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Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LI.0 <br />5 RESIDUAL IMPACTS, MONITORING AND MITIGATION <br />The Proposed Action to approve and issue a federal coal lease for approximately <br />1,406.71 acres of federal lands administered by the BLM would result in no major <br />environmental effects. The proposed action to develop a mine to extract coal will result <br />in: <br />• The irretrievable effect of depleting the X, B, C, D, E, F, and G seams coal <br />reserve associated with the proposed lease area <br />• Residual cumulative geological effects on the environment or human health or <br />safety <br />Possible residual effects may affect the ground surface (i.e., soils and alluvial valley <br />floors), the surface and subsurface hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, and paleontological <br />and cultural sites. No long -term residual impacts are anticipated. <br />5.1 Monitoring <br />In the event the proposed lease area leads to the approval of a mine permit application, <br />mining and reclamation plans would be submitted to the BLM. These would include <br />specific plans for monitoring of surface water, groundwater, and mining - related <br />subsidence. Mining, reclamation, and associated activities will be designed to control <br />and mitigate any adverse impacts. Required monitoring will be initiated prior to surface <br />mining disturbance and continue for a reasonable period following completion of mining <br />operations in any given area. These monitoring programs are regulatory requirements <br />which will identify any impacts. Any impacts will be evaluated according to compliance <br />standards. <br />5.2 Soils and Alluvial Valley Floors <br />Issuance of the proposed coal lease, approval of a subsequent mine permit application, <br />and mining would result in alteration of the natural topography and changes in the short- <br />term erodibilty of soils. Soil productivity where surface mining and facilities are <br />constructed would be reduced or eliminated during the life of the mine. Reclamation <br />activities, however, would promote reestablishment of soil and plant communities to the <br />adversely affected areas. Compliance requirements will be met and it is expected that <br />there will be no major direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to the soil resources of the <br />proposed lease area. <br />Measures will be taken to protect the hydrological functions systems that are designated <br />in the proposed lease area or adjacent areas. Any impacts should be low to moderate in <br />the short-term, and no residual impacts have been identified. <br />P PROJECTS'•.Colow,'o. IRR,EA Final 'MAI -, -[ :A CoIlon, OR OI <br />57 <br />