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SOCORRO, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will publish a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on August 9, 2019, for a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Resource Management Plan amendment to analyze and disclose environmental impacts associated with the proposed Borderlands Wind Project. If constructed, the project would generate up to 100 megawatts of power in western Catron County, New Mexico.  

The Notice of Availability opens a 90-day public comment period that will end on November 7, 2019.

Borderlands Wind, LLC (a subsidiary of NextEra Energy) is proposing to construct, operate, maintain and eventually decommission a wind-powered electrical generation facility near Quemado, New Mexico and the Arizona–New Mexico border. Ancillary facilities would include access roads, underground collection lines, fiber-optic communication, electrical distribution lines and a substation/switchyard in support of the turbines that would generate up to 100 megawatts of power. The project would also increase income, employment, and revenue in Catron County, creating 50 to 70 temporary and 10 permanent jobs.

Three action alternatives were analyzed in the DEIS. The Proposed Action would be built on 43,528 acres and consists of approximately 30,338 acres of public lands administered by the BLM Socorro Field Office, 5,693 acres of public lands managed by the New Mexico State Land Office, and 7,497 acres of privately owned lands. The Proposed Action would consist of 40 constructed turbines that have a maximum overall height of 499 feet. Under Alternative 1, the wind energy generating facility would encompass 18,907 acres of lands, with 15,837 acres being public lands administered by the BLM.  The remaining lands in the Alternative 1 area are managed by New Mexico State Land Office (1,168 acres) or by private landowners (1,902 acres).  Alternative 1 would consist of the same number and type of wind turbines as the Proposed Action. Alternative 2 would consist of 34 constructed turbines including larger turbines having a maximum overall height of 591 feet. Alternative 2 would have the same reduced area as Alternative 1 with 15,837 acres of BLM-administered land. A fourth alternative, the No Action Alternative, would be a continuation of existing conditions.

To provide an opportunity to review the proposal and project information, the BLM plans to hold one public meeting in New Mexico. The BLM will announce the exact date, time and location for the meeting at least 15 days prior to the event. Announcements will be made by news release to the media and posting on the project website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-in-development/new-mexico/proposed-borderlands-wind-project.

The draft EIS and other relevant documents are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-in-development/new-mexico/proposed-borderlands-wind-project. You may submit comments or resource information related to the project by either of the following methods:

• Electronically: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-in-development/new-mexico/proposed-borderlands-wind-project
• Mail: Jim Stobaugh, National Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management Socorro Field Office, Borderlands Wind Project, 901 S. Hwy 85, Socorro, NM 87801

All comment submittals must include the commenter’s name and street address. Before including your address, phone number, email 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 information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.  

For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact Kristen Long, BLM Socorro Field Office, 901 S. Hwy 85, Socorro, New Mexico 87801; phone (575) 838-1263, or email to kmlong@blm.gov.  Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.