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

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CHAPTERFOUR Environmental Consequences and Mitigation However, siting of the power poles and access roads is flexible; therefore, it is probable that this alternative would be constructed without affecting any significant cultural resources. Transmission Line Alternative C The proposed transmission line corridors have not been surveyed for cultural resources; therefore, it is not known if these features would affect any significant cultural resources. However, siting of the power poles and access roads is flexible; therefore, it is probable that this alternative would be constructed without affecting any significant cultural resources. 4.2.3 Paleontology No Action Alternative If the No Action Alternative is selected, no paleontological resources would be disturbed by construction, exploration, or mining. Proposed Action Alternative Mine and Facilities The Wasatch Formation is classified as Class I for paleontological resources. The Wasatch Formation has limited exposures at the highest elevations in the project area. There is a good potential for finding fossils of scientific interest throughout most of the project area. Temporary and Permanent Impacts Ground-disturbing activities have the potential to uncover or destroy paleontological resources. Mitigation Measures If any surface disturbing activities (e.g., vent shafts) are planned on areas underlain by the Wasatch Formation, the site should be surveyed by a qualified paleontologist prior to construction. This would significantly decrease the possibility of fossil destruction. A survey would not be required prior to the BLM authorization for any activities not immediately underlain by the Wasatch Formation. However, if any fossils are noticed at anytime, the Authorized Officer must be notified so the resource can be recorded, evaluated, stabilized, or mitigated. All persons associated with operations under this authorization shall be informed that any objects or sites of paleontological or scientific value, such as vertebrate or scientifically important invertebrate fossils, shall not be damaged, destroyed, removed, moved, or disturbed. If in connection with operations under this authorization, any of the previously mentioned resources are encountered, the operator shall immediately suspend all activities in the immediate vicinity of the discovery that might further disturb such materials and notify the BLM authorized officer of the findings. The discovery must be protected until notified to proceed by the BLM authorized officer. As feasible, the operator shall suspend ground-disturbing activities at the discovery site and immediately notify the BLM authorized officer of any finds. The BLM authorized officer will, as soon as feasible, have aBLM-permitted paleontologist check out the find and record and 4-64 DBMS 619