2008-06-09_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (5)

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Summary (Alternative 3), the Forest Service considered several alternatives in response to issues raised by the interdisciplinary team, national policy changes, and input from other agencies, associations, and the public. Due to public concern, the alternative that eliminated activities within IRA is now considered in detail. In the Draft EIS, it was considered but eliminated from detailed study. Alternative 1- No Action Under the No Action alteniative, current management plans, existing approvals related to coal mining, and non-coal related activities would continue to occur or guide management of the project area. Alternative 2- The Proposed Action Under the proposed action operations associated with accessing, drilling, constructing, operating, and reclaiming 168 MDWs on 146 drilling locations, and one ventilation/escapeway shaft, and associated road construction or reconstruction would occur. A portion of these activities is proposed in the West Elk IRA. Operations related to these authorizations are expected to begin late summer 2007 and continue for about 12 years (Figure S-3). Five of the drilling locations would also serve as staging areas. An additional six staging areas may be used, two of which are currently reclaimed areas. The proposed action alternative includes granting relief from the lease stipulation on federal coal lease C-1362 that restricts activities between December 1 and April 30 for the protection of big game winter range to facilitate construction of the Deer Creek shaft. Additionally, it would grant relief from a least stipulation limiting occupancy in riparian areas, wetlands and floodplains specifically any riparian crossing with a road (this would primarily occur near the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek and involve approximately 10 acres of riparian vegetation and <1 acre of wetland vegetation, See Chapter 3 Vegetation for further discussion of effects). Specific activities involved in the Proposed Action are given below: Deer Creek Shaft Includes: Constructing a ventilation shaft to create an airshaft 20 to 28 foot diameter by 400 feet deep. • Constructing an emergency escapeway 6 to 6.5 feet in diameter by 400 feet deep. Constructing an enclosure (20 foot by 30 foot steel-sided shed) for the emergency escapeway and electrical generation equipment for emergency escape hoist. • Shaft and escapeway would use a previously approved and constructed pad and access road southeast of Minnesota Creek Reservoir (Figure S-3). • Performing Operations and Maintenance. • Performing interim reclamation on pad and light-use (low-volume) road once shaft and emergency structures are constructed; and • Sealing airshaft and escapeway with concrete/steel structure 10 feet below ground surface and performing fmal surface reclamations when no longer needed at end of life of mine (mine life estimated at 13-15 years). The Proposed Action includes analysis of the most surface disturbing method of shaft construction (conventional methods). However, construction activities, as planned, may be significantly less disturbing than the use of differing technology. Disturbed area for the shaft is estimated to be 4 acres. Sub-soil stockpile is anticipated to be piled directly east of shafts. The only facilities visible on the surface associated with the ventilation shaft will be the collar and exhaust equipment. Anticipated noise and vibration issues include large frequent blasts, hoisting machinery, muck handling, ventilation fans, and large diesel powered generators. E Seam Methane Drainage Wells (MDW) Includes: Drilling and casing of up to 168 MDWs located on up to 146 drill locations over 12 1 years on NFS lands. Five of the drilling ~ locations would also serve as staging areas. An additional six staging areas may be used, I two of which are currently reclaimed areas. For analysis purposes, road corridors and drill pad window locations were used to facilitate optimal placement of facilities in the field. Therefore, the NEPA analysis over-estimated ~ the amount of ground disturbance. The actual ( on-the-ground disturbance for roads in the corridor and on MDWs in the window will be • ~. • ~__ ^ S-4 Deer Creek Ventilation Shaft and E Seain Methane Drainage Wells FEIS