2008-02-22_APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE - C2008086 (39)

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CHAPTERFOUR Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Transmission Line Alternative B Transmission line Alternative B is adjacent to 82 parcels of land south of the Highline Canal, crosses 5 parcels of private land north of the Highline Canal, and crosses 1 trail under construction in the North Fruita Desert SRMA. Visual impacts to residents north of the Highline Canal would be greater than the proposed action, as there is currently no transmission line crossing those private land parcels. Transmission Line Alternative C Transmission line Alternative C is adjacent to 96 parcels of land south of the Highline Canal, and crosses 5 trails in the North Fruita Desert SRMA. Over 18,000 feet of the transmission line would parallel the railroad and water pipeline, putting the visual scars in one corridor for that length of line. The transmission line would come within 0.25 mile of SH 139 at its closest point, but is that close for only a short segment (less than 0.5 mile -see Figure 2-12). 4.1.9 Noise No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative, mining development would not occur, and there would be no noise impacts. Proposed Action Alternative Mine and Facilities Noise emissions as a result of the operation of the surface facilities for the underground mines are not expected to be a general nuisance as there are no sensitive receptors in the area. The source of noise generated by the mine and associated facilities could include automobiles, diesel trucks, locomotives, and machinery. Noise levels are not anticipated to exceed 95dBA. Noise generated during normal operations would dissipate over a distance of 1,500 feet to 55 dBA, which is typical for this area. (FRA 2007). Lease Area There would be a minimal noise level increase in the lease area as a result of this project. The majority of the activities in the lease area would be conducted underground, and there are no sensitive receptors in this area. Noise generated within the lease area may be heard for a distance of up to 2 miles, depending on climatic conditions. The noise generated in the lease area would be well below the 65 dBA threshold and would not require any mitigation. Railroad The prediction of the future horn noise levels and impacts at the proposed grade crossings of CR M8 and CR 10 from the proposed coal train was completed using the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grade Crossing Noise Model. In accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations for sounding railroad horns, a 102 dBA maximum A weighted sound level (LmaX) at 100 feet from the front of the train to the road crossing was used. In addition to the maximum horn sounding level, the model considers the horn location on the locomotive, the non-train noise environment, length of impact area, train speed, train length, 4-39 DBMS 594