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February 2000 Summary Paqe S-77 Under the No-Action Alternative, community and public service providers would be affected by a combination of direct and indirect effects. If not offset by altemative sources of revenue, the level of service available from existing providers could decline. With cessation of the Bowie and Oxbow operations, the state of Colorado and local jurisdictions in Delta and Gunnison counties could lose an estimated $11.4 million in combined annual tax revenue. In addition, local government would lose a portion of the following estimated annual revenues resulting from closures of the Bowie and Oxbow operations: $5.7 million in federal royalties, $2.1 million in state severance tax, and $1.8 million in state sales tax. With the implementation of any of the action altematives (B, C, and/or D), there would be no significant changes in mine employment and the socioeconomic effects would be viewed as a continuation of existing effects. The action altematives (B, C, and D) would allow continued mining for a period of approximately 5 to 8 years beyond what is expected with the No-Action Altemative. It is also conceivable that the life of North Fork mines could be extended further if operators successfully secure unmined seams on private lands or added federal leases. During any production from the Iron Point and Elk Creek Coal Lease tracts, state of Colorado and local jurisdictions in Delta and Gunnison counties would receive approximately $13.5 million annually in tax revenues. In addition, mining on the two lease tracts could generate an estimated income of $8.7 million in federal royalties, $2.4 million in state severance taxes, and $1.8 million in state sales tax and royalties. Taxes could fluctuate year-to-year. Tax revenues and royalties would continue for the life of any mining. Upon project closure and reclamation, employment would be lost, directly and indirectly affecting the local communities in the North Fork Valley. In addition, tax and royalty revenues would cease. Other impacts would be similar to those described for the No-Action Altemative. Table S-t Summary of Impacts by Altemative for Each Issue IssuelConcern Alternative A B C D AIR QUALITY Effects from Fugitive Dust None-no mining Low Low Low from lease trails or exploration Effects from Gaseous Emissions None-no mining Low Low Low from lease tracts or exploration Visibility Effects on West Elk None-no mining Low -Moderate Low -Moderate Low - Moderate Wilderness Area from lease tracts orexploraGon Visibility Effects on Black Canyon None-no mining Negligible Negligible Negligible National Park from lease tracts or exploration AQUATIC RESOURCESIFISHERIES Direct Disturbance to Stream None-no mining Moderate-High Moderate-High Low Channels from lease tracts or exploration Reduced Flow None-no mining Low-Moderate Low-Moderate Low from lease uacls or exploration Final Environmental Impact Statement