Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District, NM, La Jara Mesa Mine, 22726-22727 [E9-11265]

Download as PDF 22726 Notices Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 92 Thursday, May 14, 2009 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District, NM, La Jara Mesa Mine Forest Service, USDA. Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: Laramide Resources (USA) Inc. has submitted a Plan of Operations (the Plan) proposing to develop and conduct underground uranium mining operations on their mining claims on La Jara Mesa on the Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. La Jara Mesa is located approximately 10 miles northeast of the town of Grants in Cibola County, New Mexico. The mine portal facilities would be located on claims controlled by the applicant on national forest lands at the base of the La Jara Mesa at an elevation of 7,300 feet in the NE1/4, Section 15, T12N, R9W, NMPM. The mineralized zones that would be accessed from the portal are located in portions of Sections 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, and 14, T12N, R9W, NMPM. The escape shaft would be located on Forest Service administered lands on top of La Jara Mesa in Section 11, T12N, R9W, NMPM. The Cibola National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement to assess the development of a uranium exploration and mining operation on the Mount Taylor Ranger District. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by 30 days after the publication of the NOI. Public scoping open houses will be held during the scoping period in Grants and Gallup New Mexico. The schedule for the open houses is as follows: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 in Grants, New Mexico, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cibola County Convention Center and Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Gallup, New Mexico from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallup Community Service Center. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:37 May 13, 2009 Jkt 217001 Times and locations of these meetings will be announced by public notice and will be available on the Cibola National Forest Web site. The draft environmental impact statement is expected before the end of 2009 and the final environmental impact statement and Record of Decision (ROD) is expected in spring/summer, 2010. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Rodney Byers, Minerals Program Manager, Cibola National Forest, 2113 Osuna Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, mail correspondence to Rodney Byers, Minerals Program Manager, Cibola National Forest, 2113 Osuna Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action Laramide Resources (USA), Inc. has submitted a Plan of Operations for development of a uranium mine at the La Jara Mesa property. The purpose of the EIS is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed Plan of Operations and determine whether to approve the Plan as proposed or to require additional mitigation measures to protect the environment (in accordance with Forest Service regulations for locatable minerals). The need for action is to allow Laramide Resources (USA), Inc. to exercise their rights under U.S. mining laws. Laramide Resources (USA), Inc. has a right to develop and remove the mineral resources as set forth by the General Mining Law of 1872 as amended. These laws provide that the public has a statutory right to conduct prospecting, exploration, development and production activities (1872 Mining Law and 1897 Organic Act), provided they are reasonably incident (1955 Multiple Use Mining Act and case law) to mining and comply with other Federal laws. The Forest Service has the responsibility to protect surface resources. Mining regulations state that ‘‘operations shall be conducted so as, where feasible, to minimize adverse PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 environmental effects on National Forest System surface resources (36 CFR 228.8)’’ provided such regulation does not endanger or materially interfere with prospecting, mining, or processing operations or reasonably incidental uses (1955 Multiple Use Mining Act and case law). Laramide Resources (USA), Inc.’s need is to provide uranium ore for processing to meet national and international market demands for uranium on the open market. Such demand is created by a current need for uranium for nuclear power plant fuel to generate electricity or for commercial and other uses. The Forest Service has concluded that the underlying need for this mining activity is to provide uranium for U.S. and world markets. Proposed Action The proposed action is an underground uranium mine consisting of a 15–16 acre footprint on the surface which will be comprised of waste rock, temporary ore storage, a new water line and electrical transmission line following the existing private and Forest roads to the site. The mine will include two adit portals and, after active mining is initiated, a vertical escape shaft to the top of the mesa to provide air circulation and an escape route in the event of an accident. The shaft opening and supporting power and equipment will lie inside a fenced area of approximately 0.1 acre. Additional facilities at the mine include a locked explosives storage shed, lighting, ventilation fans, one or more stormwater ponds, and a field office. The proposed federal action is to approve Laramide Resources (USA), Inc.’s Plan of Operations with mitigations needed to protect other non-mineral surface resources consistent with Forest Plan, regulations, and other applicable laws. Possible Alternatives 1. No Action. 2. Approve the Plan as presented. 