Laserfiche WebLink
• Finding of No Significant Impact <br />Based on the analysis of potential environmental impacts contained in DOI-BLM-CO-S050- <br />2010-0017 EA, I have determined that the Proposed Action will not have a significant effect on <br />the human environment, individually or cumulatively with other actions in the general area. The <br />proposed action includes mitigation measures (listed in Appendix A of the EA; Conditions of <br />Approval). <br />Rationale <br />This FONSI is based on my consideration of the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) <br />criteria for significance (40 CFR 1508.27), with regard to the context and the intensity of impacts <br />described in the EA. <br />Context <br />This project is a site-specific action to drill six exploration drill holes, each on a 0.9 acre pad. <br />Access would be on existing and new temporary roads. The proposed coal exploration license <br />(CEL) area would cover approximately 2,200 acres located on lands managed in their entirety by <br />the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in Delta County, <br />Colorado. <br />Intensity <br />1) Impacts that may be both beneficial and adverse. <br />Mitigating measures to reduce potential short-term impacts to soils, distribution of invasive non- <br />native species, sensitive plants, migratory birds, vegetation, cultural resources, and other <br />resources were incorporated in the design of the Proposed Action and in the Conditions of Use <br />(Appendix A of the EA). None of the environmental effects discussed in the EA are considered <br />significant. <br />2) The degree to which the proposed action affects public health and safety. <br />Potential risks to public health and safety would be low and would occur over limited, brief <br />periods. Plugging of hole and reclamations of pads and roads would occur as soon as practicable <br />following completion of each drill hole. <br />3) Unique Characteristics of the geographic area, such as proximity to historic or cultural <br />resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical <br />areas. <br />Inventories have been completed for historic and cultural resources in the area and no potential <br />impacts to important historic or cultural resources have been identified. The following Critical <br />Elements of the Human Environment are not affected because they are not present near the <br />project area: Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic <br />Rivers, ecologically critical areas, and Prime or Unique Farmlands. <br />• <br />2