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ventilation and systematic pillar recovery. <br />The existing surface facilities would be used to support continued mining activity at the hind <br />Coal mine. No new surface disturbance would occur as a result of [he lease modification. It is <br />anticipated that production, employment and truck traffic rate would remain essentially the same <br />throughout the remaining life-of--the-mine. <br />Compliance with the Land Use Plan <br />This application is in compliance with the existing BLM land use plan. The plan, the San <br />Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plan (RMP), was completed and approved in <br />September, 1985. The information in [he approved land use plan determined that the area was <br />suitable for coal development and coal production could occur without conflicting with other <br />land uses. <br />Alternative 2 - No Action <br />If the proposed modification were no[ issued, National King Coal would be precluded from <br />mining the coal in the proposed modification azea. National King Coal would not have access <br />to the additional coal reserves, and the life of the mine would not be extend by an additional 2.8 <br />yeazs. Existing coal production, employment and truck traffic would remain the same <br />,~ throughout the remaining life of the mine. <br />III. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT <br />A detailed description of the existing environment can be found in the San Juan/San Miguel <br />RMP. Specific resources that may be affected as a result of the proposed action aze detailed <br />below. <br />SOILS <br />Project area soils range from shallow (less than 20 inches), poorly developed units derived from <br />interbedded sandstone and shale (Lithic Ustic Torriorthents) to deep (greater than 40 inches) <br />eolian derivatives (Ustollic Haplazgids). The shallow soils aze associated with numerous rock <br />outcrops. Detailed soil descriptions are given in the Colorado Division ofMinerals and Geology <br />permit for National King Coal's Federal Coal Leases P-058300, COC-29125, COC-49465 and <br />COC-60941. <br />The land within the application area does not consist of prime or unique farmlands or alluvial <br />valley floors. An alluvial valley floor may exist southwest of the proposed modification area <br />• <br />