2008-06-09_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 ‎(6)‎

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 6/9/2008
• Doc Name: Exhibit 79 Part 2
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 80 Drilling Activities - TR111
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

to Comments
•
•
•
Table 5-1
DEIS Comments and Responses
Commenter Comment Comment/Response

reasonable alternatives. Reasonable alternatives must meet the purpose and
need and additional alternatives must present something that is not covered or
already addressed.
With respect to the range of alternatives, the FS considered 9 altenlatives in
this analysis, 3 of which were carried forward for detailed analysis. These
alternatives collectively represent a range of reasonable alternatives (see
FEIS, Chapter 2).
Certain portions of the proposed Action have been modified in response to
cormnents received on the DEIS. See the FEIS, Chapter 2. In addition, the No
Action alternative inherently includes that activities would not occur in the
IRA as does Alternative 3 - No Activity In Roadless added to the FEIS.
Colorado Wild, et 16 DEIS at 31. This seems to say that, because the Regional Forester says the
al. Roadless Rule exceptions apply, there is no need to consider not entering the
IRA. Even if the Regional Forester had con-ectly applied RACR's exceptions
to the proposed project (he clearly did not do so, as discussed in sections I and
II above), this would be arbitrary and capricious, and a blatant violation of
NEPA's mandate to "promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage
to the enviromnent and biosphere" (42 U.S.C. 4321), and to "rigorously
explore and objectively evaluate all reasonable alternatives (40 CFR
1502.14(a)). See also 42 U.S.C. 4332(e) (federal agencies shall "study,
develop, and describe appropriate altenlatives to reconunended courses of
action in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning
alternative uses of available resources").
RESPONSE: See response to Colorado Wild et al. comment 15. Further, 42
U.S.C. 4321 Purpose fully states "To declare a national policy which will
encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his
enviroiunent; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to
the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man;
to em-ich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources
important to the Nation; and to establish a Council on Enviromnental
Quality."
Federal Agencies must also consider the welfare of humans balancing human
need for resources with protection of the natural enviromnent as stated in 42
U.S.C. 4331(a) "The Congress, recognizing the profound impact of man's
activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment,
particularly the profound influences of population growth, high-density
urbanization, industrial expansion, resource exploitation, and new and
expanding technological advances and recognizing further the critical
importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality to the overall
welfare and development of man, declares that it is the continuing policy of
the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local govenunents,
and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable
means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner
calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain
conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and
fulfill the social, economic, and other re uirements of resent and future
Deer Creek Ventilation Shaft and E Seam Methane Drainage Wells FEIS 177