BLM seeks public comment on an environmental assessment for a proposed phosphate lease
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VERNAL, Utah – The BLM Vernal Field Office is seeking public comment on an environmental analysis (EA) for a proposed lease of phosphate resources on a tract, totaling 1,627.7 acres, to Simplot Phosphate LLC (Simplot). The fringe lease tract is located adjacent to the Simplot’s private land holdings north of Vernal. This notice initiates a 15-day comment period.
“The BLM is working with industry to ensure that important minerals such as phosphate are available for use as fertilizer and many other industrial uses by considering a proposal to expand an existing mine operation in Uintah County,” said District Manager, Gary Torres. “Ore from the mining operations in Vernal supports many Utah jobs and in other states. BLM will carefully consider the impacts in an environmental assessment as it starts the long term planning process.”
The Environmental Assessment is available for review at the following ePlanning links: https://go.usa.gov/xPnmr. The 15-day comment period will begin Nov. 1 and end on Nov. 15. Comments may be submitted by email at BLM_UT_Vernal_Comments@blm.gov. Written comments may also be sent via mail to BLM Vernal Field Office, 170 South 500 East, Vernal, Utah 84078. Please reference “Simplot” when submitting comments. Mail must be post marked by Nov. 15, 2018.
The most useful comments are those that contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposed action. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. The entire comment—including personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time.
For additional information, please contact Stephanie Howard at 435-781-4400. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800- 877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. 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.