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CoalAlethanr Drainage Project - Parrek 16-24 II%ert Elk A1inr <br />Inadequate methane drainage would affect mine production rates and economic feasibility in 2005. In <br />2005, 2006 and 2007, if the mine closes, approximately 6 to 7 million tons of coal per year would not <br />be developed or produced, approximately 375 Eul] time and contract employees would be laid-off, and <br />mine payroll, purchases of goods and services, and production royalties and tax payments (presently <br />totaling approximately $70 million/pear) expenditures and payroll would be minima] and production <br />royalties and tax payments would not be provided to government entities. The decision of whether to <br />close the mine or change to care and maintenance status would be dependent on prevailing market <br />conditions and company financial considerations. Either mine closure or reduction to care and <br />maintenance status would have direct and indirect adverse economic and social impacts on local <br />communities and in the region. <br />Public ATV Use Option <br />This option considers the environmental effects of allowing public All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) access <br />on 4.2 miles of temporary roads throughout the project duration. These roads include the West <br />Flatiron, West Bench, and East Bench Roads. \X/hen these roads are decommissioned, they would be <br />converted to ATV trails that would be open to public access. Under this option, 4.2 miles of public <br />ATV trail would be available in 2008 under each of the action alternatives. This option could be <br />implemented with Alternatives 2, 3, 4, or 5. <br />Geology, Surface Water, Ground Water, and Riparian Resources -This option would result in <br />minor localized increases in long-term surface runoff and sediment in the immediate vicinity of <br />remaining trais and locations where trails cross drainages. <br />Wildlife -Displacement of wildlife would occur in the immediate vicinity of the remaining trails and <br />the duration of effects would be extended by long-term public access. <br />Livestock and Grazing -Displacement of livestock would occur in the immediate vicinity of the <br />remaining trails and the duration of effects would be extended by long-term public access. <br />Air Quality -This option would have no measurable effect on air emissions. <br />Access and Recreation -Public ATV access, both during and following project completion, would <br />be maintained and expanded by this option. Access during project operations would result in traffic <br />safety concerns. <br />Roadless Character -Long-term ATV access would not affect roadless character. <br />Socioeconomics -This option would have no measurable socioeconomic effect. <br />Environmental Consequences Common to All Action Alternatives (Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5) <br />and the Public ATV Use Option <br />Geology, Surface Water, Ground Water, and Riparian Resources -Project-related effects on <br />sub-surface geology would be negligible. The soil resource and soil productivity would be impacted <br />b}' road and drill pad construction and obliteration and road use during the project. Project activities <br />would result in temporary increases in surface runoff and sediment from surface disturbance areas <br />primarily in the Sylvester Creek and D4innesota Creek watersheds. Proposed operating practices and <br />mitigation measures would be effective in preventing or controlling project-related effects to soil, <br />surface water, ground water, and riparian conditlons. <br />Wildlife -Project activities would displace wildlife and result in genera] habitat loss and specific <br />' losses to riparian and nesting habitat. Effects on T&E species would be minimal. <br />Environmental A.rrarment <br />1!I~n/Nwwru. Cw fo/6UDNr ~Hnufn ~ LCF~ <br />+/5/V2.IV' <br />