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Cumulative Impacts Under Alternative B, Proposed Action, cumulative impacts on geology and soils throughout the park would be similar to those described under Alternative A, with impacts from existing mineral development operations in the area, on BLM- and CDOW-owned roads, and visitor uses, resulting in short to long term, minor adverse impacts, generally localized near developments. Conclusion Under Alternative B, Proposed Action, the Dickerson Pit would expand, resulting in the long term disturbance to geology and soil on up to 19.5 additional acres. With mitigation, the Dickerson Pit expansion would result in localized, long term, moderate adverse impacts on geology and soil. Cumulative impacts would be similar to those described under Alternative A, No Action, with localized short to long term, minor, adverse impacts on geology and soil throughout the park. No impairment to geology and soil would result from implementation of this alternative. 3.4. Impacts on Water Quality Methodology Impacts on water quality were analyzed by reviewing park and site-specific water quality information, in conjunction with personal site observations and professional judgment. The thresholds of change for the intensity of an impact are defined as follows: Negligible: An action that would not affect water quality or hydrology, or changes would be either not-calculable or would have effects that would be considered slight, local, and short term. Minor: An action that could result in calculable changes in water quality or hydrology, although the changes would be small, most likely short term, and the effects would be localized. Any mitigation measures associated with water quality or hydrology that would be necessary would likely be successful. Moderate: An action that could result in measurable long term changes in water quality or hydrology, but the changes would be relatively local. Mitigation measures associated with water quality or hydrology would be necessary and the measures would likely be successful. Major: An action that would result in measurable changes in water quality or hydrology, would have substantial consequences, and would be noticed on a regional scale. Mitigation measures would be necessary and their success would not be guaranteed. The area of analysis for impacts to water quality is defined as the pit area, north of the pit to the runoff drainage, south and east to the Gunnison River, and west to North Beaver Creek. Affected Environment Although there are no surface water bodies or streams on the quarry site itself, the Gunnison River and Beaver Creek are nearby, and both are located downslope from the mining operations. The Gunnison River is located east and south of the pit, with the closest portion tying approximately 400 feet from the lower portion of the pit floor, to the east across U.S. I_ I 42