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The Zone Archaeologist confirmed that previous archaeological surveys had been performed for these locations, and showed negative results. The GMUG roads engineering staff conducted site visits for proposal review, and determined that the changed road access would be beneficial because it required less road reconditioning and would have fewer resource impacts. This was also the opinion of the District Trail Crew Foreman. V. REASONS FOR CATEGORICALLY EXCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION It was determined that public disclosure under a Categorical Exclusion (CE) was adequate because prior NEPA analyses for similaz activity in the same azea was applicable, and because newly affected surface resources aze minimal. The proposed action falls under category 8, section 31.2 of the Forest Service Handbook, 1909.15 -Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook which states "short-term (one year or less) mineral, energy, or geophysical investigations and their incidental support activities that may require cross-country travel by vehicles and equipment, construction of less than one mile of low standard road, [o]r use and minor repair of existing roads" maybe excluded from documentation in an EIS or an EA. This analysis also references the NEPA completed for federal coal lease COC-61209 in the North Fork Coal EIS, and the Modification of the Iron Point Coal Exploration License (COC-61945) Drilling Plan and Coal Exploration Plan and Gob Ventilation Borehole Installation on Iron Point Federal Coal Lease (COC-61219). The coal lease contains stipulations for surface use and access, and the subsequent GVB drilling DN/FONSI applied Conditions of Approval (COA) for these activities. Any surface activity proposed will follow the terms of the lease stipulations and COAs. VI. FINDING OF NO EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES Extraordinary circumstances include, but are not limited to, ground disturbing action in the presence of steep slopes or highly erosive soils; threatened or endangered species and their critical habitat; flood plains; wetlands; or municipal watersheds; Congressionally designated areas such as wildemess, wilderness study area,.Research Natural areas; or Native American religious or cultural sites, archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas. This action does not involve any extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, this action can be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.