DCCO EA for public comment chapters 4 and 5

CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 4.0 INTRODUCTION Chapter 4 provides information needed for making informed decisions when selecting among the alternatives for meeting the purpose and need of the proposed action. This chapter analyzes the environmental consequences of each alternative in relation to the issues identified for detailed analysis in Chapter 2. Each alternative is analyzed in comparison with the no action alternative (Alternative 5) to determine whether the real or potential effects would be greater, less, or the same. Although each agency has the authority to make its own decision regarding the alternative to be selected, impacts are analyzed for each alternative as if all of the lead and cooperating agencies had selected the same alternative. This allows for analysis of the full range of potential impacts from the proposed alternatives while maintaining clarity and avoiding undue repetition. Impacts of the lead and cooperating agencies selecting differing alternatives will be intermediate to those presented in this chapter. The following resource values within the State are not expected to be significantly impacted by any of the alternatives analyzed: geology, minerals, flood plains, wetlands, visual resources, prime and unique farmlands, timber, and range. These resources will not be analyzed further. Cumulative Effects: Cumulative effects are discussed in relationship to each of the alternatives analyzed, with ...