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v Alternative 2 (Proposed Action with the Elimination of Exploration Holes IP99-3 and IP99-18, see EA, Section 2.3) was not selected because it does not fully meet the purpose and need of the project. Alternative 3 (No Action, EA, Section 2.4) was not selected because it would not meet the Forest Plan direction to "encourage environmentally sound energy and minerals development" (Forest Plan, page II-61). Additionally, Alternative 3 would not meet the purpose and need for the project because it would not allow for the continued development of leased federal coal reserves, and may endanger personnel working in the underground mine since optimal methane liberation could not be achieved. Relationship to Existing and Potential Resource Conditions I have considered existing resource conditions and potential environmental effects in making this decision (EA, Chapter 3). This decision is conditioned on the continued compliance by BRL of the stipulations attached to the CEL and FCL which are included in this document as Appendix A (except where a waiver has been granted or a change has been made), and the application of additional Conditions of Approval given in Appendix B of this document. The additional Conditions of Approval are derived from potential mitigation measures identified in the EA (see individual resource sections in Chapter 3). Relationship to Public Involvement Public comments.were sought throughout this project (refer to Section V of this document for a summary of public involvement, and Section 1.5 of the EA). Two rounds of public scoping were completed for this project, which solicited input from 12 parties. Relationship to Laws and ReQUlations This decision is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (refer to Section VII of this document). IV. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES Three alternatives were considered as part of this project (EA, Sections 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4). A summary of the three alternatives considered in detail follows. Alteinativel:.,PmtiosBd:Actionxwith -the Elimination of Exploration Hole 1P99-18., This alternative involved considering modifying the CEL and adding six coal exploration holes IP99-3 and 9, IP2001,21, 22, 23, and 24; modifying the exploration plan for the FCL by adding coal exploration drill holes IP99-16 and 17, and five GVBs (GVB-D-8-A, GVB-D-8-B, GVB-8-D-C, GVB-9-D-A and GVB-9-D-B), approving a GVB at the location of BRL-00-66-MW, considering access needs to the GVBs and existing monitor wells, and changing stipulations on the FCL pertaining to elk wintering and calving, and for vehicular access needs to GVBs.