3. Approve the Plan as presented by Laramide Resources (USA), Inc., with stipulations necessary to protect the non-mineral resources of the area. Responsible Official Nancy Rose, Forest Supervisor, Cibola National Forest. 2113 Osuna Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113. E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 92 / Thursday, May 14, 2009 / Notices Nature of Decision To Be Made The Forest Supervisor will use the EIS process to develop the necessary information to make an informed decision on whether or not to approve the proposed Plan as submitted, or to decide what additional mitigations are needed to protect other resources as provided for in 36 CFR 228.8. Scoping Process Scoping will include this NOI, listing in the Quarterly Schedule of Proposed Actions, letters to interested and affected individuals, agencies, and organizations, and legal notices, and the open houses in Grants and Gallup, New Mexico. Additional information about the project, schedule, permits and approvals, and opportunities for public involvement will be available at the open houses. The intent of scoping is to solicit comments on issues and alternatives that agencies and the public feel should be addressed in the EIS. Preliminary Issues One preliminary issue has been identified: the development of the La Jara Mesa Mine may affect the characteristics that make the Mount Taylor Traditional Cultural Property eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Other issues may include groundwater contamination, natural resources, economics and health and safety issues. Permits or Licenses Required The approved Plan of Operations authorizes mining. Operations must be consistent with Forest Service Conditions of Approval, and other applicable laws and regulations, including state permits for mining in New Mexico. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Comment Requested This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Comments are solicited and are welcome for the 30 day comment period initiating on the publication date of this notice. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such a way that they are useful to the Agency’s preparation of the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific comments can affect a reviewer’s ability to participate in subsequent administrative review or judicial review. VerDate Nov<24>2008 17:37 May 13, 2009 Jkt 217001 Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the respondent with standing to participate in subsequent administrative review or judicial review. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; 36 CFR 220.4. Dated: May 8, 2009. Nancy Rose, Forest Supervisor, Cibola National Forest. [FR Doc. E9–11265 Filed 5–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee AGENCY: ACTION: Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. DATES: The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Clovis, CA. The meeting will be held at the Sierra National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA. Send written comments to Robbin Ekman, Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, c/o Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District, 29688 Auberry Road, Prather, CA 93651 or electronically to rekman@fs.fed.us. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robbin Ekman, Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, (559) 855–5355 ext. 3341. The meeting is open to the public. Committee discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Committee members. However, persons who wish to bring Payments to States Fresno County Title II project matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. Agenda items to be covered include (1) Monitoring. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: May 7, 2009. Ray Porter, District Ranger. [FR Doc. E9–11160 Filed 5–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Notice of Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee Meeting Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 110– 343) the Idaho Panhandle National Forest’s Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee will meet Friday, May 15, 2009, at 9 a.m. in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for a business meeting. The business meeting is open to the public. May 7, 2009. The meeting location is the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ Supervisor’s Office, located at 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815. DATES: ADDRESSES: SUMMARY: The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting in Clovis, California on May 27th. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss monitoring for the projects submitted for funding. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 22727 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ranotta K. McNair, Forest Supervisor and Designated Federal Official, at (208) 765–7369. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting agenda will focus on reviewing proposals for forest projects and recommending funding during the business meeting. The public forum begins at 1 p.m. Dated: May 7, 2009. Ranotta K. McNair, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–11157 Filed 5–13–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Notice of Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to OMB for Review SUMMARY: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has submitted the following information collection to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this E:\FR\FM\14MYN1.SGM 14MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 92 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22726-22727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11265]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 92 / Thursday, May 14, 2009 / 
Notices

