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• proposed action. <br />Cumulative Impacts -The application indicates that operations are intended to be continued at <br />approximately the same production level. Truck traffic and human activity would continue to <br />affect wildlife and big game species, particularly during the winter months. <br />5. Land Use <br />Direct Impacts -The proposed action would facilitate development of coal on 160 acres of <br />federal coal. Development of the coal would diminish federal interest in these lands with a <br />corresponding economic return in the form of bonus bid and production royalties. <br />Indirect Impacts- No impacts have been identified. <br />Cumulative Impacts- No impacts have been identified. <br />6. Transportation <br />Direct Impacts - With a production rate of approximately 300,000 tons per year, there will <br />continue to be an estimated 18 to 28 coal trucks (30 ton trucks) travelling County Road 120 east <br />• of the King Coal mine site and Colorado State Highway 140 south of Hay Gulch. These trucks <br />typically operate each day for approximately 350 days of the year over the life of the mine. Truck <br />traffic will continue to cause deterioration of county roads and highways. The applicant must <br />meet State and County laws concerning road and highway use. <br />Indirect Impacts -Wildlife, particularly wintering mule deer, appear to be affected by truck traffic <br />on CR 120 and Colorado State Hwy 140 as roadkilled wildlife along these roads has been <br />reported to the BLM (personal communication with Ilyse Auringer, BLM). <br />Cumulative Impacts- No impacts have been identified. <br />7. Socioeconomics <br />Direct Impacts -Under this alternative the King Coal mine would continue to operate for an <br />additional three years and approximately 78 people would remain employed for those additional <br />years. Over $2,500,000 annually in payroll would continue to be spent for goods and services in <br />the area. Federal, State and local governments would continue to share approximately $275,000 <br />in tax revenues and $132,000 in royalties. <br />.• 15 <br />