BLM Signs Decision on Big Ledge Mine Amendment Environmental Assessment
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
ELKO, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Wells Field Office (WFO) issued a Decision Record (DR) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment that analyzed the impacts of multiple Plan of Operations amendments submitted to for the Big Ledge Barite Mine.
Proposed amendments to the existing Mine Plan of Operations included the following: 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 and considered during the preparation of the EA. On December 18, 2019 the BLM WFO initiated a 30-day comment period on the prepared EA and FONSI. A total of twelve comment submissions were received and addressed in a comment table attached to the EA. Information from the comments resulted in several changes to the EA.
The final EA, FONSI, and DR can be found at: https://go.usa.gov/xmjn4.
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.