Laserfiche WebLink
Alternative C: Modification of the Proposed Action <br />BLM's preferred alternative is to offer for lease 1,670,000 tons of <br />underground in-place coal reserves lying in the upper seam of the <br />Menefee formation on a 180-acre tract in La Plata County, Colorado. <br />(i) Selecting this alternative would be consistent with the t•lineral <br />Leasing Act of 1920, Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of <br />1976, and 43 CFR 3400. <br />(ii) This alternative would allow an existing underground mine <br />operation to maintain its annual level of production, for a <br />period of time not to exceed eight years of recoverable reserves <br />at the rate of production under which the applicant qualifies. <br />Alternative D: No Action <br />vo not hold a lease sale in response to emergency lease application <br />C-2912d. <br /> <br />(i) Selecting this alternative would not be consistent with the <br />Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, Federal i:val Lrasir~g :,.:an,l:rer~fs <br />Act of 1976, and 43 CFR 3400. <br />(ii) If a lease sale was not held, the existing mining operation <br />would become inactive. This would result in unemployment for <br />70 people, loss of tax revenues to federal, state, and local <br />governments. <br />E:. Based on the EA, this proposal is neither an action significantly <br />affecting the human environment nor is the action highly controver- <br />sial. Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact State- <br />ment is not required. <br />C. Other Factors Considered in the Decision <br />The unsuitability criteria as required by 43 CFR 3461 were applied, <br />and the proposed lease area was considered acceptable for further <br />mining subject to mitigating measures. <br />D. Litigating Measures <br />The leasing of the coal would be subject to the standard leasing <br />stipulations and special stipulation listed below. <br /> <br />