2011-09-29_PERMIT FILE - M2009056

• Permit No: M2009056
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 9/29/2011
• Doc Name: Draft Environmental Assessment
• From: BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: DB2
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Fairplay — Destiny Placer Mine EA - Socioeconomic and Environmental Justice Report
those identifying with some other race, and Hispanics were slightly greater than Park
County in 2000 (US Department of Commerce 2000c). Since the difference in shares
between the different geographies is small it is safe to say that these differences cannot be
considered "meaningful" as defined by the CEQ. Thus, it is safe to say that while
minority groups exist in the area, they cannot be considered environmental justice
populations.
Table 2. Population by Race and Ethnicity (2000)
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 SF1 Tables P7 and P8
In addition to race, concentrations of people living under the poverty level are of interest
when considering the Environmental Justice implications of the Proposed Action. CEQ
guidance on identifying low- income populations states "agencies may consider as a
community either a group of individuals living in geographic proximity to one another, or
a set of individuals (such as migrant workers or Native Americans), where either type of
group experiences common conditions of environmental exposure or effect." In 1999
shares of the population living below poverty in Fairplay CCD (4.4 percent) was less than
shares in Park County and the state (5.6 and 9.3 percent, respectively) (US Department of
Commerce 2000d). Thus, the Census data indicate that low income populations, as
defined by CEQ, do not exist within the impact area.
Environmental Consequences
Methodology for Analysis
The analysis of economic effects considers market and non - market values in the
discussion and analysis below. As discussed above, non - market values, such as the value
of recreation experiences and ecological services, by their nature are difficult to quantify.
Direction provided in the Land Use Planning Handbook (Appendix D; pages 6, 7 and 10)
suggests the use of benefit transfer to evaluate the effects of these non - market values. In
the absence of quantitative information for other non - market values and social effects,
they are discussed qualitatively here and in other parts of the EA.
The effect on residential property values is also difficult to quantify. There are no
methods available that allow for an accurate estimate of changes in property values that
would result under action alternatives. However, there is substantial evidence in related
literature that suggests mining negatively impacts property values. Also, there is
evidence that nearby natural amenities and high scenic quality improve property values.
Therefore, for the purposes of this report, previous studies are used to estimate the
direction of change to property values that would result from action alternatives.
White
Black or
African
American
American
Indian &
Alaska
Native
Asian
Native
Hawaiian
& Other
Pacific
Islander
Some
other
race
Two
or
more
races
Hispanic
(of any
race)
Colorado
82.8%
3.8%
1.0%
2.2%
0.1%
7.2%
2.8%
17.1%
Park County
95.1%
0.5%
0.9%
0.4%
0.03%
1.2%
1.8%
4.3%
Fairplay CCD
95.0%
0.5%
0.9%
0.5%
0.02%
1.3%
1.8%
4.4%
Fairplay — Destiny Placer Mine EA - Socioeconomic and Environmental Justice Report
those identifying with some other race, and Hispanics were slightly greater than Park
County in 2000 (US Department of Commerce 2000c). Since the difference in shares
between the different geographies is small it is safe to say that these differences cannot be
considered "meaningful" as defined by the CEQ. Thus, it is safe to say that while
minority groups exist in the area, they cannot be considered environmental justice
populations.
Table 2. Population by Race and Ethnicity (2000)
Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 SF1 Tables P7 and P8
In addition to race, concentrations of people living under the poverty level are of interest
when considering the Environmental Justice implications of the Proposed Action. CEQ
guidance on identifying low- income populations states "agencies may consider as a
community either a group of individuals living in geographic proximity to one another, or
a set of individuals (such as migrant workers or Native Americans), where either type of
group experiences common conditions of environmental exposure or effect." In 1999
shares of the population living below poverty in Fairplay CCD (4.4 percent) was less than
shares in Park County and the state (5.6 and 9.3 percent, respectively) (US Department of
Commerce 2000d). Thus, the Census data indicate that low income populations, as
defined by CEQ, do not exist within the impact area.
Environmental Consequences
Methodology for Analysis
The analysis of economic effects considers market and non - market values in the
discussion and analysis below. As discussed above, non - market values, such as the value
of recreation experiences and ecological services, by their nature are difficult to quantify.
Direction provided in the Land Use Planning Handbook (Appendix D; pages 6, 7 and 10)
suggests the use of benefit transfer to evaluate the effects of these non - market values. In
the absence of quantitative information for other non - market values and social effects,
they are discussed qualitatively here and in other parts of the EA.
The effect on residential property values is also difficult to quantify. There are no
methods available that allow for an accurate estimate of changes in property values that
would result under action alternatives. However, there is substantial evidence in related
literature that suggests mining negatively impacts property values. Also, there is
evidence that nearby natural amenities and high scenic quality improve property values.
Therefore, for the purposes of this report, previous studies are used to estimate the
direction of change to property values that would result from action alternatives.