2013-07-01_PERMIT FILE - X201322801 (3)

Home Browse Search

BLM Uncompahgre Field Office 3.2.2.2 No Action Alternative Sunset Trail Area Coal E.Ynloration Plan EA Under the No Action alternative, there would be no project - related air quality impacts. 3.3 Colorado Roadless Areas 3.3.1 Affected Environment Roadless areas within Colorado are managed under provisions of the Colorado Roadless Rule (36 CFR 294.4, Subpart D) that went into effect on July 3, 2012. The exploration area is located in the Sunset Colorado Roadless Area. The Sunset Colorado Roadless Area is approximately 5,800 acres. The Colorado Rule accommodates the continued operation of coal mines within the North Fork coal mining area, which includes the Sunset Colorado Roadless Area. This area allows for the construction of temporary roads for exploration and coal mining activities. Tree - cutting incidental to the management activity not otherwise prohibited is also allowed under the Colorado Rule. A description of the nine roadless characteristics is detailed in the FEIS (starting on page 170). In summary: Four roadless characteristics are present and impacts on them will be analyzed. These four are: 1) high quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air; 2) habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate and sensitive species and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land; 3) primitive, semi - primitive non - motorized and semi - primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation; and 4) naturally appearing landscapes with high scenic quality. The other five characteristics either do not exist or are not expected to change. 3.3.2 Environmental Consequences 3.3.2.1 Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Effects High quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air Soil will be disturbed. Erosion and subsequent impacts on water quality will be minimized through design and post activity reclamation. Air quality impacts may include road dust and emissions from equipment. Adverse impacts from increased sediment delivery to streams are not expected. All impacts would be short-term, as the project would be completed in two years. Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate and sensitive species and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land The acres of disturbance would be a small portion (30 acres) of the Sunset Colorado Roadless Area, so no impact to overall diversity of plants or animals are likely. Restoration requirements will minimize long term impacts on habitat. Primitive, semi primitive non - motorized and semi primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation Temporary roads may increase foot access during the project (these roads would be closed to public motorized access). Roads will be reclaimed following use. June 2013 16