2009-05-19_REVISION - M1978039HR (32)

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Finding of No Significant Impact For The Topaz Mine and Sunday Mines Expansion Project CO-800-2007-104EA 1.0 Introduction The Dolores Public Lands Office has prepared Environmental Assessment CO-800-2007- 104EA to evaluate a proposal to expand existing mining operations located in Big Gypsum Valley, San Miguel County Colorado. The mines, known as the Sunday Mines Complex, are underground uranium and vanadium mines. The Sunday Mines Complex is operated by Denison Mines Corporation, and is located on Bureau of Land Management Land, managed by the Dolores Public Lands Office, Dolores, Colorado. 2.0 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) My review of the analysis of the environmental consequences displayed in Environmental Assessment CO-800-2007-104EA, my understanding of the extent of the proposed action and the level of reasonably anticipated effects, and my familiarity with projects similar in nature, indicates to me this is not a major federal action as defined in 40 CFR 1508.18. I have determined, based on the analysis in the EA, that no significant effects on the quality of the human environment (as defined at 40 CFR 1508.27), are anticipated within either the context or the intensity of the selected alternative. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for this proposal. The following is my rationale for reaching a FONSI determination, considering the context of the proposed action and the 10 intensity factors required for significance determinations under 40 CFR 1508.27. The proposed action is a site-specific action that is a continuation of land use and management practices that are presently occurring at the Sunday Mines. The proposed action includes the following activities: • The rehabilitation of existing mine workings at the Topaz Mine • The expansion of the existing mine and waste rock area • The installation of air vents, • Exploration drilling. Considering the actions are site specific, the proposed action is limited in geographic context. I reached this conclusion because this action would expand an existing mine, so it would not be a new action or development in the area. The proposed action is consistent with and compatible with exiting uses of the land in this area. The operator is required to do a. complete reclamation of the site when operations cease. Final reclamation will return the land to pre-mining uses such as livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The land that will be disturbed does not in and of itself have international, national, regional, or state-wide importance. Sunday Mines Expansion - 1 - Dolores Public Lands Office Finding of No Significant Impact January 30, 2009