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CHAPTERONE Purpose of the Flnal EIS 1.3 RESPONSE TO PUBLIC AND AGENCY COMMENTS • The BLM initiated the public scoping process in June 1998 to receive public and agency comments on the altematives and types of potential effects that should be addressed in a Draft EIS. In January 1999, the BLM issued a Draft EIS for public and agency review. A Notice of Availability was published by the BLM in the Federal Register on January 8, 1999, initiating the public comment period. The EPA published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on January 15, 1999. The 60-day comment period ended on Mazch 8, 1999. Two public hearings were held on February 10, 1999, in Meeker and February 11, 1999, in Pazac}~ute to collect comments on the Draft EIS. In Meeker, a total of five individuals provided comment and four individuals in Parachute. Forty-three comment letters were received by the BLM. Table 1 lists all the letters received and the names of individuals recorded at the Public H~:aring. A copy of all the comment letters and Public Hearing transcripts are included in Volume I:[ of this Final EIS. All comments, written and oral, were reviewed and considered in preparation of the Final EIS. This Final EIS responded to comments that clarified data, questioned facts or analyses, or raised issues bearing directly upon alternatives or environmental analyses. Comments expressing personal opinions or statements were considered, but direct responses were riot prepazed in all cases. Responses to the individual comments aze presented in Chapter 4.0.:Etevisions to the text of the Draft EIS made in response to comments are presented in Chapter 5.0. 1.4 DECISION TO BE MADE The BLM, as the lead agency, will issue a Record of Decision (ROD) based on the • environmental analysis in the Draft and Final EISs, public comments, and BLM multiple-use resource objectives that apply to this project. The ROD, detailing BLM's decision and rationale, will be issued after the 60-day Notice of Availability of the Final EIS. Prior to the ROD being issued, the proponent, American Soda, L.L.P., must submit a revised Commercial Mine Plan to the BLM for approval. Notification of the ROD will be published in the Federal Register and copies of the ROD will be distributed to those on the EIS mailing list and be available to the public upon request. If a favorable ROD is issued, American Soda, L.L.P. Would obtain the necessary federal, state, and local permits and approvals prior to commencing the project. ~J 1-2