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Relationship to Purpose and Need <br />The general purpose and need of this project is to consider allowing drilling and <br />installation of GVBs and construction of needed access routes, to respond to the need for <br />methane gas liberation from an underground mine operating in an existing federal coal <br />lease. This consideration is given to ensure worker safety, and ensure continued <br />development of leased federal coal reserves (EA, Section 1.C). <br />This decision supports the Purpose and Need for this project. <br />Relationship to Other Alternatives Considered <br />Alternative 1 (No Action, see EA, Section 2.D) was not selected because it would not <br />meet the Forest Plan direction to "encourage environmentally sound energy and minerals <br />development" (Forest Plan, page II-61). Additionally, Altemative 1 would not meet the <br />purpose and need for the project because it would not allow for the continued <br />development of leased federal coal reserves, and may endanger personnel working in the <br />underground mine since optimal methane liberation could not be achieved. <br />Altemative 2 (see EA, Section 2.D) was not selected because the alignment of the new <br />temporary access road down the bottom of Long Draw had increased potential to effect <br />ripazian habitat and stock distribution, and impact recreationists, especially hunters (see <br />EA, Table 2-1). <br />Relationship to Existing and Potential Resource Conditions <br />I have considered existing resource conditions and potential environmental effects in <br />making this decision (EA, pp. 13-35). This decision is conditioned on the application of <br />the Conditions of Approval given in Appendix A of this document. <br />RelationshiQto Public Involvement <br />Public comments were sought throughout this project (refer to Section V of this <br />document far a summary of public involvement, and Section 2.A of the EA). Eight <br />parties commented during the public scoping period, and one comment letter, which <br />supported the project was received during the public review of the EA. <br />Relationship [o Laws and Regulations <br />This decision is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policies (refer to Section <br />VII of this document). <br />