PERMFILE107011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

n The potential stipulations described in dte EA were modified in response to public comment, and these • modifications appear in the Coal Lease Stipulations in Appendix A of this document. The agency response to continents (Appendix E of the EA) contains an errata disclosure to correct inaccuracies noted in the EA during [he public review process. I considered public comment while making this decision. I recognize that some parties are concerned over development in inventoried roadless azeas. The azea in which this lease is proposed is not an area that was identified for wilderness designation, nor was it identified as a further planning area. The GMUG Forest Plan allows development in this area. Subsequent evaluations have shown that the roadless chazac[er in the area has been compromised. I further recognize that there are changing circumstances with respect to inventoried roadless area management. My decision is consistent with the current status of roadless area direction and rule-making. I recognize that some parties are concerned that the coal Lease stipulations are too prohibitive on mining in favor of protecting surface resources, specifically with respect to water resources. It is my responsibility to consider in my decision where protection for non-coal resources is needed and appropriate to ensure that the ecosystems present on the national forest are preserved. Further, the Forest Service is charged with ensuring favorable conditions far water flow (Organic Act of 1897). Therefore, I am including a stipulation that calls for protection of a perennial stream in the lease h'act from subsidence. This stipulation is consistent with those placed on other federal coal leases on the GMUG National Forest for the protection of perennial streams. I also recognize the concern that potential surface use and road building may occur on the lease tract. This is a decision to lease. If the lease were issued, it would grant the successful bidder the right to develop the minerals on the tract, and-wo_uld'acknowledge rights-forsurface u"se~. At this leasing stage, there are no surface uses proposed or anticipated (EA, Section 2.3:1}-If surface use is proposed in the future; such a proposal would be evaluated on it's own merits; an additional NEPA analysis would be prepared, and decisions issued that may or may not approve [he proposed activities. Any proposal for surface use would need to be framed in the context of the lease stipulations • identified in this Decision (Appendix A of this DN/FONSI, and Appendix B of the EA). IV. SUMMARY OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED Five alternatives were considered in the EA, (Sections 2.4 and 2.5), with two canted forward for detailed analysis. The selected action is the Proposed Action, conditioned with Coal Lease Stipulations. A summary of the action .. alternatives considered in the EA follows. No-Action Alternative In the No-Action Alternative, the West Flatiron LBA tract would not be offered for competitive sale at this time. Mineable Federal coal in the LBA tract would not be mined, and would likely be bypassed. This alternative did not meet the propose and need of the project. Proposed Action This alternative is the Proposed Action, and considers offering the tract for competitive leasing with stipulations (EA, Section 2.4.1) that serve [o protect the non-coal (surface) resources. The boundaries of [he tract assumed in the Proposed Action were those delineated by the BLM (EA, Section 2.1). This alternative also assumed that the lease would include [he BLM Standard Lease Terms, and the Stipulation for Lands Under the Jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture. V. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Project scoping comments for the project proposal were solicited from appropriate agencies, specific interested parties, and the general public. Section 2.2, Public Involvement, and Chapter 5 of the EA provide a discussion of public iuvolvement, and consultation undertaken for the project. Mailing lists used for the scoping effort are contained in the project file. • Page 5