BLM releases environmental analysis for US Gypsum mine project
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EL CENTRO, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has released the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion of the US Gypsum Mine and associated water lines in southwestern Imperial County. The Final Supplemental EIS provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed mine expansion and construction of three water lines on public lands.
The US Gypsum Company seeks approval of its plan of operations for the gypsum quarry in western Imperial County, and right-of-way access across public lands to replace an existing water supply line to its Plaster City Processing Plant and construct new water supply lines and associated electrical service.
The proposed project supports the Administration’s goals of strengthening local economies and creating jobs. If approved, the project would provide an investment of over $110 million to the local economy, securing 400 existing jobs and creating 140 new jobs over the life of the project.
The BLM is the lead federal agency for the National Environmental Policy Act review. The BLM will issue a Record of Decision after considering whether to approve USG’s Plan of Operations and grant right-of-way access across public lands for the water supply lines and associated electrical line. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will determine whether to issue a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
The Final Supplemental EIS, along with the agency-preferred alternative, can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/2QiGK0m. Printed and digital copies of the Final Supplemental EIS are also available at the El Centro Field Office, 1661 S 4th St, El Centro, CA 92243; and the California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553.
For further information, please contact BLM project manager Miriam Liberatore at 541-618-2412, or mliberat@blm.gov.
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.