[[Page 22726]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Ranger District, NM, La Jara 
Mesa Mine

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Laramide Resources (USA) Inc. has submitted a Plan of 
Operations (the Plan) proposing to develop and conduct underground 
uranium mining operations on their mining claims on La Jara Mesa on the 
Mount Taylor Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest. La Jara 
Mesa is located approximately 10 miles northeast of the town of Grants 
in Cibola County, New Mexico. The mine portal facilities would be 
located on claims controlled by the applicant on national forest lands 
at the base of the La Jara Mesa at an elevation of 7,300 feet in the 
NE1/4, Section 15, T12N, R9W, NMPM. The mineralized zones that would be 
accessed from the portal are located in portions of Sections 1, 2, 11, 
12, 13, and 14, T12N, R9W, NMPM. The escape shaft would be located on 
Forest Service administered lands on top of La Jara Mesa in Section 11, 
T12N, R9W, NMPM. The Cibola National Forest will prepare an 
environmental impact statement to assess the development of a uranium 
exploration and mining operation on the Mount Taylor Ranger District.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by 30 days after the publication of the NOI. Public scoping open houses 
will be held during the scoping period in Grants and Gallup New Mexico. 
The schedule for the open houses is as follows: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 
in Grants, New Mexico, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cibola County 
Convention Center and Thursday, May 21, 2009 in Gallup, New Mexico from 
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gallup Community Service Center. Times and 
locations of these meetings will be announced by public notice and will 
be available on the Cibola National Forest Web site. The draft 
environmental impact statement is expected before the end of 2009 and 
the final environmental impact statement and Record of Decision (ROD) 
is expected in spring/summer, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Rodney Byers, Minerals Program 
Manager, Cibola National Forest, 2113 Osuna Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 
87113.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, mail 
correspondence to Rodney Byers, Minerals Program Manager, Cibola 
National Forest, 2113 Osuna Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    Laramide Resources (USA), Inc. has submitted a Plan of Operations 
for development of a uranium mine at the La Jara Mesa property. The 
purpose of the EIS is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the 
proposed Plan of Operations and determine whether to approve the Plan 
as proposed or to require additional mitigation measures to protect the 
environment (in accordance with Forest Service regulations for 
locatable minerals).
    The need for action is to allow Laramide Resources (USA), Inc. to 
exercise their rights under U.S. mining laws. Laramide Resources (USA), 
Inc. has a right to develop and remove the mineral resources as set 
forth by the General Mining Law of 1872 as amended. These laws provide 
that the public has a statutory right to conduct prospecting, 
exploration, development and production activities (1872 Mining Law and 
1897 Organic Act), provided they are reasonably incident (1955 Multiple 
Use Mining Act and case law) to mining and comply with other Federal 
laws.
    The Forest Service has the responsibility to protect surface 
resources. Mining regulations state that ``operations shall be 
conducted so as, where feasible, to minimize adverse environmental 
effects on National Forest System surface resources (36 CFR 228.8)'' 
provided such regulation does not endanger or materially interfere with 
prospecting, mining, or processing operations or reasonably incidental 
uses (1955 Multiple Use Mining Act and case law).
    Laramide Resources (USA), Inc.'s need is to provide uranium ore for 
processing to meet national and international market demands for 
uranium on the open market. Such demand is created by a current need 
for uranium for nuclear power plant fuel to generate electricity or for 
commercial and other uses. The Forest Service has concluded that the 
underlying need for this mining activity is to provide uranium for U.S. 
and world markets.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action is an underground uranium mine consisting of a 
15-16 acre footprint on the surface which will be comprised of waste 
rock, temporary ore storage, a new water line and electrical 
transmission line following the existing private and Forest roads to 
the site. The mine will include two adit portals and, after active 
mining is initiated, a vertical escape shaft to the top of the mesa to 
provide air circulation and an escape route in the event of an 
accident. The shaft opening and supporting power and equipment will lie 
inside a fenced area of approximately 0.1 acre. Additional facilities 
at the mine include a locked explosives storage shed, lighting, 
ventilation fans, one or more stormwater ponds, and a field office. The 
proposed federal action is to approve Laramide Resources (USA), Inc.'s 
Plan of Operations with mitigations needed to protect other non-mineral 
surface resources consistent with Forest Plan, regulations, and other 
applicable laws.

Possible Alternatives

    1. No Action. 2. Approve the Plan as presented. 3. Approve the Plan 
as presented by Laramide Resources (USA), Inc., with stipulations 
necessary to protect the non-mineral resources of the area.

Responsible Official

    Nancy Rose, Forest Supervisor, Cibola National Forest. 2113 Osuna 
Road NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113.

[[Page 22727]]

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The Forest Supervisor will use the EIS process to develop the 
necessary information to make an informed decision on whether or not to 
approve the proposed Plan as submitted, or to decide what additional 
mitigations are needed to protect other resources as provided for in 36 
CFR 228.8.

Scoping Process

    Scoping will include this NOI, listing in the Quarterly Schedule of 
Proposed Actions, letters to interested and affected individuals, 
agencies, and organizations, and legal notices, and the open houses in 
Grants and Gallup, New Mexico. Additional information about the 
project, schedule, permits and approvals, and opportunities for public 
involvement will be available at the open houses. The intent of scoping 
is to solicit comments on issues and alternatives that agencies and the 
public feel should be addressed in the EIS.

Preliminary Issues

    One preliminary issue has been identified: the development of the 
La Jara Mesa Mine may affect the characteristics that make the Mount 
Taylor Traditional Cultural Property eligible for the National Register 
of Historic Places. Other issues may include groundwater contamination, 
natural resources, economics and health and safety issues.

Permits or Licenses Required

    The approved Plan of Operations authorizes mining. Operations must 
be consistent with Forest Service Conditions of Approval, and other 
applicable laws and regulations, including state permits for mining in 
New Mexico.

Comment Requested

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. Comments are 
solicited and are welcome for the 30 day comment period initiating on 
the publication date of this notice.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such a way that they are useful to the Agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific 
comments can affect a reviewer's ability to participate in subsequent 
administrative review or judicial review.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be 
accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide 
the respondent with standing to participate in subsequent 
administrative review or judicial review.

    Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; 36 CFR 220.4.

    Dated: May 8, 2009.
Nancy Rose,
Forest Supervisor, Cibola National Forest.
 [FR Doc. E9-11265 Filed 5-13-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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