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

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CHAPTERFOUR Environmental Consequences and Mitigation would be realigned. This realignment of CR 10 would result in permanent conversion of existing low-density residential and agricultural land use to road ROW. Other permanent impacts to land use would result from construction of the railroad corridor. To construct the rail alignment, cuts and fills would be necessary to provide a level, gentle-sloping railbed. Cuts and fills vary, with 25- to 50-foot deep cuts and fills being common. These areas would permanently be converted from the existing land use and converted to a utility ROW. The "wye" constructed to link the railroad spur with the main line at Mack would result in a permanent change from the existing industrial land use to utility ROW. The proposed transmission line would have several long-term land use impacts. The disturbance area associated with placement of poles would be removed from current land use for the duration of the project. Access roads may be required for the life of the project for transmission line maintenance; these roads would be revegetated upon termination of the project. The proposed transmission line and primary substation would result in conversion of existing land use to a utility ROW for the life of the project. Mitigation Measures Use of federal lands will require CAM to obtain rights-of--way grants on these federal lands. Some gas wells overlying the lease area may be plugged or "mined around" per MSHA Rules (30 CFR § 75.1700). New transmission lines would be constructed along existing county road easements on private lands, and new rights-of--way would be secured for construction of new transmission lines on BLM-administered lands. All temporary construction areas will be reclaimed and revegetated per BLM policy. Upon decommissioning of the mine, surface facilities would be removed and the land would be restored to its original vegetative cover per BLM policy. Access roads will be closed to the public, and the disturbed area will be reclaimed. Upon project termination, the railroad will be removed, including bridges, crossing warning devices, and gate systems at road intersections, and the area will be revegetated according to BLM policy. Alternatives Carried Forward for Further Consideration Grade-Separated Crossing at CR M.8 One proposed alternative is agrade-separated railroad crossing at CR M8. Existing zoning classifications along the proposed railroad route at CR M8 are I-2 (General Industrial District) and RSF-1 (Residential-Single-Family District). Land use in the immediate area of the grade- separated railroad crossing would be temporarily affected during construction of the grade- separated railroad crossing. Permanent impacts to land use from this alternative would include a permanent change in land use for land acquired to construct the bridge to a utility ROW. The location of the grade-separated railroad crossing at CR M 8 is within Mesa County jurisdiction. CR M 8 is identified as a valuable corridor for transportation within the Loma/Mack Area Plan (Mesa County 2004), and this plan identifies the need for long-range 4-6 DBMS 561