2009-04-29_REVISION - M1980146 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Montoya Gravel Expansion EA is 21. Topographic screening, including berming and retention of existing natural exterior slopes until late in the development process, will be utilized to reduce visual effects from the Highway 160 corridor and along the Sale Barn Trail. 22. The pit edge will be a minimum of 100 feet from the edge of the Sale Barn Trail, in order to screen views from the trail. Some adjustments, plus or minus, may be made by BLM landscape architect, depending on vegetation and topography. 23. Interpretative signage would be placed along the trail to describe and interpret visible mining activities. The BLM, in collaboration with C and J Gravel, would provide sign text, design, development and placement. Final text and design will be approved by BLM. 24. C and J Gravel will collaborate with the BLM to develop and implement reclamation techniques for barren Mancos Shale slopes visible from KOP 4.3 in order to visually blend with adjacent course textured, sparsely treed, natural slopes. This will entail modification of approximately 50 percent of the visible slope face by developing an appearance of a coarse texture through earthwork placement of boulder and woody debris salvaged from the proposed action area, and appropriate reclamation plantings. 25. A berm will be constructed along the top of the pit wall. The profile of existing and proposed berms will be varied, where feasible, to reduce negative visual effects as is viewed from area trails, to appear more natural, and aid in slope stabilization. 26. Rocks and trees removed from the expansion area will be salvaged for use on existing pit slopes to assist with interim and final reclamation and soil stabilization in those locations. Tree root balls can be footed-in to slopes to aid in stabilization. 27. No vegetation-clearing will occur from about December 1 to about April 15, at the discretion of the Authorized Officer, to minimize impacts to wintering mule deer and elk. Pit operations can continue during this timeframe. MONITORING: . The BLM will monitor operations at least four times during each year of active operations. Monitoring will address as pertinent: timing of vegetation-removing activities, proper management of fuels and solid wastes and/or hazardous materials, weeds, dust, drainage, visual resources, and reclamation status. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS: The decision is in compliance with applicable laws and Executive Orders such as the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Clean Water Act, the Wilderness Act, Environmental Justice, and the guidance provided in the San Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plan. The EA and FONSI document these analyses and compliance, indicating that there are no significant impacts. E