PERMFILE111655 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Future Consideration. This decision is not precedent setting. The Forest has previously analy2ed and permitted coal-related drilling activities in adjacent areas, and areas in proximity to this project area, and on other azeas on the Forest. Any future proposals would have to be evaluated on their own merits based on the issues and effects related to the location, timing and intensity of each action. 7. Consideration Of The Action in Relation To Other Actions With Individually Insignificant But Cumulatively Significant ImQac[s. Coal exploration drilling has occurred in the area since the 1960s (EA, Table 3.1). Contemporaneous reclamation of drill sites and access has returned the land to a state where other land uses of the area can continue unimpeded. Drilling associated with an underground mine fire in 2000 has been reclaimed (EA, p. 31). Clearing of oakbrush and final reclamation of drill locations helped bring the azea closer to Forest Plan standards for livestock and wildlife habitat (GMUG, 2000). GVB drilling adjacent to the project area has been approved during the past 6 months as part of the on-going methane liberation program. Immediate reclamation of drill sites to approximate original contour and revegetating reduces cumulative impacts. 8. Consideration Of The Degree To Which The Action Mav Adversely Affect Areas Or Obiects Listed In Or Elig'ble For Listing In The National Register Of Historic Places Or Mav Cause Loss Or Destruction Of Significant Scientific, Cultural. Or Historical Resources. Record and field reviews support that no cultural or historic sites would be affected by this decision (Project File). When implementing the decision, any previously unidenti£ed sites inadvertently discovered would be avoided or mitigated so there would be no effect upon them (see Conditions of Approval, Appendix A of this document). 9. Consideration Of The Degree To Which The Action Mav Adversely Affect An Endangered Or Threatened Species Or Its Habitat Has Been Determined Not To Be Critical Under The Endangered Species Act. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has been included in the process. A Biological Assessment has been conducted for this decision (EA, Table 3.2 and Project File -Biological Assessment and Evaluation). All known endangered or threatened species were considered. The Forest Service will comply with mitigation measures identified in the Biological Opinion issued by the USFWS. If additional findings regarding threatened or endangered, proposed or sensitive species are discovered, a new biological assessment or evaluation will be written, and any mitigation incorporated into conditions of approval. 10. Consideration Of Whether The Action Threatens A Violation Of Law Or Requirement Imposed For Tlie Protection Of The Environment. To the best of my knowledge, this decision does not threaten violation of any laws and regulations imposed for the protection of the environment (refer to Section VII of this document). VII. FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS To the best of my knowledge, this decision complies with all applicable laws and regulations. In the following, I have summarized the association of my decision to some