Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Intercontinental Potash Corporation (ICP) (USA) Ochoa Mine Project, Lea County, NM, 130-131 [2011-33664]

Download as PDF 130 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 3, 2012 / Notices submitted as part of the permit application, and if we issue the permit following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, then the conservation commitments would become conditions of the permit. The Service independently evaluated the risk of eagle fatalities from the construction of this project and compared that risk to the conservation measures, largely mitigation actions, to which the applicant has committed. This is an essential step in the Service’s evaluation of an application for a permit for programmatic take of eagles, since issuing criteria require permitted take to be in compliance with the BGEPA’s preservation standard. The Service has interpreted this standard to require maintenance of stable or increasing breeding populations of eagles (74 FR 46836; September 11, 2009). The evaluation of risk and offsetting conservation measures, and the implications for direct, indirect, and cumulative effects under three alternatives, are discussed in detail in the DEA. Dated: December 19, 2011. Richard Hannan, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Region, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2011–33630 Filed 12–30–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNMP02000 L51100000.GE0000.LVEMG11CG200] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Intercontinental Potash Corporation (ICP) (USA) Ochoa Mine Project, Lea County, NM Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. AGENCY: Next Steps The public process for the proposed Federal permit action will be completed after the public comment period, at which time we will evaluate the permit application and comments submitted thereon to determine whether the application meets the permitting requirements under BGEPA, applicable regulations, and NEPA requirements. Upon completion of that evaluation, we will select our course of action. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, (NEPA) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Carlsbad Field Office, Carlsbad, NM intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. DATES: Public Comments We invite public comment on the proposed DEA. If you wish, you may submit comments by any one of the methods discussed above under ADDRESSES. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. You can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority We provide this notice under section 668a of the Act (16 U.S.C. 668–668c) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Dec 30, 2011 Jkt 226001 SUMMARY: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the EIS. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until February 2, 2012. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/ Carlsbad_Field_Office.html. To be included in the Draft EIS, all comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft EIS. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments on issues related to the ICP Ochoa Mine Project by any of the following methods: • Email: David_Alderman@blm.gov • Fax: (575) 885–9264 • Mail: Bureau of Land Management, Carlsbad Field Office, Attention: Ochoa Mine EIS Project Manager, 620 E. Greene St., Carlsbad, NM 88220. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Carlsbad Field Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 name added to our mailing list, contact David Alderman, Planning and Environmental Coordinator; telephone (575) 234–6232; address, Carlsbad Field Office 620 E. Greene St., Carlsbad, NM 88220; email David_Alderman@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-(800) 877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS 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 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Intercontinental Potash Corp. (USA) (ICP) holds BLM prospecting permits and has applied for preference right leases. ICP plans to develop an underground mine to extract polyhalite ore. These prospecting permits are located about 40 miles southeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, and 20 miles west of Jal, New Mexico. The proposed project would occur on portions of the following townships and ranges: New Mexico Prime Meridian T. 22 S., R. 33 E., T. 22 S., R. 35 E., T. 23 S., R. 32 E., T. 23 S., R. 33 E., T. 23 S., R. 34 E., T. 23 S., R. 37 E., T. 24 S., R. 32 E., T. 24 S., R. 33 E., T. 24 S., R. 34 E., T. 24 S., R. 35 E., T. 24 S., R. 36 E., T. 24 S., R. 37 E., T. 25 S., R. 37 E., The areas described, including Federal, State, and nonpublic lands, total 276,480 acres. ICP holds 17 State leases, totaling 25,889 acres in addition to the 26 prospecting permits totaling 77,884 acres. ICP has submitted a proposed Mine Plan of Operations to the BLM for the Ochoa Mine Project, to produce the fertilizer sulfate of potash, K2SO4, from polyhalite ore. ICP’s proposed Mine Plan of Operations includes an underground mine accessed by a shaft and a ramp, and processing facilities, including the ore process plant, dry stack tailings pile, evaporation ponds, water wells, pipelines, power lines, and a railroad load-out facility. The polyhalite will be continuously mined using the conventional room and pillar retreat method. In order to mine in proximity to active oil and gas wells, ICP has elected to follow the rules and regulations of a Category IV gassy mine. Sulfate of potash production involves two separate operations. The first operation is to mine raw polyhalite E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 1 / Tuesday, January 3, 2012 / Notices approximately 1,500 feet underground in the Rustler Formation. Once mined, the polyhalite is hoisted to the surface, crushed, calcined, leached, and granulated to produce sulfate of potash, the saleable product. The final product will be moved via truck to a load-out facility near Jal, where it will be loaded on trains and shipped. