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effect water depletion and quality downstream in the Lower <br /> Gunnison River and Upper Colorado River below the Gunnison <br /> • confluence. Even though there is no anticipated water use or <br /> retention of surface runoff waters proposed for the lease tract, <br /> it is estimated that coal leasing would result in a generous <br /> estimate of one acre foot of water lost to the North Fork of the <br /> Gunnison and hence to the upper Colorado River. Water depletions <br /> in the Upper Colorado River Basin has been recognized as a major <br /> source of impact to endangered fish species. Therefore, the <br /> USFWS, through informal consultation, has determined that project <br /> depletion impacts, can be offset by the water project proponent's <br /> one-time contribution to the Recovery Program in the amount of <br /> $11.50 per acre-foot of the project's average annual depletion <br /> and by appropriate legal protection of in stream flows pursuant <br /> to State law. Because it is estimated that water depletion <br /> resulting from the proposed action would be one acre-foot or less <br /> annually and "may negatively affect" endangered fish species in <br /> the upper Colorado River, BIM has initiated formal consultation <br /> with the USFWS to receive a biological opinion on the "may <br /> affect" determination. <br /> Cultural Resources <br /> Impacts to cultural resources could occur if future surface <br /> disturbances are proposed. These potential impacts can be <br /> mitigated by a pre-activity cultural resource inventory prior to <br /> surface disturbance. <br /> • Water Resources <br /> Coal extraction or the resultant subsidence of overburden could <br /> disrupt and drain ground water systems associated with the <br /> Mesaverde Formation, quaternary deposits, or the local fault <br /> systems. <br /> Surface effects from subsidence could alter surface flow patterns <br /> or intercept surface runoff waters. The severity of surface <br /> subsidence would be greatest where the shallowest overburden <br /> occurs. <br /> These impacts will be mitigated by the mine plan review process. <br /> The mine and reclamation plan will require the lessee, before <br /> issuance of the mine permit, to inventory all adjudicated water <br /> rights to quantify water sources (surface vs. ground water) , <br /> water quantity, and water quality. If, as a result of mining <br /> activities, disruption to water quality or quantity occurs to any <br /> of these water sources (as determined by comparing inventory data <br /> to post mining conditions) , the lessee will be responsible for <br /> rectification of the disruption. <br /> Socioeconomics <br /> Leasing federal lands would not affect the annual level of coal <br /> . production. Consequently, there would be no immediate impact on <br /> local employment income or public revenues. However, the use of <br /> the federal lease extends the mine life by 3.5 years which means <br /> Page 14 <br />