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;, <br />2. An overall ATV policy is needed to solve specific road issues. <br />Tlris issue is considered beyond the scope of this project, but interim !ravel management <br />hrts been evaluated in the Gztnrzisotr Travellrtterlm Restricfions Environmental <br />Assessment (Aug:tst 2000), and addresses ATV use in the area. C:trret+t policy, the <br />decision implemented on Aztgust 1, 2001 requires that ATVs use existing roads and trails, <br />prohibiting cross-country travel. <br />3. Include a discussion of the effects of the surfactant used for drilling and relevant <br />disclosures from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). <br />The drilling lubricants used are bentonite-bused foams, gels and soaps !trade of <br />biodegradable constituents. The MSDS (project file) sheets recommend avoiding contact <br />with waterways. At times otlrer materials are used to help lift drill cu[titrgs to the surface <br />of the borehole during drilling. Tiree materials are made of pean:d hulls, cottonseed <br />hulls and cedar fibers. Bentonite is also used during drilling, and is a naturally <br />oecrtrring clay material. <br />4. Evaluate the cost of methane lost and impacts to the global environment. Determining <br />the feasibility of recovery and beneficial use should be a stipulation in this and future <br />venting proposal decisions. <br />The methane extracted from the GVBs is ztsed to power the Lamsotz blower units. The <br />State of Colorado i.r the Aget+cy with authority to regulate air qualify, and they have beets <br />monitoring the situation at the West Elk Mine. The Forest Service has also required that <br />MCC monitor methane at the GVB sites (see attached potentinl conditions of approval in <br />Appendix B). The methane is considered a "mineral " resortrce that on federal lands is <br />administered by the BLM. Benef cial use of the urethane (collection and commercial sale <br />of the methane) would be permissible under tl+e terms and cotditions of a gas lease. <br />Currently, the area in question is not under Tense by the Department of the Interior for <br />natural gns or methane development. The agencies with jurisdiction over this issue are <br />aware of the situation, and nre keeping abreast of developments. The Forest Service will <br />comply with direction given by these agencies with regard to the methane extraction. <br />MCC has been investigating the possibility ojobtaining a gas lease from BLM. See also <br />item I1 in this section. <br />Exan+itrir:g the effects or: global warming is considered beyond the scope of this project. <br />5. Desire to see 2.5 miles of road decommissioning on other areas of the Forest as an <br />offset for new road construction. <br />The GMUG has been nggressively pursuing road rlecon+missiorring Forest wide. In 2000, <br />36 miles of road were decommissioned (14 miles of which were on the Paonia District), <br />38 miles was decommissioned in 200/, ar:d the target for 2002 is 36 miles. This project <br />does not include any "offset "projects such ns decon+missioning roads w+less it is <br />7 <br />