mining in the Project Area would be only minimally impacted by surface activities, such as construction of the low-cover crossing. Over the course of normal mining operations, there are activities that are commonly approved through permit revisions required by the OSMRE or CDRMS or proposed by the permittee. Should any potential future permit revisions create a need to disturb any surface areas within the lease or permit areas, the OSMRE and CDRMS would require environmental review (i.e., cultural resources, sensitive species clearances) prior to approval of permit revisions that include ground-disturbing activities. Based on internal and public scoping completed by OSMRE, BLM, and cooperating agencies,the following resources have been eliminated from detailed analysis in this EA because the resource is either not present within the Project Area or would not be affected by the Project: • Lands with Wilderness Characteristics — There are no lands either under consideration for wilderness characteristics nor found to have wilderness characteristics in the Project Area. • Wild and Scenic Rivers -There are no designated or proposed wild and scenic rivers within the Project Area. • Fire Management — MSHA requires fire suppression systems and firefighting plans for both underground and surface operations. Underground mines, such as the King II Mine, are regulated under the fire management regulations at 30 CFR 75.1100. There have been no fires associated with the King II Mine since operations began. There is no expectation of increased fire risk associated with the Proposed Action; therefore, no changes to the BLM's current fire management plans or programs are warranted at this time. • Floodpla ins—There are no mapped floodplains or perennial surface water resources in the Project Area. Per Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)flood hazard boundary data,there are no flood hazard boundaries within three miles of the proposed lease modification (USDHS/FEMA 2015). • Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas — No wilderness or wilderness study areas are located within the vicinity of the Proposed Action. Dunn Ranch Area Coal Lease by Application COC-78825 and Mine Plan Modification EA 3-3