2012-03-30_REVISION - C1980004 (2)

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3400 (LLCONO3000) COC 125439 United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Grand Junction Field Office 2815 I -1 Road Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 www.co.blm. v /gjraigjra.html o s ��9 a i d M Foster Kirby, Archeologist Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 1999 Broadway, Suite 3320 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Mr. Kirby: MAR 2 7 2012 In this EA, the BLM will consider whether it is appropriate for the land identified in the lease modification application to be added to the existing parent lease area. If it is determined to be necessary, the BLM can also analyze a modified lease boundary area as a separate alternative in the EA. During analysis of the proposal, BLM will also consider conditions that would be added to the lease modification if the modification is approved. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received a proposal from McClane Canyon Mining, LLC to modify an existing coal lease (0M125439) to include an additional 320 acres of federal coal reserves. BLM is in the process of identifying and inviting potential cooperating agencies that have special expertise in permitting and managing coal mining activities. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) has been identified by BLM as an agency with special expertise in reviewing and managing coal extraction permits and processes. Under 43 C.F.R. §3432.3(c), the Secretary of the Interior is required to "prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) covering the proposed lease area" for a non - competitive coal lease modification before modifying a lease. The BLM issued a news release describing the proposed lease modification on July 1, 2010 which initiated the EA process in accordance with the Mineral Leasing Policy Act (MLA) of 1920, and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at 40 C.F.R. §§ 1500- 1508). Public scoping for the proposal was conducted between July 1, 2010 and July 30, 2010. The BLM places great importance on working effectively with its governmental partners thorough the cooperating agency relationship and I would like to invite you to partner with us as a cooperating agency in this EA. The CEQ regulations implementing NEPA (40 C.F.R. §§1500- 1508) emphasize the use of such arrangements as a means of ensuring timely coordination with tribal, state, Federal, and local agencies in preparation of NEPA analyses and documentation. For further information please see our cooperating agency web site: http : / /www.blm.gov /planning/cadg/. TAKE PRICE !HAM ERICA