Contact(s): Lee Ann Loupe, Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist, 970.874.6717 
David Boyd, BLM Public Affairs Specialist, 970.947.2832

Bull Mountain Pipeline Decision Released

Glenwood Springs, CO., (January 8, 2008) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service announced the release of the Record of Decision (ROD) authorizing the 25.5-mile Bull Mountain Pipeline in western Colorado.  This decision is in “full force and effect” as of today. On November 16, 2007, the final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Bull Mountain Pipeline was released for public review.

“The Forest Service took the lead in developing the EIS for the project because the majority of the pipeline right-of-way crosses national forest lands” explained Jamie Connell, Glenwood Springs Field Office Manager. “However, when proposed rights-of-way cross lands administered by more than one federal agency, the BLM is by regulation the lead agency that issues the decision, with concurrence of the other affected agencies.”

The BLM and the Forest Service agree that the selected alternative is the most appropriate course of action because it results in fewer environmental impacts and long term effects to the land than the other action alternatives detailed in the FEIS;  It disturbs the fewest acres; it installs the fewest miles of pipeline; and it involves the fewest miles of road construction.  It also minimizes the negative effects to soils, wetlands, road corridors, and it meets the visual quality and air quality objectives for the area. Additionally, the restoration requirements in the decision specify re-vegetation of the post construction pipeline corridor to similar conditions for the existing Ragged Mountain pipeline corridor.

The Bull Mountain FEIS and ROD will be posted on the following Forest Service and BLM websites:  www.co.blm.gov/gsra/gshome.htm, www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/projects/, or www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/. CD copies are also available upon request from the BLM Glenwood Field Office, and/or the White River or Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Forest Supervisor’s Offices in Glenwood and Delta, respectively.

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