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Visual Resources <br /> -The view in the area of the site is dominated by the existing <br /> Orchard Valley Mine with its benches , coal handling and processing <br /> facilities , and conveyors. The facilities are painted in earth tones, <br /> which creates a blending effect; however, their size makes them the <br /> dominant visual element. CWI has had some success in revegetating bench <br /> slopes, which helps them to blend in with the surrounding area. <br /> Recreation <br /> The site receives little recreation use other than occasional small <br /> game hunting. The Stevens Gulch road is used for access to higher areas <br /> on Grand Mesa during the summer and hunting seasons and by snowmobilers <br /> during the winter.. <br /> The area of the lease has been inventoried for roadless/ wilderness <br /> characteristics, and no significant roadless/wilderness values were <br /> found. <br /> Socioeconomic Conditions <br /> A discussion of the socioeconomic conditions in the general area is <br /> presented in TE/EAR CO-030-9-34, EAR CO-030-7-79, and the OWCCCES. <br /> SECTION FOUR -- IMPACTS OF THE ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS <br /> Alternative One -- No Action <br /> A short summary of impacts of Alternative One was presented in <br /> Section Two of this EA. Further detail is referred to the following <br /> documents. <br /> This alternative consists of the presently authorized production <br /> level of 700,000 tons per year, as analyzed for impacts in TE/EAR <br /> CO-030-9-34, March 13, 1979. The Lease C-27432 was allowed on August 14, <br /> 1979, and became effective September 1, 1979. <br /> An analysis of impacts of the original action; mine, associated <br /> rights-of-way, and Lease C-25079 is found in Chapter Three of Environ- <br /> mental Assessment Record CO-030-7-79, June 24, 1977. <br /> An analysis of impacts of the CWI Orchard Valley Mining Operation <br /> and other mining operations in the area exists in the Final West-Central <br /> Colorado Coal Environmental Statement. <br /> "Transportation related impacts due to Alternative One would be <br /> equal to those stated in the existing environment since CWI is presently <br /> 12 <br />