BLM releases decision on cosmic ray research amendment
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FILLMORE, Utah—To enable the international astrophysics community of scientists a better understanding of the nature and origin of cosmic rays, the Bureau of Land Management Fillmore Field Office released the Final Environmental Assessment (EA), Decision, and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Telescope Array Times Four (TAx4) Project. The project seeks to pinpoint a “hotspot,” which may be the source of ultra-high energy cosmic rays. The Decision and associated documents are posted on the BLM ePlanning website at:https://go.usa.gov/xnrqb.
“The BLM supports the advancement of science and technology,” said BLM West Desert District Manager Kevin Oliver. “We are pleased to grant the University of Utah and colleagues the opportunity to expand upon the cosmic ray research and increase our understanding of the universe.”
The TAx4 Project is an expansion of the university’s existing Telescope Array Project, deployed in 2006, and Telescope Array Low Energy Extension Project, deployed in 2013, located in central Millard County. The TAx4 Project will expand the current project area by four times its original size and extend into southern Juab County.
“By working with state and county governments to identify issues and needs associated with the proposed TAx4 landscape, the BLM and University of Utah struck a balance that not only sustains the landscape, but allows for future economic developments and continued access to public lands,” said BLM Fillmore Field Manager Mike Gates.
While the total project area on BLM, Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), and private land is approximately 734,800 acres, the area of disturbance will be only 21 acres due to project design, which requires substantial distance between each experimental device. In addition, the project area will remain open to the public for future economic developments and projects.
For additional information about the project, contact Planning and Environmental Coordinator R.B. Probert at 435-743-3118. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or ask a question. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.