2007-11-14_REVISION - C1980007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Some respondents wished to have the contributions of the project on climate change analyzed in detail; however, due to lack of reasonably available modeling, there is no way to predict global-scale effects from this project. Therefore, global warming was considered anon-significant issue for this analysis and outside the scope of analysis (FEIS, Chapter 2 and Response to EPA's August 7; 2007 Letter, project file). With respect to road use for construction equipment, the FEIS discloses the effects of construction traffic in Chapter 3, Transportation. Oversize/over-length vehicles such as the drill rig and semi-trucks (large equipment transport) would access from the west through the town of Paonia, then via Minnesota Creek Road (Delta County/Gunnison County Road 710), and NFSRs 710 and 711. The estimated traffic associated with use of county roads for oversized vehicles is estimated at 5 round trips per year until project completion. County road use was addressed and resolved between the company and the county through a maintenance agreement process. Other issues raised with respect to E Seam MDWs and associated access of these activities are presented in the FEIS (Cl-,apters 1 and 3). For all disciplines, Best Management Practices and Design Criteria will be implemented to minimize effects. Benefits will also occur from implementation of my decision. By allowing the E Seam MDWs and associated access, leased Federal coal reserves will continue to be mined and made available to supply energy needs of the country. This will continue to provide economic benefit to the surrounding communities for the next 12 years. Factors Other Than Environmental Effects Considered In Making the Decision The purpose and need of this project is to protect public health and safety, to prevent loss of leased federal coal resources, and to facilitate safe and efficient production of compliant and super compliant coal reserves. The- purpose and need also support the rights of the Federal Coal Lessee to construct structures which may be necessary to exercise lease rights (EIS, Chapter 1 Purpose and Need). My decision supports the Purpose and Need for this project. My decision fulfills the Federal Government's policy to foster and encourage mineral development (Mining and Mineral Policy Act of 1970), the Federal Land and Management Policy Act (FLPMA), and complies with the GMUG Forest Plan direction. Coal in the North Fork Valley is desirable because it is considered "compliance coal" under the Clean Air Act emissions standards. The coal from the area is low sulfur, low ash, and has high burning capabilities. Facilitating its recovery is beneficial to the energy needs of the country. Identification of the Environmental Documents Considered in Making the Decision This decision was made after carefully considering the contents of the EIS, public comments, agency response to comments, and the supporting project record. The GMUG Forest Plan was reviewed and this decision is determined to be consistent with it (EIS, Chapter 1 Authorizing Actions, Forest Plan). The numerous other environmental documents (EIS, Chapter 1, Other Analysis Completed in the Vicinity of the Project Area) prepared for activities in the area were also consulted. How Considerations Were Weighed And Balanced In Arriving At The Decision The resource impact analyses presented in the EIS (Chapter 3, and summarized in Table 2-3) shows potential impacts to surface resources which are minimized by using Design Criteria for the action given in Appendix C. Further, I considered the rights of the coal lessee conveyed under the federal coal lease, as well as the needs to comply with other agency requirements.