Laserfiche WebLink
the current mine would be used during the mine expansion. Well drilling would result in minimal <br />access roads and small pads to be built where locations are needed for mine activities. No new <br />roads would be constructed outside the project boundary. Drilling for these facilities is typically <br />quick and reclamation of unused portions of the road and pad can typically be started within the <br />same season as the well is drilled. Due to the low productivity of soils, reclamation is typically <br />relatively slow but should be successful within five years. Unused and old wells will be plugged <br />and abandoned after the original contours of the site are re- established. <br />Due to the lack of vegetation and poor soils in this area it is likely that the Proposed Action will <br />result in localized erosion along access roads and drill sites. Soil productivity and stability will <br />be reduced in areas where this occurs. This erosion will be similar to what has occurred in this <br />area from current access roads and well pads. Where this localized erosion occurs, best <br />management practices described in the mitigation section should be employed to stabilize soils. <br />Accidental spills or leaks associated with equipment failures, refueling or maintenance of <br />equipment, the rail line, and storage of fuel, oil, or other fluids could cause soil, surface water, <br />and /or groundwater contamination. With proper mitigation impacts would be temporary. Impacts <br />from actual mining activities would likely be below ground. Surface support facilities and <br />loading for transportation of coal could result in small spills of oil, solvents, and fuels. However, <br />good practices and proper maintenance of equipment is likely to reduce this risk to almost zero. <br />Cumulative Effects: Vegetation and soil disturbance in the project area may occur from <br />livestock grazing and dispersed recreation. These activities typically have localized impacts such <br />as accelerating erosion in areas of vehicle use or livestock trailing. Regional erosion rates are <br />likely to increase over the project life due to the Proposed Action and other activities. Red Wash <br />is known for poor soils and high erosion rates. Overall soil productivity compared to natural <br />undisturbed conditions is not likely to be diminished based on the Proposed Action and other <br />impacts. <br />Environmental Consequences of the No Action Alternative: <br />Direct and Indirect Effects: The coal mine would not be expanded and the new lease area <br />would not be developed; however, currently authorized mining would continue. Soil disturbance <br />associated with the authorized mine activities would be similar to current conditions; however, <br />reclamation for above ground facilities would likely begin more quickly since less coal would be <br />mined over the long term (i.e. this alternative is likely to result in a shorter time to final <br />abandonment of the mine facilities). <br />Cumulative Effects: Authorized mining activities, livestock grazing, and dispersed <br />recreation would all continue at about current rates and intensities until all viable coal is used <br />from existing leases. <br />Stipulations to he Applied as Mitigation: <br />The following should be added as conditions of approval to mitigate localized erosion and <br />potential for spills identified in the impact analysis: <br />DOI-BLM-CO-1 10-2012-0023-EA 37 <br />