BLM seeks public comment on Big Ledge Mine Environmental Assessment
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ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Wells Field Office (WFO) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) DOI-BLM-NV-E030-2019-0010-EA titled “Big Ledge Mine Plan Amendment” to analyze the impacts of multiple Plan of Operations amendments submitted to the BLM WFO for the Big Ledge Barite Mine.
The Big Ledge Mine, which has been in operation since 2007, is located in the northern Snake Mountain Range in Township 42 North, Range 61 East, and is approximately 60 miles north of Wells, Nevada in Elko County.
The Proposed Action includes: an evaporation system; storm water controls and surface water diversions; regrading and placing a cover on the west Waste Rock Facility (WRF); utilizing a reverse osmosis water treatment facility to treat pit lake water; disposal of treated pit lake water that meets water quality standards, either through direct discharge into the unnamed tributary of Tabor Creek or through land application in designated areas; construction of a permanent pump house; snow fence installation; new access roads; and lime additions to the west WRF and catchment basin.
On April 22, 2019 and again on September 26, 2019, the BLM WFO initiated 30-day scoping periods seeking public input on the Proposed Action. A total of two comment submissions were received; these comments were considered during the preparation of the EA.
The Big Ledge Mine Plan Amendment EA and unsigned Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is posted for a 30 day public review period through January 16, 2020 at: https://go.usa.gov/xmjn4. Written comments on the Big Ledge Mine Plan of Operations amendment should be mailed to the BLM Wells Office, Attn: Aili Gordon, 3900 East Idaho Street, Elko, NV 89801, emailed to WellsFO_NEPA@blm.gov; or faxed to (775) 753-0347.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Aili Gordon, Wells Field Office Geologist, at WellsFO_NEPA@blm.gov or call (775) 753-0200.
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.