PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. If paleontological resources, either large and conspicuous, and/or of significant scientific value are discovered during construction, the find will be reported to the Authorized Officer immediately. Construction will be suspended within 250 feet of said find. An evaluation of the paleontological discovery will be made by a BLM approved professional paleontologist within five (5) working days, weather permitting, to determine the appropriate action(s) to prevent the potential loss of any significant paleontological value. Operations within 250 feet of such discovery will not be resumed until written authorization to proceed is issued by the Authorized Officer. The lessee will bear the cost of any required paleontological appraisals, surface collection of fossils, or salvage of any large conspicuous fossils of significant scientific interest discovered during the operations.
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. If a paleontological resource is discovered during surface coal mining operations, the lessee shall contact the authorized officer as soon as possible. The operations on the lease shall be suspended within 250 feet of said discovery. A paleontological resource as used herein shall refer to vertebrate fossils. The BLM will evaluate the fossil find within 72 hours of notification, and determine the appropriate action(s) to prevent the potential loss of any significant paleontological resource values. The authorized officer will notify the lessee within 48 hours after completion of the evaluation as to when surface mining operations can resume within 250 feet of such discovery. The lessee will bear the cost of any required paleontological resource appraisals, surface collection of fossils, or salvage of fossils of significant interest discovered during the surface coal mining operations.
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. The consultant will conduct a background document review of the study area to identify the paleontological potential of soils within the area. Based on soil and formation type, general areas with potential paleontological sensitivity will be identified. Any areas with potential for paleontological resources will be mapped on the provided base map. Preparation of a Paleontological Identification Report is not proposed at this time.
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. The remains or traces of an organism or assemblage of organisms that have been preserved by natural processes in the earth's crust. Minerals, such as oil and gas, coal, oil shale, bitumen, lignite, asphaltum and tar sands, phosphate, limestone, diatomaceous earth, uranium and vanadium, while they may be of biologic origin, are not here considered fossils. Fossils of scientific value may occur within or in association with such materials. A nationwide Forest Service program that provides opportunities for "hands-on" public involvement in heritage resources management, such as archeological excavations, historical research and oral history collection.
PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. The lessee or operator shall immediately bring to the attention of the Surface Management Agency (SMA) any paleontological resources or any other objects of scientific interest discovered as a result of approved operations under this lease, and shall leave such discoveries intact and undisturbed until directed to proceed by the SMA. This lease has been identified as being located within geologic units rated as being moderate to very high potential for containing significant paleontological resources. The locations meet the criteria for class 3, 4 and/or 5 as set forth in the Potential Fossil Yield Classification System, WO IM 2008-009, Attachment 2-2. The BLM is responsible for assuring that the leased lands are examined to determine if paleontological resources are present and to specify mitigation measures. Guidance for application of this requirement can be found in WO IM 2008-009 dated October 15, 2007, and WO IM 2009-011 dated October 10, 2008. Prior to undertaking any surface-disturbing activities on the lands covered by this lease, the lessee or project proponent shall contact the BLM to determine if a paleontological resource inventory is required. If an inventory is required, the lessee or project proponent will complete the inventory subject to the following: ● the project proponent must engage the services of a qualified paleontologist, acceptable to the BLM, to conduct the inventory. ● the project proponent will, at a minimum, inventory a 10-acre area or larger to incorporate possible project relocation which may result from environmental or other resource considerations. ● paleontological inventory may identify resources that may require mitigation to the satisfaction of the BLM as directed by WO IM 2009-011.
