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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I I <br />Issues Analysis Chapter 3 <br />3.8.3. Cumulative Effects Analysis <br />Issue 1: What is the extent of impacts on sensitive visual receptors resulting from the <br />change in landforms during operations and post-mining? <br />The CESA for visual resources encompasses an area within 15 miles of the Sale Area. Beyond <br />15 miles, the Sale Area and associated mining and reclamation activities would either not be <br />visible or would be considered as a minor element in the visual landscape. Prominent existing <br />features within the CESA include the existing Parkdale Quarry and associated quarry facilities, <br />Cañon City and the Fremont County Airport, and the Arkansas River. <br />Past, present, and RFFAs in the visual resources CESA have resulted, or would result in the direct <br />disturbance of the natural and rural aesthetic quality of the area. Impacts to the natural and rural <br />aesthetic quality have resulted from urbanization and population growth, roads and highways, <br />mineral development, transmission lines, and grazing and agriculture activities. Development of <br />reasonably foreseeable mining and infrastructure projects needed for additional urban <br />development is anticipated across the CESA, especially in and around Cañon City. Wildfire has <br />also impacted visual resources near the Sale Area. In the last two decades wildfires have burned <br />approximately 8,000 acres. The regional area is an arid climate and if the current trend in climate <br />change continues wildfire frequency may increase and have an increasing impact on visual <br />resources. However, reclaimed and remaining features from the proposed sale in combination <br />with the other past, present, and RFFAs within the CESA would continue to have long-term <br />cumulative impacts to visual resources in the CESA but would be minor to moderate and blend <br />into the existing landscape. <br />3.9. SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS <br />Issue 1: How would the proposed Parkdale Quarry expansion affect social and <br />economic conditions in Fremont County? <br />3.9.1. Affected Environment <br />The study area for assessing direct and indirect effects of the proposed quarry expansion on <br />socioeconomic conditions is Fremont County as the Parkdale Quarry is centrally located within <br />the county (Figure 3.9-1, Appendix C) and over 90 percent of current mine employees reside in <br />Fremont County (Martin Marietta 2019c). The socioeconomic study area, depicting Fremont <br />County, communities, the current and proposed mine site, and land status, can be seen in <br />Figure 3.9-1 (Appendix C), Socioeconomic Study Area. The existing mine and the proposed mine <br />areas can be seen in Figures 2.2-1 and 2.2-2 (Appendix C). <br />Parkdale Quarry Expansion Project <br />Final Environmental Impact Statement <br />3-70