Assuming that the BLM selects one of the action alternatives and that subsequent implementation decisions authorize activity- or project-specific plans, unavoidable adverse impacts would occur. Unavoidable adverse impacts are the residual impacts of implementing management actions or allowable uses after BMPs and mitigation measures are applied. As discussed in Section 4.10 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources, the decision to select one of the four alternatives described in this RMP and EIS would not result in unavoidable adverse impacts because the decision does not authorize on-the-ground activities.; however, subsequent implementation level decisions may. This section describes the potential unavoidable adverse impacts that may occur from these implementation level decisions.

Surface-disturbing activities (e.g., construction of well pads and roads, pits and reservoirs, pipelines and powerlines, mining, and vegetation treatments), OHV use, fire and fuels management, some recreational activities, concentrated herbivory, and operation and maintenance of existing facilities and infrastructure in the Planning Area would cause fugitive dust, exhaust emissions, and smoke, thereby adversely affecting air quality through the release of HAPs, VOCs, CO, SO₂, NO, and PM₁₀ into the atmosphere. In addition, these activities would release CO₂, CH₄ (primarily from livestock grazing), and other GHGs into the atmosphere.

Surface-disturbing activities, motorized vehicle use and recreation, fire and fuels management, herbivory, and the operation and maintenance of existing facilities and infrastructure in the Planning Area would contribute to soil erosion and soil compaction, sediment loading of waterbodies, and the potential spread of invasive species. Invasive species will continue to spread via the wind, in water courses, and by attaching to livestock, wildlife, humans, and vehicles. The continued presence of invasive species in the Planning Area is considered an unavoidable impact.

Surface-disturbing activities and the development of mineral, energy, and other facilities in the Planning Area are expected to cause the unavoidable degradation, loss, and fragmentation of habitats, and therefore will unavoidably affect wildlife that depends on these habitats. Motorized vehicle use and recreational activities, fire and fuels management, concentrated herbivory, and the operation and maintenance of existing facilities and infrastructure in the Planning Area would contribute to the unavoidable degradation, loss, and fragmentation of habitats.

Protection of some resource values (e.g., wildlife, special status species, cultural, cave and karst, and paleontological resources) would adversely affect the development of minerals and renewable energy. Conversely, the development of minerals and renewable energy would adversely affect the distribution of some wildlife, special status species, and vegetative communities.

Surface-disturbing activities and development for resource uses would change the landscape, scenic quality, and setting in the Planning Area. Surface-disturbing activities, motorized vehicle use, theft and vandalism, and natural processes (e.g., erosion) would adversely affect cultural and paleontological resources in the Planning Area.