Laserfiche WebLink
Endangered Species Act: The US Fish and Wildlife Service was consulted in this environmental analysis <br />process. ABiological Assessment (BA) was prepared for this decision (EIS,.Chapter 3, Wildlife, and <br />Project File). All known endangered or threatened species were considered in the BA. The BA was <br />submitted to FWS for concurrence on Canada lynx, bald eagle winter foraging habitat (now delisted) and <br />water depletions as they relate to the four big river fishes. In their concurrence letter, the FWS stated they <br />concurred with our findings on "may affect, not likely to adversely affect" bald eagle, "may affect, not <br />likely to adversely affect" Canada Lynx, and confirmed earlier programmatic consultation on water <br />depletion quantities associated with the big river fish. The Design Criteria (Appendix C) bring forward <br />needed protections for lynx habitat consistent with stipulations on the federal coal leases that resulted <br />from consultations acquired at the leasing stage. <br />If additional findings regarding threatened or endangered, proposed or sensitive species are discovered, a <br />new biological assessment or evaluation will be written, and any mitigation incorporated into Design <br />Criteria. <br />National Environmental Policy Act: The documentation for this project supports compliance with this <br />Act. <br />Executive Order 11990 of May 1977: This order requires the Forest Service to take action to minimize <br />destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values <br />of wetlands. In compliance with this order, Forest Service direction requires that an analysis be <br />completed to determine whether adverse impacts would result (EIS, Chapter 3, Vegetation). Design <br />Criteria included in this decision ensure that loss, degradation or destruction of wetlands will be <br />minimized (Appendix C of this document). <br />Clean Air Act: The selected alternative would be consistent with air quality and fugitive dust provisions <br />required by the Colorado and National Ambient Air Quality Standards and PSD increments as well as <br />alternative gaseous emissions regulated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. <br />Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001: The rule's purpose is to provide, within the context of <br />multiple-use management, lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest <br />System. The selected alternative activities, together with use of design criteria, are consistent with <br />exception 7 of the rule. <br />Prime Farmland Rangeland and Forest Land: Adverse effects on prime farmland, rangeland and <br />forestland not already identified in the Forest Plan EIS are not expected from implementing the selected <br />alternative. There are no prime farmlands, rangeland or forest land within the project area. <br />Environmental Justice: With the implementation of any of the alternatives, there would be no <br />disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or low income populations. <br />The actions would occur in a remote area and nearby communities would mainly be affected by economic <br />impacts related to not implementing an action alternative or contractors implementing the project (EIS, <br />Chapter 3, 5ocio-economics). <br />Consumers Civil Rights Minority Groups, and Women: The proposed alternatives would not adversely <br />affect consumers, civil rights, minority groups, or women. The proposed alternatives would not have a <br />disproportionately high or adverse human health effect on any identifiable low income or minority <br />population. <br />13 <br />