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the process for developing the EIS. At present, the BLM has identified the following preliminary issues: • Water availability; • Impacts from subsidence; • Impacts to oil and gas exploration and operation in the project area; • Impacts to air quality; and • Impacts to wildlife and range. The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) as provided for in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). Native American tribal consultations will be conducted in accordance with policy, and tribal concerns will be given due consideration, including impacts on Indian trust assets. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with other stakeholders that may be interested or affected by the BLM’s decision on this project are invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may request or be requested by the BLM to participate as a cooperating agency. 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 identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 Jesse Juen, Acting State Director. [FR Doc. 2011–33664 Filed 12–29–11; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4310–OX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management National Park Service [LLMTB07900 09 L10100000 PH0000 LXAMANMS0000] [NPS–WASO–DPOL–1211–9076; 0004–SYP] Notice of Public Meeting; Western Montana Resource Advisory Council AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Notice of Public Meeting. ACTION: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Western Montana Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will meet as indicated below. DATES: The meeting will be held January 19, 2012, beginning at 9 a.m. with a 30minute public comment period and will adjourn at 3 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be in the BLM’s Butte Field Office, 106 N. Parkmont, in Butte, MT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 15member council advises the Secretary of the Interior on a variety of management issues associated with public land management in Montana. During these meetings the council will participate in/ discuss/act upon several topics, including the BLM’s Sage Grouse Conservation Strategy, a report from the RAC’s recreation fee subgroup, and reports from the Butte, Missoula and Dillon field offices. All RAC meetings are open to the public. The public may present written comments to the RAC. Each formal RAC meeting will also have time allocated for hearing public comments. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Abrams, Western Montana Resource Advisory Council Coordinator, Butte Field Office, 106 North Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701, (406) 533–7617, dabrams@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 (800) 877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS 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. SUMMARY: Richard M. Hotaling, District Manager, Western Montana District. [FR Doc. 2011–33629 Filed 12–30–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–DN–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:13 Dec 30, 2011 Jkt 226001 131 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Charter Renewal for the National Park System Advisory Board Department of the Interior, National Park Service. ACTION: Charter Renewal. AGENCY: The Secretary of the Interior intends to renew the charter for the National Park System Advisory Board, in accordance with section 14(b) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This action is necessary and in the public interest in connection with the performance of statutory duties imposed upon the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shirley Sears Smith, (202) 354–3955. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board was established initially by section 3 of the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 667; 16 U.S.C. 463), and has been in existence almost continuously since then. Pursuant to Public Law 111–8, the legislative authorization for the Board expired January 1, 2010. However, due to the importance of the issues on which the Board advises, the Secretary of the Interior exercised the authority contained in Section 3 of Public Law 91–383 (16 U.S.C. 1a–2(c)) to reestablish and continue the Board as a discretionary committee from January 1, 2010, until such time as it may be legislatively reauthorized. If the Board is reauthorized legislatively within 2 years of the date of the renewal charter, the Board will revert to a legislative Board. The advice and recommendations provided by the Board and its subcommittees fulfill an important need within the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service, and it is necessary to re-establish the Board to ensure its work is not disrupted. The Board’s twelve members will be balanced to represent a cross-section of disciplines and expertise relevant to the National Park Service mission. The renewal of the Board comports with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C., Appendix), and follows consultation with the General Services Administration. Certification: I hereby certify that the renewal of the National Park System Advisory Board is necessary and in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the Department of the Interior by the Act of August 25, 1916, 16 U.S.C. 1 et seq., and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 130-131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-33664]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLNMP02000 L51100000.GE0000.LVEMG11CG200]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
the Proposed Intercontinental Potash Corporation (ICP) (USA) Ochoa Mine 
Project, Lea County, NM

