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Reasons for Categorically Excluding the Proposed Action: <br />The Proposed action qualifies as a categorical exclusion under 36 CFR 220.6(e)(8) <br />Short-term (1 year or less) mineral, energy, or geophysical investigations and their <br />incidental support activities that may require cross - country travel by vehicles and <br />equipment, construction of less than 1 mile of low standard road, or use and minor repair <br />of existing roads. <br />Findings Required by Other Laws <br />My decision complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The proposed action is <br />consistent with the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended for the <br />Rio Grande National Forest, and in compliance with 36 CFR 228 Subpart A (Forest <br />Service regulations for locatable minerals operations and surface management. <br />The proposed action is consistent with the Clean Water Act by not increasing the amount <br />of sediment entering into impaired watersheds and creeks. <br />Decision <br />It is my decision to accept the "PLAN OF OPERATIONS AMENDMENT <br />UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION AT BULLDOG MINE - SAN JUAN SILVER <br />PROJECT." as submitted and modified. I authorize the road, decline portal and portal <br />pad construction for (1) year from the date of implementation, at the 9400' level provided <br />that the conditions of approval listed below are met and are incorporated into the design <br />criteria established for the San Juan Silver Stage II - District Wide Exploration Plan and <br />analysis. <br />I have considered public and internal scoping comments. Impacts to other resources are <br />expected to be minimal. Based on the analysis and review of extraordinary <br />circumstances and other resources of concern, I have determined that this project can be <br />categorically excluded from analysis in an environmental assessment or environmental <br />impact statement. If additional time is required for the proposed activity, additional <br />analysis will be required. <br />Conditions of Approval <br />Water Quality and Soils: <br />Waste and Hazardous Material: <br />o The operator is responsible for the careful handling of any and all water encountered <br />through excavation operations as described in the PoO. <br />o Storage of hazardous materials or explosives is not authorized on NFS. <br />o The operator will be required to remove waste from NFS land and dispose of this <br />waste in accordance with state and local regulations. <br />Underground Exploration at Bulldog Mine 7 Page <br />