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<br />FONSI <br />Montoya Gravel Pit Expansion Project <br />CO-800-2007-049-EA <br />e,,Lnvironmental Assessment (EA) and analysis of the environmental effects of the proposed <br />action have been reviewed. The approved mitigation measures result in a Finding of No <br />Significant Impact on the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is <br />not necessary to further analyze the environmental effects of the proposed action. Context and <br />Intensity of effects have been examined to reach the finding on non-significance. <br />Context <br />The significance of the action was considered in several contexts such as the nation as whole, <br />regionally, and locally. Both short and long term effects were considered. The project is a site- <br />specific action involving approximately 15 acres of BLM land that does not by itself have <br />international, national, regional or state-wide importance. <br />Intensity <br />The following discussion is organized around the Ten Significance Criteria described in 40 CFR <br />1508.27 and incorporated into the BLM's Critical Elements of the Human Environment list (H- <br />1790-1), and supplemental Instruction Memorandum, Acts, regulations and Executive Orders. <br />The following have been considered in evaluating intensity for this proposal: <br />1. Impacts may be both beneficial and adverse. The proposed action would impact <br />resources as described in the EA. Mitigation Measures were developed to reduce <br />negative impacts to many resources. The Proposed Action balances negative impacts <br />to resources with positive impacts to socio-economics. None of the environmental <br />effects discussed in detail in the EA are considered significant. <br />2. Public health or safety. The proposed action is designed to provide for safety of both <br />gravel operators and the general public. Gravel operations must comply with federal <br />labor standards for the safety of employees. Mitigation measures address safety of the <br />public through signage of hazards and through requirements for management of <br />hazardous materials. The operator must comply with CDOT highway access permit <br />requirements. <br />3. Unique characteristics of the geographic area. There are no prime or unique <br />farmlands, wild and scenic rivers, ACEC's, wilderness or wilderness study areas, <br />wetlands, riparian areas, or floodplains affected by the proposal. <br />4. Highly controversial effects. There is no scientific controversy over the nature of the <br />impacts. <br />5. Highly uncertain effects or unique or unknown risks. The project is not a uniquely <br />new or unusual type of action with unknown effects. Gravel mining operations have <br />been occurring in the immediate area for over 30 years.