DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0051-EA

NEPA Document Collection for: DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0051-EA
EA at Coyote Canyon Geothermal Area for Geothermal/Exploration

Coyote Canyon South Geothermal Exploration Project EA for Geothermal/Exploration

Proposed Action

This Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the potential impacts associated with the proposed construction and testing of geothermal exploration wells, access roads, and ancillary facilities in Dixie Valley, as well as the expansion of and extraction of materials from two aggregate pits in Churchill County, Nevada (Figure 1, Project Location and Gravel Sources). Terra-Gen Power Dixie Development Company (TGP) proposes to expand a previously approved geothermal exploration area, originally called “Coyote Canyon”. This new proposal is to explore the geothermal resource potential of lands directly to the south of Coyote Canyon in three additional federal geothermal leases, referred to here as the Coyote Canyon South (CCS) lease area (Lease Area). The Lease Area is on federal lands managed by the United States (US) Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Dixie Valley. The BLM is the lead agency for this EA in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508).The purpose of the geothermal exploration is to confirm that sufficient reservoir capacity is available to allow long-term production. This EA analyzes potential impacts from the proposed exploration and testing activities. The exploration activities and associated gravel pit expansions and extraction are referred to as the Proposed Action. The geothermal leases held by TGP for the CCS exploration project contain 7,588 acres, which comprise the Lease Area. TGP proposes to conduct geothermal exploration in a portion of the Lease Area called the Project Area. Figure 2, Proposed Action and Lease Area. Shows the Lease Area and Project Area. An operations plan to drill and test up to 15 explorations wells at the Project Area was submitted to the BLM, Stillwater Field Office (SFO) in August 2011. Revised Operations Plans were submitted in October 2011 and again in December 2011.In addition to the exploration drilling program, mineral material sales contracts would be required for aggregate material obtained from three BLM-managed gravel pits. Gravel extraction from one of the pits was analyzed under a previous NEPA document, and so this EA addresses impacts associated with the other two pits. Individual geothermal drilling permits would be issued separately from this document

Data Completion Notes

Data entry is complete.

Documents

FONSI:

• DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0051-FONSI.pdf

Decision:

• DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0051-Decision Record.pdf

Other: (these docs should be moved to "Other Documents")

• CCS EA 2012 Web-ready.pdf

 

Resource Analysis

Resource	Not Present	Present, Not Affected	Present, Potentially Affected	Not Indicated	Comment	Applicant Proposed Mitigation	Agency Imposed Mitigation

Air Quality NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close TGP would comply with any requirements prescribed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection-Bureau of Air Pollution Control. Dust abatement techniques, such as watering on unpaved, unvegetated surfaces, would be used during construction to minimize airborne dust. Speed limits would be posted and enforced during construction and operation to reduce fugitive dust (speed limit of 25 miles per hour within the project site, as necessary). Equipment and vehicle idling times during construction activities would be minimized.

Cultural Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close The Proposed Action would be designed to avoid sites determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A 30-meter buffer would be placed around identified historic properties to avoid adverse effects. Wells would be grouted and cased so that flood water could not penetrate if well pads are inundated. Construction equipment would be cleaned prior to project work (may be washed in Fallon prior to deployment). TGP and its contractors would avoid known eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites during all phases of the project. A 100-foot buffer zone would be established around eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites to help provide protection to the sites. The Proposed Action would not encroach into the established 100-foot buffer zone. The project facilities would be operated in a manner consistent with the engineered design to prevent problems associated with run-off that could affect adjacent cultural sites. This includes the use of acceptable erosion control methods that are applicable to the site conditions. Where the installation of project facilities could impact eligible or potentially eligible cultural sites(s), TGP would retain a qualified archaeologist to serve as a cultural monitor during construction of the facility in order to avoid potential effects to cultural site(s). The BLM would decide when cultural monitors are necessary. Vehicle and equipment travel would be limited to established roads and roads that are part of the Proposed Action.

Environmental Justice NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Prime or Unique Farmlands NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Floodplains NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Invasive, Nonnative Species NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close Existing weed infestations would be treated prior to disturbance. The location of the weeds would be communicated to the Stillwater Field Office weed coordinator, and treatment methods and herbicides used would be discussed prior to treatment. Herbicides would be applied per label instructions. All personnel applying herbicides would either be certified by the BLM and/or the State of Nevada, or they would be supervised by a BLM or State of Nevada Certified Applicator. Bureau or other personnel applying herbicides would use personal protective equipment while spraying or handling herbicides Herbicide application operations would be suspended when wind speed exceeds 6 miles per hour or when precipitation is imminent. Some treatment areas could be signed, if needed, indicating the herbicide used and the date of treatment. Areas that are isolated and/or receive very little use by human beings would not be signed. During herbicide treatments, a pre-application sweep of the area would be completed (i.e. looking for nesting birds).

Migratory Birds NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close Components of the Proposed Action that would result in direct habitat loss within migratory bird nesting habitat would either occur prior to the nesting season or nest surveys would be conducted by a qualified biologist acceptable to the BLM prior to implementation. If nests are found, coordination with the BLM would occur to develop appropriate protection measures, which may include avoidance, timing constraints, and/or buffers. Sumps would be fenced to exclude humans and wildlife, and if harmful properties occur in the geothermal fluids, the sumps be netted to exclude birds. Adhere to Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines (APLIC 2006) guidelines for design overhead utilities such as installation of perch deterrents.

Native American Concerns NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close If human remains are identified during construction of any of the components of the Proposed Action, work within 300 feet of the discovery would be stopped and the remains would be protected from further exposure or damage. If the remains are determined to be Native American, the BLM would follow the procedures set forth in 43 CFR Part 10, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Regulations.

Threatened and Endangered Species NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Wastes Hazardous or Solid NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close Hazardous materials would be properly stored in separate containers to prevent mixing, drainage or accidents. Hazardous materials would not be drained onto the ground or into streams or drainage areas. A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures plan would be developed, secondary containment structures would be used on site, and workers would be trained in spill prevention and cleanup methods. Solid wastes would be transported offsite to an authorized landfill.

Wetlands and Riparian Zones NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Wild and Scenic Rivers NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Wilderness NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

BLM Sensitive Species NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Fire Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Wildlife Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Close Sumps would be fenced to exclude humans and wildlife, and if harmful properties occur in the geothermal fluids, the sumps be netted to exclude birds.

Lands and Realty NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Range Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Paleontological Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Recreation NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Economic Values NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Soils NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Access and Transportation NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Vegetation NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Visual Resources NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Wild Horse and Burro Management NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Geology and Minerals NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.

Water Quantity NEPA_Resource_Analysis"NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) of allowed values for the "NEPA Resource Analysis" property.