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Montoya Gravel Expansion EA DECISION RECORD Montoya Gravel Pit Expansion Project CO-800-2007-049-EA DECISION: It is my decision to select the Proposed Action, as described in the EA, excepting the approximate 0.1 acre that is displayed in the NE 1/4 of section 9. This decision will authorize C and J Gravel to renew their contract to extend operations in the Montoya Gravel Pit into adjacent BLM acreage, which is within the larger overall contract area in the Grandview vicinity. The pit, including both the portion located on private and the portion located on public lands, is identified in the EA and this Decision as the "Montoya Pit." Other documents also alternatively refer to it as the "Grandview Pit" or the "C and J Pit." The Proposed Action will create approximately 15 acres of new surface disturbance. The area of disturbance will extend between the existing Montoya pit and the existing La Plata County gravel pit, located on private land (see map). The proposed expansion will border one recreational trail in Sale Barn Canyon. Total surface disturbance on BLM land will be approximately 63 acres. Expected production in the 15-acre parcel is expected to consist of approximately 2 million tons mined. Operations in the 15-acre parcel will be similar to those in the existing gravel operations. The contract renewal will be for a period of ten years. In the event that the total 15-acre area is not completely mined out in ten years, the contract may, at BLM's discretion, be renewed for an additional timeframe. However, this decision forecloses any additional contract renewals for additional acreage. My decision includes requirements for interim reclamation to manipulate slopes to a stable condition which will not erode. The slopes shall also be successfully vegetated with a seed mix approved by BLM, to control erosion and meet wildlife needs. Interim reclamation would accomplish short-term stabilization for resource protection while allowing for continued pit operations until contract terms have been fulfilled. My decision also includes requirements for final reclamation to be accomplished at an undetermined date in the future when pit operations are completed, which could be staged by area. It should be noted that the Purchaser is already held responsible for future reclamation of areas of the site that were previously mined under noncompetitive contracts issued between 1988 and 1999. This includes 18 acres located in T. 34 N, R 9 W, SW'/4 of section 3 and NW'/4 of section 10. This decision will take effect on the day after the expiration of the 30-day appeal period, unless an appeal and request for stay is filed. If an appeal and petition for stay are filed timely, the decision does not go into effect for an additional 45 days or until the petition is denied, whichever comes first (43CFR4.21). RATIONALE: The Proposed Action responds to an application for contract renewal/area expansion which will meet public demand for a needed resource (gravel). The RMP has already identified gravel extraction as an emphasis in the project area and therefore, determined that it is 3