REV92974 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

effect water depletion and quality downstream in the Lower Gunnison River and Upper Colorado River below the Gunnison confluence. Even though there is no anticipated water use or retention oP surface runoff waters proposed for the lease tract, it is estimated that coal leasing would result in a generous estimate of one acre foot of water lost to the North Fork of the Gunnison and hence to the upper Colorado River. Water depletions in the Upper Colorado River Basin has been recognized as a major source oP impact to endangered fish species. Therefore, the USFWS, through informal consultation, has determined that project depletion impacts, can be offset by the water project proponent's one-time contribution to the Recovery Program in the amount of $11.50 per acre-foot of the project's average annual depletion and by appropriate legal protection of in stream Plows pursuant to State law. Because it is estimated that water depletion resulting from the proposed action would be one acre-foot or less annually and "may negatively affect" endangered fish species in the upper Colorado River, BLM has initiated formal consultation with the USFWS to receive a biological opinion on the "may affect" determination. Cultural Resources impacts to cultural resources could occur if future surface disturbances are proposed. These potential impacts can be mitigated by a pre-activity cultural resource inventory prior to surface disturbance. ter Resource Coal extraction or the resultant subsidence of overburden could disrupt and drain ground water systems associated with the ltesaverde Formation, quaternary deposits, or the local fault systems. Surface effects from subsidence could alter surface flow patterns or intercept surface runoff waters. The severity of surface subsidence would be q;eatest where the shallowest overburden occurs. These impacts will be mitigated by the mine plan review process. The mine and reclamation plan will require the lessee, before issuance of the mine permit, to inventory all adjudicated water rights to quantify water sources (surface vs. ground water), water quantity, and water quality. If, as a result of mining activities, disruption to water quality or quantity occurs to any of these water sources (as determined by comparing inventory data to post mining conditions), the lessee will be responsible for .rectification of the disruption. Socioeconomics Leasing federal lands would not affect the annual level of coal production. Consequently, there would be no immediate impact on local employment income or public revenues. However, the use of the federal lease extends the mine life by 3.5 years which means Page 14