2012-09-06_REVISION - M2008070 (21)

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store all potentially hazardous materials inside a large metal container on the site, coupled with the very limited quantities required, the proposed action should not cause a significant threat to surface or groundwater, nor to any other biological entity on the site. Mitigation: The following items should be added as conditions of approval. 1. State SPCC regulations and required SPCC document shall be incorporated to this EA by reference, and shall serve as assurance that potential spillage and watershed contamination will not occur as a result of the proposed action. 2. All used hazardous fluids will be hauled in closed containers to an approved disposal site. Solid wastes shall be properly disposed of offsite in an approved facility. 3.6 MAINTAINING AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC BASE Affected Environment: The gravel pit operations will impact 115 acres of existing rangeland that is currently used as cattle pasture. However, as noted earlier, this rangeland is currently in poor condition and is dominated by cheatgrass, a non - native species listed as a noxious weed by the State. Further, the landowner on whose property Phase 2 will occur will continue to run a cattle operation on the remainder of his property which is not affected by pit operations. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: Though pit operations will impact 115 acres of ranchland during the course of production, the ranch owner will continue to operate his remaining lands for cattle production. Also, grazable rangeland is in abundant supply in the region, and the impact to 115 acres is negligible on the regional scale. Further, since all topsoils and overburden will be stripped and stockpiled, the site can be reclaimed and re- vegetated at the conclusion of mining operations which allows the opportunity to establish weed -free rangeland in a far higher functioning capacity than that which now exists on the site. Since the landowner will continue to run cattle on his remaining lands during the course of gravel pit operations, and since the gravel pit revenues will help the landowner remain in the cattle business for the long- term and also provide for reclamation of the mined area and a potential improvement in range quality after pit operations have ceased, the proposed action will have no effect on the agricultural base of Rio Blanco County. 3.7 TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND IMPACTS Affected Environment: The transportation system providing access to the WRC pit includes Colorado State Highway 64 (Hwy 64) and Rio Blanco County Road 5 (RBCR 5). State Hwy 64 is the primary route between Meeker and Rangely, while RBCR 5 connects Hwy 64 to Hwy 13 at Rio Blanco. Primary access to the pit would be from Meeker following Hwy 64 to the RBCR 5 intersection just west of Rio Blanco Reservoir, then south on RBCR 5 approximately 'A mile to the property entrance. It is anticipated most of the haul -truck traffic from the pit will be on RBCR 5 to provide gravel resources for the extensive gas drilling operations in the Piceance Basin, as well as for materials for the planned improvements to RBCR 5 itself. Environmental Solutions, Inc. Page 21 of 30 March 09