REV97654 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

9-03-1999 12=22PM FROM ENG. WEST ELK MINE 970 9295050 P.d ,.:h~. _ the September, 1991, Amended Land and Resource Management Plan (LRlSP) for '_? _ the Grand liesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests made provisions for __ coal leasing subject to the application of the Coal Unsuitability Criteria (See Appendix 1 to the EA for the Application of the Coal Unsuitability Criteria), _._ The I.RHP also provides for applicable stipulations to be utilized for protection of specific surface resources in S.eetion III, General Direction, pages 63-69. ~, The Record of Decision for the Oil and Gas Leasing Final Environmental Impact Statement signed on April 19, 1993 by me considered surface resources isi various Affected Environments and amended the 1991 LRMP with regards to oil and gas leasing stipulations. The proposed coal lease area contains Affected Em~ironments considered is that EIS and since activities associated with coal mining are similar to activities related eo oil and gas operations, the effects analysis in the Oil and Gas EIS adequately describes the effects of the activities associated with coal miaiag in the proposed noel lease tract. Stipulations from that EIS are therefore applicable to this lease proposal (only the stipulations for the A£feeted Em+ironmeats present in the Box Canyon tract apply). No Surface Occupancy stipulations cover soma of the Box Canyon tract. Consistent with Forest Service policy to alloy for the orderly development of mineral resources from National Forest System lands, I recognize the,fgct chat in order for an operator to fully develop the coal reserve on the Box Canyon tract waivers, exceptions, and modifications to the stipulations displayed above will be necessary. It is reasonably foreseeable because of terrain and geologic limitations that some of the facilities and aceivities associated with coal mining will need to be located in areas stipulated No Surface Occupancy. ~iaivers, exceptions, cad modifications to the stipulations may be granted in accordance with the language included on the stipulation and will be considered at the rise environmental analysis for specific ground disturbing activities is prepared. Associated with the granting of a waiver, exception, or modification will ' likely ba some impact on those resources the stipulation vas designed to protect. In most eases, the resources most likely. to be affected are soil,- water, and habitats associated with eater. I fully expect all possible mitigation measures to be explored and applied as necessary, including consideration of the alternative of avoidance of the areas stipulated No Surface Occupancy. _ Pinding of No Sigaifieant Impact (FONSI) The Environmental Assessment has been reviewed to determine whether this action would have a significant effect on the human enrvironment. Consideration has been given to the crieeria in 40 CFR 1508.27 for determining significance. - the action will not have significant effeets.on the quality of the human environment, either as an individual action, or as part of the cumulative effect of other past, present and planned actions within this area- - The action will not impact historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. - the action will not significantly affect public health or safety. the effects of the proposed action are not controversial.