BLM and USFWS seeks public input on the proposed Hycroft Mine Phase II Expansion Project
Organization
Media Contact:
WINNEMUCCA, NV – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office (BRFO) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have prepared a joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to analyze and disclose environmental impacts associated with Hycroft Resources and Development, Inc.’s (HRDI’s) proposed Hycroft Mine Phase II Expansion Project (Project) and to request for authorization to remove six inactive (i.e., outside of the nesting season) golden eagle nests and an incidental take under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act). The BLM is the lead agency in development of the DEIS. The proposed Project is located in Humboldt and Pershing Counties, Nevada approximately 55 miles west of Winnemucca, Nevada. The BLM and USFWS will accept written comments on the DEIS during the 45-day public comment period which ends on June 30, 2019.
The BLM will hold public meetings on June 5th at the Pershing County Community Center, 820 6th St., Lovelock, NV from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on June 6th at the Winnemucca Convention Center, 50 W. Winnemucca Blvd, Winnemucca, NV from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The public is being asked to comment on the DEIS which analyzes environmental impacts associated with Hycroft Resources and Development, Inc.’s (HRDI) proposal to expand mining and ore processing activities and to disturb golden eagles and their habitats at the existing Hycroft Mine. The proposed expansion consists of extending the mining period from 2024 to 2039, extending ore processing activities to 2041, and constructing a tailings storage facility. The proposed Project would affect eagle nests and territories; therefore, HRDI has requested authorization from the USFWS to remove inactive eagle nests and receive a 30‑year incidental take permit for golden eagles under the Eagle Act.
Under the proposed expansion total mine-related surface disturbance would increase by 8,737 acres, from approximately 6,144 acres to 14,881 acres. The DEIS analyzes impacts to natural, cultural, mineral and visual resources; transportation and access; and social economic values.
Written comments related to the proposed Hycroft Mine Phase II Expansion project may be submitted by any of the following methods:
Mining Expansion Comments:
Contact: Taylor Grysen, BLM Project Manager
Phone: (775) 623-1500
Fax: (775) 623-1503
Email: wfoweb@blm.gov
Mail: Bureau of Land Management
Black Rock Field Office
5100 East Winnemucca Blvd.
Winnemucca, NV 89445
Eagle Take Permit Comments:
Contact: Heather Beeler, USFWS Project Manager
Phone: (916) 414-6651
Fax: (916) 414-6486
Email: fw8_eaglepermits@fws.gov
Mail: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Migratory Bird Program, Pacific Southwest Region
2800 Cottage Way, W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Additional information regarding this proposed project is available online at: https://go.usa.gov/xEmuU.
For more information, contact Taylor Grysen, BLM Project Manager, at (775) 623-1500.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.