Laserfiche WebLink
<br />In spring of 2001, ]~1CC began drilling series of GVB's to release methane gas from their <br />undergrow~d workings. To date 11 GVB drill sites have been approved by FS and about <br />5 miles of route (West Flatiron Access) have been reopened to provide access for drill <br />rigs. This route is approximately 14 to 22 feet wide and has a well graded and compacted <br />surface. <br />The cumulative effects of construction of roads or reconstruction of existing routes have <br />the lrotenti:tl for attracting more use in areas wlrich previous to coal related activities: had <br />little: to none. Upgrading routes from ATV trails to full-sized vehicle accessible, even <br />though gated to full sized vehicle use is attractive to people who are determined to get <br />into the area. Because we can assume that there will be additional needs for GVB <br />drill:.rrg in the area, it is anticipated that routes will increase incrementally anti be <br />closr:d/obliterated irr atime-phased manner. These routes, particularly because they need <br />to be: accessible for 2 years may increase motorized and or other human related use in <br />area:;. In addition, areas opened to provide a road or ATV trail but later closed to <br />motorized travel still provide access [o cattle, humans on foot, horse travel etc. where <br />previously these area may not have been accessible. <br />Additional coal exploration drilling may occur about 2.5 miles south of the project area <br />(Sun:;et Trail azea). MCC estimated in a 1998 proposal that 11 drill sites would be <br />needed, along with 6 miles of either reconstructed roads or new temporary road. At <br />present, [his proposal is in a state of flux, as the original proposal has been on hold arrd <br />currently being reviewed for continuation. The Forest Service has not received official <br />notice from the BLM that this exploration license has been reactivated or ready for NEPA <br />analysis. The azea affected by the potential Sunset Trail proposal would also use FR 711, <br />but access aeeas to the south of the road. The original proposal included reopening old <br />roads, and constructing new ones. Because the Sunset Trail area is 2.5 miles distant from <br />this project and the other GVB drilling aeeas, potential use there will not directly affect <br />road densities in the GVB areas. Potential disturbance in the Sunset Trail azea may make <br />other areas open and attractive to use that have not been used historically. New road <br />construction in the Sunset Trail area would be temporary and reclaimed, and t}ms would <br />not be: applicable to road density. <br />3.D.4 Mitieations <br />I . The attac}ed potential conditions of approval (Appendix B) contain requirements for <br />road work and snow removal that would be included in any approval. <br />2. The attached potential conditions of approval include requirements for signing to <br />afford public safety that would be included in an approval. <br />3. If Alternative 2 is selected, a gate would be needed to block access to the reopened <br />drill road to SOM-53 and 54. <br />4. To minimize hunter conflicts, limit traffic on roads one hour before sunrise and ttvo <br />hours after sunset. <br />32 <br />