GENERAL53634 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

FONSI/DECISION RECORD CO-140-2001-064 EA The environmental assessment, analyzing the environmental effects oftheproposed action, has been reviewed. The approved mitigation measures result in a fuidine of no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not necessary to further analyze the environmental effects of the proposed action. DECLSION AND RATIONALE: It is my decision to adopt the Proposed Action described in the EA, subject to the Conditions of Approval (CDAs) listed below, and to approve the amended plan of operations included in the American_Gypsum Mine Pian Amendment. The amended plan of operations calls for the transfer of mining operations over a period of several yeazs to a new ore body, located approximately 3/4 of a mile to the east-northeast of the existing operation. Annual rates of production for the next 20 plus years wil] remain at about the same level as the pastl2 years. The approved plan of operations amendment, submitted to this office on October 24, 2000, satisfies all the requirements of BLM's regulations for surface management of locatable mineral at 43 CFR 3&09. As approved, the plan of operations will "prevent unnecessary or undue degradation and provide for reasonable reclamation." Additionally, the proposed action is in conformance with Glenwood Springs Resource Management Plan which calls on BLM "to maintain the maximum amount of pubic land available for exploration and development of minerals." The plan of operations amendment has also satisfied the requirements of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the Colorado Department of Minerals and Geology (DMG). NLSHA regulates mine safety issues at the American Gypsum,mine, while DMG regulates mine operations and reclamation issues (erosion control, revegetation, dust, noise, etc.). DMG reviewed and approved the American Gypsum Mine Plan Amendment on January 30, 2001 (Permit #M-84-041). Prior to the environmental assessment, a public scoping process identified a number of issues that were of concern to the public and to BLM. The Town of Gypsum expressed the concerns of its citizens over dust from mining operations, reclamation of disturbed azeas at the mine site, dirt and debris on Highway 6, and noise from train operations. Those issues were satisfactorily addressed by American Gypsum prior to the environmental assessment. A BLM gublic meeting held. on Mazch 28, 2001, failed to identify any other public issues. Upon completion of the draft of this environmental assessment, it was made available for public review and comment. Notice of the commentperiod andthe availability ofthe environmental assessmentwas published in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent on July 18, in the Eagle Valley Enterprise on August 1 and in the Vail DailyonAugust~. Duringthereviewperiod,fourindividualsrequestedcopiesoftheenvironmental assessment for review. No comments citing new or additional concerns were received by BLM as of September 9, 2002._