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Clark group seeks EIS for seismic testing - By BUZZY HASSRICK
This document was published online on Wednesday, May 18, 2005
The BLM should pursue a more in-depth study about the proposed 3-D seismic work on a 47-square-mile area near Clark, Deb Thomas of the Clark Resource Council said Wednesday.
The work's substantial effect on people and the terrain justifies an Environmental Impact Statement, she said.
BLM just released an Environmental Assessment (EA) about Windsor Wyoming LLC's plan to punch 3,420 30-foot shot holes. The EA is subject to a 30-day review and comment period.
"We want an environmental impact statement because we think there will be a significant impact to the human environment and public lands," Thomas said.
The BLM's options are approve a permit, reconfigure the project or deny the permit if the work would unduly degrade the lands or violate federal law, said Mike Blymyer, BLM field manager in Cody. There's another option.
"If it was determined the project could cause a significant impact to the human environment, it would be necessary to prepare an environmental impact statement before a final decision could be made," he said.
Thomas added that a prior EA about a 2-D survey was "stronger" because it provided better protection for the area and more stringent guidelines. The proposal was subsequently withdrawn.
"We're concerned those stipulations and conditions are not included" in the 3-D EA, she said. "It's a larger project and should be as strong if not stronger."
The EA does not consider the people living in the area and their private lands and also lacks clarity about protecting cultural resources, Thomas said.
The EA does include an alternative to protect "sensitive areas" on the Shoshone Forest, which are generally steep, said Ken Lichtendahl, Clark Resource Council president. The alternative would require helicopter access and ban surface occupancy.
That should be required, not just an option, he said. It should also extend to sensitive BLM areas such as the land south of the Clarks Fork that's "pretty much wildlife habitat and roadless," he added.
"Why not treat it as sensitive?" Lichtendahl asked. "Why abandon it after all the years of protection?"
The BLM's Cody Field Office prepared the EA, with the cooperation of the Wapiti Ranger District. It addresses the environmental impacts of the proposed project and analyzes various alternatives, including mitigating measures.
After reviewing public input, Blymyer will decide whether to approve the proposal or an alternative. The Forest Service will issue a separate decision.
The EA is posted on the Forest Service's Web site, http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/shoshone/projects/planning/forest_projects/new_forest_projects.shtml under "Analysis Documents."
Comments on the EA will be accepted until June 13. They can be dropped off at the BLM office, 1002 Blackburn Ave., mailed to P.O. Box 518, e-mailed to cody_wymail@blm.gov or faxed to 578-5939.
For more information call BLM project manager Don Ogaard, (307) 347-5160.
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