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The District Range Management (DRM) specialist expressed concems regarding the need <br />to control noxious weed infestations on disturbed ground, and provided a recommended <br />seed mix for reclamation (project file). Eazlier NEPA documentation (1990 for the area <br />indicated that the Grand Mesa penstemon was present in the area, and usually colonizes <br />on disturbed ground. The Grand Mesa penstemon has since been removed as a candidate <br />species, and is no longer considered a Forest Service sensitive species, so it's presence is <br />not a concern. <br />The Zone Archaeologist confirmed that previous archaeological surveys had been <br />performed for these locations, and showed negative results. <br />A representative from the GMUG roads engineering staff made a site visit on March 26, <br />2001. II was concurred that the old drill road could be reopened by removing the steep <br />water bars. However, the drill road would need drainage structures placed to control <br />erosion, and use of spot gravel on grades greater than 12% and in aeeas where drainage <br />headwaters would be crossed. <br />IV. ISSUES RAISED <br />The Western Slope Environmental Resource Council (WSERC) provided written <br />comments (project file). Some of WSERC's comments were issues and concems raised <br />that were a matter of needing addition information or clarification, but did not raise <br />• resource issues. WSERC raised concerns pertaining to loss of the gas resource and <br />potential for recovering the gas, and effects to global warming. At present, there are no <br />regulatory requirements for emission of methane gas from ventilated or "mine" air <br />sources. The emissions from GVBs are considered ventilated air sources. The methane <br />that would emit from the GVB, would emit through the mine fan portal under current the <br />mine ventilation situation. WSERC also commented that they felt and environmental <br />assessment (EA) should be prepared, and expressed the need for seeing along-term <br />drilling plan. <br />Dry Fork Grazing Allotment permittees (via Dallas Harding) were also contacted, and <br />expressed concems for reclaiming the areas so that oakbrush is not replaced, and <br />cautioned about closing roads before knowing what the ultimate mine needs would be. <br />Rich Rudin called voiced opposition to the proposal, and expressed the need to see loner <br />term plans and that an EA should be prepared. <br />The Delta County Commissioners commented that the project would be necessary to <br />ensure the health and safety of the miners, and that the proposal would not create a <br />significant impact to the azea in question. <br />• <br />