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RED CLIFF MINE EIS ALTERNATIVES SCREENING <br />Preliminary Screening <br />The objective of the preliminary screening stage is to take into consideration a number of <br />potential altematives and narrow them to a reasonable range of alternatives, including the <br />applicant's proposed action and the No Action alternative, to be evaluated in the EIS. <br />Preliminary alternatives to be considered could be recommended by the public, agencies, <br />and the applicant. Under NEPA, reasonable altematives include those that aze practical <br />or feasible from the technical and economic standpoint using common sense. In addition <br />to satisfying NEPA, projects subject to pemvtting by the USACE must also comply with <br />the Section 404 (b)(1) Guidelines. In accordance with the Guidelines (40 CFR 230), <br />alternatives carried forwazd for analysis must be practicable and the Least <br />Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA) has not been eliminated <br />from further consideration. To be considered in the ETS, the following categories can be <br />used to examine and screen each alternative. <br />• Meets Purpose and Need <br />• Complies with BLM Grand Junction RMP <br />• Meets USACE 404 practicability criteria <br />- Costs <br />- Existing technology <br />- Logistics (may include social feasibility) <br />• Avoids/minimizes impacts to the aquatic ecosystem <br />• Avoids/minimizes impacts to the natural environment <br />At the preliminary screening stage, each of the altematives will be reviewed using these <br />categories. Alternatives will be rejected from further consideration in the EIS if they <br />cannot reasonably be assured of meeting these categories. The applicant's proposed <br />action will not be screened and will be carried through the EIS for analysis. Reasons for <br />rejecting alternatives will be explained in the EIS. <br />Preliminary Alternatives <br />Transportation <br />- truck <br />- slurry <br />- conveyor <br />- rail <br />^ Applicant's route <br />• Alternative No. I <br />^ Alternative No. 2 <br />• Other alternative alignment? <br />• Alternative grade crossings <br />Waste rock disposal sites <br />