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March 2000 Record of Decision Page 16 <br />Air Quality. Effects to regional air quality as a result of this decision are estimated to be of <br />little consequence (Final EIS, Section 3.1.3). <br />Topography, Geology and Soils. The land surface will lower as a result of subsidence, <br />however these effects are unnoticeable to the casual observer (Final EIS, Section 3.2.3.2). A <br />lowering of elevation in the Elk Creek Coal Lease Tract up to 8 feet may occur (Final EIS, <br />Appendix K, Section 7.1 ). Impacts to other geologic resources would be minimal (Final EIS, <br />Section 3.3.2.3). Subsidence may aggravate existing historic landslides, although the existing <br />geologic instability and climate contributes to landslide potential (Final EIS, Section 3.3.3.2). <br />The disturbance to soils is expected to be minimal, and estimated to be less than one percent <br />of the tract area acreage (Final EIS, Section 3.4.4). <br />Surface Water and Groundwater Resources. Water resources in the EIk Creek Coal Lease <br />Tract are generally associated with the perennial drainage in Hubbard Canyon, or occur as <br />seeps and/or springs throughout the tract. The decision protects the water resources in <br />Hubbard Canyon by precluding subsidence under the drainage. The risk to damage other <br />seeps and springs occurring on the National Forest is low (Final EIS, Table 3.6-1 ). <br />Vegetation, Wetlands and Special Status Species. The overall lowering of the land surface <br />would not affect the overall health and distribution of the terrestrial plant communities present. <br />Further, clearing for degasification boreholes or ventilation shafts would impart only minor <br />effects on timber and range resources. No Threatened or Endangered plant species occur <br />within the Elk Creek Coal Lease Tract (Final EIS, Section 3.7.3). No Forest Service Sensitive <br />Species occur in the lease tract area (Final EIS, Table 3.7-1 ). However, suitable habitat for <br />the Hapman's Coglwort may be present about two miles north of the lease tract area. The <br />decision precludes subsidence under Hubbard Creek so impact to other potential habitat is <br />minimal. The decision further protects the riparian and wetlands present in the area by <br />precluding subsidence under perennial drainages. <br />Wildlife, Aquatic Resources/Fisheries and Special Status Species. The decision would have <br />minimal effects to terrestrial wildlife (Final EIS, Section 3.9.3.2). A key concern is the <br />potential reduction of water availability and translated effects to habitat. The decision protects <br />important water sources, and preserves habitat and protects live water sources. No adverse <br />effects to aquatic species are expected (Final EIS, Section 3.10.3.2). Effects to special status <br />species is anticipated to be minimal and the decision further protects important habitat. <br />Cultural Resources. No cultural resource sites have been identified on the Elk Creek Coal <br />Lease Tract. This decision does not adversely compromise cultural resources. <br />Noise. Noise is an off site impact of concern. The major noise concern is from increased <br />truck and rail traffic. Noise mitigations are referenced on Table 3.12-1 of the Final EIS and in <br />Section III of this ROD. Also see Maior Issues of Importance to the Public presented earlier <br />in this section. <br />Land Use. This decision will have little effect on the existing land uses (Final EIS, Section <br />3.13.3). <br />Transportation. This decision will have minor effects on the local transportation on lands <br />within the Elk Creek Coal Lease Tract. There is concern however over public safety and <br />off-site impacts generated from truck and rail transportation of coal from the lease tract <br />through the local communities. Mitigations are referenced on Table 3.14-6 of the Final EIS, <br />Forest Service -Elk Creek Coal Lease Tract <br />