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,~-~' <br />'~..~ <br />b. Impacts <br />No environmental impacts are expected. <br />2. Soils <br />e. Setting <br />The soils are described as a very gravelly sandy loam, <br />occuring on 15-40Z slopes. It is well drained. Bedrock is estimated at two <br />feet o:r lees. Permeability is moderately rapid and the hazard of water erosion <br />ie high to very high. <br />b. Impacts <br />The potential for erosion is high. With the vegetation <br />removed, the area could be easily eroded. This impact could be minimized by <br />limiting the amount of time spent in the area, limiting final slopes to those <br />recommended in the reclamation plan (see Appendix A), and ensuring a good <br />reclaaation plan. <br />3. Hydrology <br />No visible water exists in the subject area. Because of the well <br />drained soils and relatively shallow depth and the type of bedrock, no ground <br />water i.s expected. No impacts to hydrologic characteristics would be expected. <br />4. Vegetation <br />a. Setting <br />The dominant vegetation of this area is mainly grasses, <br />including: Arizona fescue, mountain muhly, parry oatgrass and needlegrasses. <br />Some forbs are present and some ponderosa pine is also present. <br />b. Impacts <br />Because of the relative steepness of the slope in the area <br />estimated at 25Z and the soil which is easily erodible, it appears the <br />reestablishment of the vegetation following mining will be an important <br />consideration. Some of the disturbed area has become revegetated with no <br />apparent reseeding effort, so this concern may be adequately addressed. It <br />appears that minimizing the final slopes and insuring a good reclamation plan <br />will result in an adequate reestablishment of vegetation. The removal of e <br />small amount of vegetation during the mine life is considered insignificant. <br />5. Animal Life <br />The area is inhabited by deer elk, various non-game species, and <br />birds. It is not considered critical habit for any big game species. No <br />significant impact will occur. <br />6. Recreation Resources <br />No significant recreation resources are occuring in the area <br />other tkian the road is a popular fall driving rout to view aspens and hunters <br />use the road for access. Impacts are discussed under VRM. <br />