Environmental Assessment

This Environmental Assessment evaluates two alternatives: a no action alternative and an action alternative. The no action alternative is the current situation, and is primarily used as a baseline assessment from which to analyze the action alternative. The action alternative would reduce the total number of pole/anchor locations from eight to three and would install a new fiber optic cable to provide telephone capability to the caves in addition to electrical power. The eight existing poles and power lines would be removed and those areas would be rehabilitated, as needed. The proposed new electrical line would be constructed with a conductor (wire) manufactured with internal fiber optic strands that are intended to be used for telephone/communication service. The telephone line would be used to upgrade the security system for the cave.

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet objectives of the proposal, 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to Monument's resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts. Resource topics included in this document because the resultant impacts may be greater-than-minor include geology and soils; visitor use and experience; and park operations. All other resource topics were dismissed because the project would result in negligible or minor effects to those resources. No major effects are anticipated as a result of this project. Public scoping was conducted to assist with the development of this document and comments were received, mostly in support of the proposed project.

Document Content:

Environmental Assessment   (1.3 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.