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FONSI CO-150-2007-003 EA The environmental assessment analyzing the environmental effects of the proposed action has been reviewed. The approved mitigation measures result in a Finding of No Significant Impact on the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not necessary to further analyze the environmental effects of the proposed action. DECISION RECORD DECISION: It is my decision is to grant Western Fuels-Colorado, LLC (WFC) an exploration license for approximately 4,738 acres within portions of Township 47 North, Range l6 and 17 West, New Mexico Principal Meridian, in Montrose County, Colorado to conduct coal exploration drilling and to approve exploration drilling as proposed by WFC on the license area. RATIONALE: The decision to allow the proposed action will not result in any significant impacts to the environment; therefore, an environmental impact statement is not required. The decision does not result in any undue or unnecessary environmental degradation and is consistent with the planning objectives and recommendations of the San Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plan, approved in December, 1984. MITIGATION MEASURES: 1. For all areas, which will be subject to surface disturbance activities, a class III cultural resources survey shall be conducted according to BLM requirements. If cultural resources are discovered during exploration operations, the licensee shall immediately notify the Uncompahgre Field Office Resource Manager. 2. Water for use in drilling shall not be obtained from stock ponds or reservoirs on public lands. 3. The cross-country travel routes shall be centerline flagged prior to use. 4. The licensee and Uncompahgre Field Office Personnel shall determine the need for and the location of any necessary drainage facilities jointly. 5. The licensee shall barricade and sign all rehabilitated road beds (if any) to prevent continued use thereof. 6. Western Fuels and the BLM will review each overland access route individually and propose site- specific reclamation that may include hand raking, seed sowing, or no reclamation action. 7. The licensee shall keep all drill hole sites at least fifty feet from any prairie dog bun•ow entrance. 8. Hole markers shall not extend more than eight inches above the ground surface. 9. The licensee shall promptly repair all damage to existing range improvements caused by the actions of the licensee, its contractors, and subcontractors during operations under this permit. 10. The licensee shall maintain the integrity of all fences encountered during operation under this permit. Fences shall be adequately braced with H-braces on both sides of the intended crossing prior to cutting. A temporary gate meeting the specification of the fence shall be installed