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515.15 <br />3 <br />COAL E:ti~c~ATIO:d • <br />Residual environmental Impacts <br />grouse strutting ground near (outside) the permit <br />area. The presence of ~eonle, and exolorator;r <br />activity such as vehicular usage, road 'ouildir.g <br />and drilling may not destroy these habita*_s, buC <br />may affect wildlife behavior and use of the area. <br />•In order to reduce the impact, the applicant will <br />refrain from drilling during elk calving season or <br />carrying on exploratory activities within one-half <br />mile of the grouse strutting ground. <br />The primary impact of exploration will be on the <br />two unique wildlife habiCats, the elk calving <br />ground within the permit area, and the sage. <br />Less than 250 tons of coal will be removed during <br />the exploratory phase. Hocaever., the removal of <br />vegetation during the construction of new roads <br />and drilling sites will increase wind and water <br />erosion. To minimize runoff, drilling will be <br />conducted next to existing roads or trails; <br />existing roads will be used only when dry, new <br />roads will be constructed parallel to topographic <br />contour and beaches will be bulldozed for tie drill <br />rigs only as necessary. As a result, the residual <br />impacts of exploratory activity will be small. <br />Alternatives <br />IJone <br />