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=Walsh <br />Environmental Scientists and Engineers. LLC <br />resources, such as fossil plant or animal remains, are discovered frequently in western <br />U.S. coal mines where fresh, fossil- bearing rocks are exposed. The Williams Fork <br />Formation is rated Class Ia and has a high potential for discovery of scientifically fossils <br />(Armstrong and Wolney 1989). Dinosaurs and other vertebrates, as well as fossil tracks <br />and plants have been found in the Williams Fork Formation. <br />3.16 Noise <br />Ambient noise levels across the proposed lease area are generally from the undeveloped <br />natural environment including livestock grazing. Occasional mining noise from the active <br />ColoWyo coal mine to the east and from vehicles on county or private roads may occur. <br />Gun shoots may be heard during hunting season or from target practice. <br />3.17 Solid or Hazardous Waste <br />No designated or illegal disposal sites for solid or hazardous wastes have been identified <br />on the proposed lease area. Field surveys that have been conducted have not identified <br />any informal waste disposal practices that would cause deterioration of the environment. <br />3.18 Socioeconomic Conditions <br />The proposed lease area is three miles east of Axial, within 30 miles of Craig and 22 <br />miles of Meeker, and approximately 68 miles from Steamboat Springs, as shown in <br />Figure 1. These communities in Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties are most likely <br />to be affected by mining of the proposed lease area. <br />The proposed mine lease is located approximately 3 miles to the east of the ColoWyo <br />Mine, currently under operation. Production of coal from the proposed mine will roughly <br />be at the same rate as the current mine. Development of the proposed mine will continue <br />to employ the current work force, including managerial and technical, skilled and semi- <br />skilled, clerical and support workers. Because of the commuting distance, combined with <br />considerably higher market value of residential real estate in the resort area in and around <br />Steamboat Springs, it is anticipated that most of the workforce will continue to live in <br />Axial, Hamilton, Meeker, or Craig. <br />Public services such as fire and police protection, emergency medical care, schools, day <br />care for younger children, etc., in all communities are adequate for the existing <br />populations, including near -by rural populations. <br />Routt, Rio Blanco, and Moffat Counties have similar agricultural and industrial economic <br />segments (with one power plant and several coal mines in each county). Routt County <br />has the additional benefit due to the major destination ski resort and an almost year round <br />tourism industry. <br />Employment growth in all three counties has been primarily in the service sectors, where <br />low- paying jobs predominate. Higher- paying jobs for skilled labor and professionals are <br />developing more slowly. The high paying jobs associated with the existing ColoWyo <br />P PROJEC ISC..hn...' (.I/at 14 Final liLAI..•EA( ollon. , h nl om .t, <br />43 <br />