2008-02-22_APPLICATION CORRESPONDENCE - C2008086 (42)

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The EIS will analyze the potential impacts associated with the construction and operation of the facilities proposed in CAM's Right-of--Way and Land Use Applications, and other potential impacts associated with the operation of the Red Cliff Mine. In addition to other environmental studies a Class III cultural resource inventory to evaluate the entire area that would be potentially affected by the surface operations of the mine has been completed on 1,940 acres of BLM land and 280 acres of private land. A total of nine sites were recorded; six prehistoric sites, two historic sites, and one site with both a prehistoric and historic component. The final evaluation was that four prehistoric sites were evaluated as NRHP eligible under criterion "d", for their potential to provide information important to understanding prehistory in the region. These sites, open camps and lithic scatters, date to the late Paleo-Indian through the late Archaic eras. The remaining five sites were evaluated as not eligible. In consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office we have developed appropriate redesign and monitoring so no archaeological sites would be affected by the proposed mine or its facilities. The purpose of this letter is for this project to be brought before the Council, not only to infor~rrr the tribe of the general scope of the coal mining activity in the area, but to specifically review the location of the proposed Red Cliff Mine. Religious concerns or traditional cultural values are a type of heritage resource that inventories may not identify but we need to be aware if there are any at risk if we approve the Mining Plan of Operations. Because of the distance required to meet at the Grand Junction Field Office, if the Council would like the opportunity to discuss this information in person, I would ask for a place on the agenda at a time that is convenient to the Council. I will have my staff archaeologist Aline LaForge contact Terry Knight Sr. in 30 days as a follow-up to this letter. If I do not receive a written response or a request for a meeting, I will assume that the Council has no concerns with the CAM Red Cliff Mine proposal. If the council determines that additional consultation is appropriate and necessary, please contact us at your earliest convenience. I want to ensure that all tribal concerns are considered including traditional cultural properties, culturally significant places, or religious values that may be associated with the current project area. Please contact Aline at (970) 244-3038 for any additional information or to schedule a meeting. Sincerely, 1$/ Cif1~ RO~M'tl011 Catherine Robertson Field Manager Enclosure Maps: location of the Red Cliff Mine, surface facilities and rail line, transmission line alternatives (3 pp.) cc: Terry Knight Sr., NAGPRA Representative w/enclosure DBMS 373