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended, (NEPA) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Carlsbad Field 
Office, Carlsbad, NM intends to prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the 
scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the EIS. 
Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until February 2, 2012. 
The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced 
at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM 
Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Carlsbad_Field_Office.html. To be included in the Draft EIS, all comments must be 
received prior to the close of the scoping period or 15 days after the 
last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional 
opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft 
EIS.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments on issues related to the ICP 
Ochoa Mine Project by any of the following methods:
     Email: David_Alderman@blm.gov
     Fax: (575) 885-9264
     Mail: Bureau of Land Management, Carlsbad Field Office, 
Attention: Ochoa Mine EIS Project Manager, 620 E. Greene St., Carlsbad, 
NM 88220.
    Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the 
Carlsbad Field Office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have 
your name added to our mailing list, contact David Alderman, Planning 
and Environmental Coordinator; telephone (575) 234-6232; address, 
Carlsbad Field Office 620 E. Greene St., Carlsbad, NM 88220; email 
David_Alderman@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device 
for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service 
(FIRS) at 1-(800) 877-8339 to contact the above individual during 
normal business hours. The FIRS 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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Intercontinental Potash Corp. (USA) (ICP) 
holds BLM prospecting permits and has applied for preference right 
leases. ICP plans to develop an underground mine to extract polyhalite 
ore. These prospecting permits are located about 40 miles southeast of 
Carlsbad, New Mexico, and 20 miles west of Jal, New Mexico. The 
proposed project would occur on portions of the following townships and 
ranges:

New Mexico Prime Meridian

T. 22 S., R. 33 E.,
T. 22 S., R. 35 E.,
T. 23 S., R. 32 E.,
T. 23 S., R. 33 E.,
T. 23 S., R. 34 E.,
T. 23 S., R. 37 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 32 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 33 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 34 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 35 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 36 E.,
T. 24 S., R. 37 E.,
T. 25 S., R. 37 E.,

    The areas described, including Federal, State, and nonpublic lands, 
total 276,480 acres. ICP holds 17 State leases, totaling 25,889 acres 
in addition to the 26 prospecting permits totaling 77,884 acres. ICP 
has submitted a proposed Mine Plan of Operations to the BLM for the 
Ochoa Mine Project, to produce the fertilizer sulfate of potash, 
K2SO4, from polyhalite ore. ICP's proposed Mine 
Plan of Operations includes an underground mine accessed by a shaft and 
a ramp, and processing facilities, including the ore process plant, dry 
stack tailings pile, evaporation ponds, water wells, pipelines, power 
lines, and a railroad load-out facility. The polyhalite will be 
continuously mined using the conventional room and pillar retreat 
method. In order to mine in proximity to active oil and gas wells, ICP 
has elected to follow the rules and regulations of a Category IV gassy 
mine. Sulfate of potash production involves two separate operations. 
The first operation is to mine raw polyhalite

[[Page 131]]

approximately 1,500 feet underground in the Rustler Formation. Once 
mined, the polyhalite is hoisted to the surface, crushed, calcined, 
leached, and granulated to produce sulfate of potash, the saleable 
product. The final product will be moved via truck to a load-out 
facility near Jal, where it will be loaded on trains and shipped.
    The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant 
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, 
including alternatives, and guide the process for developing the EIS. 
At present, the BLM has identified the following preliminary issues:
     Water availability;
     Impacts from subsidence;
     Impacts to oil and gas exploration and operation in the 
project area;
     Impacts to air quality; and
     Impacts to wildlife and range.
    The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to 
satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) as provided for in 36 CFR 
800.2(d)(3). Native American tribal consultations will be conducted in 
accordance with policy, and tribal concerns will be given due 
consideration, including impacts on Indian trust assets. Federal, 
State, and local agencies, along with other stakeholders that may be 
interested or affected by the BLM's decision on this project are 
invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may 
request or be requested by the BLM to participate as a cooperating 
agency.
    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 identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

    Authority:  40 CFR 1501.7

Jesse Juen,
Acting State Director.
[FR Doc. 2011-33664 Filed 12-29-11; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-OX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.