Laserfiche WebLink
Coa/A1exGane Drainage Projea- Ponek 16-24 Il%ax Elk Tline <br />Inadequate methane drainage would affect mine production rates and economic feasibility in 2005. In <br />2005, 2006 and 2007, if the mine closes, approximately 6 to 7 million tons of coal per year would not <br />be developed or produced, approximately 37$ full time and contract employees would be laid-off, and <br />mine payroll, purchases of goods and services, and production royalties and tax payments (presently <br />totaling approximately $70 million/year) expenditures and payroll would be minima] and production <br />royalties and tax payments would not be provided to government entities. The decision of whether to <br />close the mine or change to care and maintenance status would be dependent on prevailing market <br />conditions and company financial considerations. Eidter mine closure or reduction to care and <br />maintenance status would have direct and indirect adverse economic and social impacts on local <br />communities and in the region. <br />Public ATV Use Option <br />This option considers the em~ironmental effects of allowing public All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) access <br />on 4.2 miles of temporary roads throughout the project duration. These roads include the West <br />Flatiron, West Bench, and East Bench Roads. \X/hen these roads are decommissioned, they would be <br />converted to ATV trails that would be open to public access. Under this option, 4.2 miles of public <br />ATV trail would be available in 2008 under each of the action alternatives. This option could be <br />implemented with Alternatives 2, 3, 4, or 5. <br />Geology, Surface lYxatey Ground Water, and Riparian Resources -This option would result in <br />minor localized increases in long-term surface runoff and sediment in the immediate vicinity of <br />remaining nails and locations where trails cross drainages. <br />Wildlife -Displacement of wildlife would occur in the immediate vicinity of the remaining trails and <br />the duration of effects would be extended by long-term public access. <br />Livestock and Grazing -Displacement of livestock would occur in the immediate vicinity of the <br />remaining trails and the duration of effects would be extended by long-term public access. <br />Air Quality -This option would have no measurable effect on air emissions. <br />Access and Recreation -Public ATV access, both during and following project completion, would <br />be maintained and expanded by this option. Access during project operations would result in traffic <br />safety concerns. <br />Roadless Character -Long-term ATV access would not affect roadless character. <br />Socioeconomics -This option would have no measurable socioeconomic effect. <br />Environmental Consequences Common to All Action Alternatives (Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5) <br />and the Public ATV Use Option <br />Geology, Surface Water, Ground Water, and Riparian Resources -Project-related effects on <br />sub-surface geology would be negligible. The soil resource and soil productivity would be impacted <br />by road and drill pad construction and obliteration and road use during the project. Project activities <br />would result in temporary increases in surface runoff and sediment From surface disturbance areas <br />primarily in the Sylvester Creek and Minnesota Creek watersheds. Proposed operating practices and <br />mitigation measures would be effective in preventing or controlling project-related effects to soil, <br />surface water, ground water, and riparian conditions. <br />Wildlife -Project activities would displace wildlife and result in genera] habitat loss and specific <br />losses to riparian and nesting habitat. Effects on T&E species would be minimal. <br />Environmenxa/Anetrmenx <br />l".PT/Mmnun Cpd (u/F_{/prrlr 3/x/02(1 IISF: <br />/5/iQaM <br />