Bureau of Land Management welcomes public input for proposed exploratory drilling project
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RIDGECREST, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management is initiating an environmental review and seeking public comments on the Plan of Operations for a proposed exploratory drilling project on public lands near Conglomerate Mesa, Inyo County.
Mojave Precious Metals, LLC seeks authorization to access and drill up to 30 sites with approximately four drill holes per site. Access to drill sites would be by reconstruction of previously graded and reclaimed roads and by overland travel. Construction of exploration drill pads and sumps would be within the road construction footprint; the estimated surface disturbance is 12.2 acres. The area includes a portion of an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and National Conservation Lands.
The environmental review analyzes potential impacts from the proposed exploratory drilling project and assess compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other regulatory and permitting requirements. The review also will compile available data relevant to the project area, evaluate the technical accuracy of data and modeling, and conduct independent impact analyses.
The public is asked to comment on issues, planning criteria, concerns, potential impacts, alternatives, relevant data, and mitigation measures that should be considered in the analysis. The Plan of Operations and a scoping presentation are available via ePlanning at https://go.usa.gov/xFkVv.
The deadline to submit public comment is Monday, Aug. 30. Substantive written comments will be used to develop the appropriate level of NEPA documentation, which will have additional opportunities for public comment.
For additional information, please contact Randy Porter at Ridgecrest Field Office, at rporter@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.