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Coal Metbane DminaBe Project - Pane[t 76-24 Wet( E(k Mine • Page 3-8 <br />Those disturbance areas not located in proximity to surface drainages would have minimal impact on <br />surface water. Proposed mitigation measures including soil salvage, installation of drainage structures <br />on roads, drainage control measures for drill pads, road maintenance, and reclamation of surface <br />disturbance would generally be effective in preventing or limiting soil loss, erosion, and <br />sedimentation. In addition, specific USFS requirements, as incorporated in the proposed Conditions <br />of Approval, and applicable drainage and sediment control and surface water monitoring <br />requirements of the CDMG Performance Standazds would help to assure prevention of surface water <br />impacts. <br />The potential exists for indirect surface water impacts due to the drilling and well completion <br />activities, as well as during long-term operation and maintenance of the MDW's. Drill rigs and <br />support vehicles would utilize and transport fuel to each drill pad, as well as drilling supplies including <br />water and drilling circulation media. Accidents resulting in the rupture of Euel tanks or spillage of <br />drilling supplies pose the greatest potential for impacts to soils and surface water quality through the <br />release petroleum or chemicals. Proper transportation and handling practices and the use of staging <br />area(s) should help to minimi>e the potential fox accidents. Since most equipment operations would <br />occur in the drill pad areas, any minor spills would be contained by the mud pits and drainage control <br />berms in these areas. As previously noted in Section 1.3.4, all drilling fluids and additives that would <br />be used are either naturally occurring inorganic or organic materials or biodegradable compounds. <br />Loss or spillage of these materials would not have any long-term adverse water quality effects. <br />A total of 17 drill pads and 22 MDWs would be located in or adjacent to the WIZ. These locations <br />are displayed on Map 1, Project Area Activities With Surface Stipulations. Table T3, Drill Pad <br />Stipulation Effects Summary, and Table T4 Road Stipulation Effects Summary, list the affected drill <br />pads and roads. Construction in areas adjacent to the WIZ would be reviewed on the ground by <br />USFS personnel to determine whether or not the WIZ would be affected and if additional mitigation <br />measures should be implemented. <br />There are approximately 3.9 miles of existing roads that have segments that run pazallel to drainage <br />courses within WIZ areas. These roads include portions of the Minnesota Creek, Dry Fork, Horse <br />Gulch, West Flatiron, and Upper Deep Creek Roads. Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 include construction of <br />approximately 1.1 miles of new road that would tun parallel to drainage courses in the WIZ. An <br />exception to the lease stipulation is required for road construction in WIZ that is not a perpendiculaz <br />crossing. <br />3.1.2.3 Alternative 1, No Action <br />in the No-Action Alternative, road construction or reconstruction, drill pad construction, drilling, or <br />surface methane drainage activities described in this project would not occur. Therefore, there would <br />be no new surface disturbance or associated impacts to the geology, surface water, ground water, or <br />riparian areas. Current MCC methane drainage activities for Panels 14 and 15 would be completed <br />and associated disturbance aeeas reclaimed. Under this alternative approximately 5.2 miles of the <br />existing Long Draw and West Flatiron roads would be reclaimed and obliterated. <br />3.1.2.4 Alternative 2, Sylvester Gulch/Long Draw Saddle Long-Term Access <br />New road construction would result in a 30 foot wide disturbance area. Construction of roads on <br />locations where roads historically existed would result in 15 feet disturbance width. Estimated surface <br />disturbance for road construction in Alternative 2 would be 30.5 acres. Estimated surface <br />disturbance For road decommissioning would be 52.4 acres. Estimated surface disturbance for <br />construction and obliteration of 54 drill pads would be 37.8 acres. Although the conditions for <br />project approval (Section 2.4.1) include mitigation measures to decrease impacts, this disturbance <br />would result in soil movement, erosion, and reduction in productivity. <br />Environmental A.rreument <br />P.'®P/Mwy. Cr'G/I:.li ll../i I/~/0}EI VfFS <br />l/I/OSA <br />