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

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BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan FONSI on National Forest System land with Federal minerals. The proposed action is located in an area containing shrubland and mixed conifer /aspen forest. The area is also within the Sunset Colorado Roadless Area. The area of analysis of the site - specific EA is generally the modifications to the federal lease area (Figure 2 in the EA). Intensity 1) Impacts that may, be both beneficial and adverse. Beneficial impacts of this project would be openings created that may provide foraging habitat for boreal owls and olive -sided flycatchers. along with discovering the quantity and quality of coal within the lease area. Adverse impacts include temporary, short term impacts to vegetation and wildlife habitat, increased road traffic during drilling activities, and increased surface disturbance. 2) The degree to which the proposed action affects public health and safety. Current lease stipulations would reduce the potential impacts to public health and safety to a level that is not significant. The scale of this project, and the short-term duration of construction, coupled with lease stipulations results in a low risk to public health and safety. 3) Unique Characteristics of the geographic area, such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. The area is within the Sunset Colorado Roadless Area. This roadless area has been modified from past activities and additional activities will be similar to past activities. Overall, the roadless character will not be additionally affected. No historic or cultural resources are present within the project area. There are no identified parklands, prime farmlands, or Wild and Scenic Rivers in proximity to the project area. Any wetland impacts would be minor and would comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act, 4) The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely to be highly controversial. The quality and use of the human environment in the project area is understood, has been analyzed, and is not highly controversial from a scientific standpoint. There may be public opinion controversy over the project occurring in a roadless area, however, the proposed use is in compliance with the Colorado Roadless Rule. 5) The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks. The proposed action is not unique for this area, as coal exploration been previously approved. The BLM and Forest Service have experience in implementing and monitoring similar projects, the effects of which have been found to be predictable. Effects from the proposed action are not highly uncertain or involving unique or unknown risks. 6) The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration. Consenting to coal exploration activities would not create a precedent for future coal extraction. Any future proposals would have to be evaluated on their own merits based on the issues and impacts related to the location, timing, and intensity of each action. The proposed action does not set a precedent for a future consideration. June 2013 2