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Lead and Cooperating Agencies <br />The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests is the lead agency for <br />the environmental analysis. The Uncompahgre Field Office of the BLM is a cooperating <br />agency. <br />Responsible Official <br />The Responsible Official is the GMUG's Forest Supervisor. Charles S. Richmond. <br />Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review the proposed action, the <br />other alternatives, and the environmental consequences in order to decide the following: <br />• Where surface use for the shaft/escapeway, access roads and methane drainage <br />wells is acceptable. <br />• Conditions under which NFS lands can be used, and how non-mineral resources <br />must be protected. <br />' Whether to grant relief from the lease stipulations for big game winter range for <br />construction of the ventilation shaft and escapeway. <br />The Forest Service Responsible Official will determine if the activity is consistent with <br />the GMUG Forest Plan, and identify the post-mining land use. <br />Project Status <br />NOI published September IS, 2006 Federal Register, September 20, 2006 Della <br />County Independent, and September 20, 2006 Grand Junction Daily Sentinel- <br />Five comments were received. <br />• Determination of issues and alternatives -November 2006. <br />• DEIS internal review -January 2007. <br />• Distribute DEIS -February 2007. <br />FEIS/ROD release _May 2007. <br />Regulatory Framework <br />The Forest Service is directed by a number of laws/executive orders and intemal manual <br />direction to protect the soil resource, and prevent sedimentation from reaching stream <br />networks. The main one includes: <br />National Forest Management Act -protect and, where appropriate, improve the quality of <br />soil, water and air resources (Section 5) <br />Federal Land Policy and Management Act -Each right-of--way shall contain terms and <br />conditions which will minimize damage to scenic and aesthetic values and fish and <br />wildlife habitat and otherwise protect the environment; require compliance with <br />applicable water quality standards (Section 505). <br /> <br />