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Section 7. <br />ALTERNATIVES <br />INTRODUCTION <br />Three alternatives for leasing have been developed and are evaluated in this <br />environmental assessment: 1) the preferred alternative which is the company's <br />proposed action (lease of three tracts for mining); 2) the leasing of one or a <br />combination of two of the proposed three tracts; or 3) the no action alterna- <br />tive (mining would continue on private lands for a short period of time at the <br />current mine site under the no action alternative). The transportation route <br />and the method of ±ransporting the coal have not been selected; however three <br />routes and three methods were identified by the company; two are analyzed in <br />this EA. To give the reader the full scope of the project and an assessment <br />of the impacts of the entire project, coal transport is described in this <br />section under transportation. Regardless of which alternative is approved for <br />leasing the transporation route and method would be the same. <br />Significant impacts are summarized for the mining site area and for the <br />transportation routes and methods in table 5. Detailed descriptions of <br />impacts are given in section 4, Environmental Consequences. <br />Stipulations Required by Unsuitability Criteria <br />All of the alternatives were analyzed assuming that the following stipulations <br />will be a part of any coal lease issued. The stipulations are taken from the <br />unsuitability criteria in appendix 1. <br />1. The lessee will obtain a written agreement from all right-of-way grantees <br />for permission to lease and to mine within the area of their right-of-way or <br />for relocation of the right-of-way to the satisfaction of the grantee. A copy <br />of this agreement will be furnished to the BLM. <br />2. In the event it is impractical to relocate a right-of-way or easement, <br />mining will not be permitted within the right-of-way or within a designated <br />buffer zone along the right-of-way. <br />3. Relocation of a right-of-way will be required through consultation between <br />the right-of-way holder and the lessee. All costs involved in the relocation <br />will he borne by the lessee. <br />4. The lessee will obtain a written agreement from the owner of the private _ <br />dwelling to maintain or adjust the 300-foot buffer zone or to give permission <br />to have the building moved. A copy of the agreement will be furnished to the <br />BLM. If an agreement is not obtained, mining will not be allowed within the <br />300 foot buffer zone. <br />5. The lessee will obtain a written agreement from Garfield County for <br />relocation of County P,oad 16 if deemed necessary. A copy of the agreement <br />will be furnished to the BLM. If relocation of the road it impracticable, <br />mining will be prohibited within the right-of-way for County Road 16 and <br />within a 100-foot buffer zone from the outside line of the right-of-way. <br />s <br />2-4 <br />