Protocol for Coordination and Consultation with Department of Defense (DOD) For Proposed Wind Energy Rights-of-Ways (ROW)
In Reply Refer To:
2800 (NV933) P
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Nevada State Office
P.O. Box 12000 (1340 Financial Blvd.)
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
http://www.nv.blm.gov
October 25, 2010
EMS Transmission
Instruction Memorandum No. 2011-007
Expires: September 30, 2012
To: District Managers and Field Managers, Nevada
From: Deputy State Director, Natural Resources, Lands & Planning
Subject: Protocol for Coordination and Consultation with Department of Defense (DOD) For Proposed Wind Energy Rights-of-Ways (ROW)
Program Area: Lands and Realty
Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) establishes procedures to improve the communication and coordination process between Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and DOD in the review of proposed wind energy right-of-way (ROW) applications on BLM –administered public lands.
Background: In July of 2008, the Wind Energy Protocol between the DOD and the BLM concerning consultation on development of wind energy projects and turbine siting on public lands was signed by representatives of both agencies. The purpose of the Wind Energy Protocol was to facilitate the timely processing of wind energy ROW applications and provide for the appropriate use of public lands for the development of wind energy resources. The ultimate goal is to promote long term wind energy development on BLM-administered public lands in a manner compatible with military activities.
Specifically, the Wind Energy Protocol:
1. Establishes a process for DOD’s review of and comment on proposed wind energy applications on BLM-administered public lands; and
2. Provides a process to develop mitigation measures to minimize impacts on military activities and to increase opportunities for wind energy developers to utilize high value wind energy sites on public lands in the Western United States.
The BLM’s responsibilities are:
1. To initiate consultation with DOD whenever BLM receives a wind energy ROW application for a project to be sited on public lands which DOD has previously identified as sensitive from a military standpoint.
2. If a proposed wind energy application does fall into an area identified as critical to DOD, the BLM Field Office will contact the appropriate DOD regional point of contact within 30 days from receipt of the ROW application and request a wind energy project consultation.
On December 19, 2008, the BLM issued the Wind Energy Development Policy (IM WO 2009-043). This IM restated the process established in the Wind Energy Protocol. It states that “The BLM will initiate the consultation with the DOD within 30 days after receipt of a complete wind energy right-of-way application”.
Policy/Action: This IM restates the established policy that within 30 days upon determining that the application is complete, the BLM field office will initiate consultation with DOD on potential military airspace conflicts for both site testing and monitoring applications and for wind development projects, consistent with interagency protocol procedures. The military protocol procedures and a listing of DOD point-of-contact for consultation purposes are provided at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/wind_energy.html.
Time Frame: This IM is effective immediately.
Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None.
Contacts: For questions or further clarification, please contact Mary Figarelle, Lands and Realty Program Lead, Nevada State Office at (775) 861-6429.
Signed By:
Michael R. Holbert
DSD, Resources, Lands & Planning
Authenticated By:
Ellyn Darrah
Administrative Assistant