Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project, Wyoming, 25193-25194 [2012-10045]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Notices Dated: April 17, 2012. Laura Noguchi, Acting Chief, Branch of Operations, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 2012–10232 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR U.S. Geological Survey [GX12GB009PAMR00] Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of an extension of an information Collection (1028–0089), Mineral Resources Program’s (MRP) Mineral Resource External Research Program (MRERP). AGENCY: We (the U.S. Geological Survey) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the information collection (IC) described below. To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this IC. This IC is scheduled to expire on August 31, 2012. To submit a proposal for the MRERP a project narrative must be completed and submitted via Grants.gov. Furthermore, for multi-year projects, an annual progress report must be completed, and for all projects, a final technical report is required at the end of the project period. The narrative and report guidance is available at https:// www.usgs.gov/contracts/Minerals/ index.html. DATES: Submit written comments by June 26, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive MS 807, Reston, VA 20192 (mail); (703) 648–7199 (fax); or smbaloch@usgs.gov (email). Use Information Collection Number 1028– 0089 in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff L. Doebrich at 703–648–6103. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Mineral Resource External Research Program (MRERP). OMB Control Number: 1028–0089. Form Number: Project narrative and report guidance posted on Grants.gov. Abstract: Through the MRERP, the MRP of the USGS offers an annual mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:44 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 competitive grant and/or cooperative agreement opportunity to universities, State agencies, Tribal governments or organizations, and industry or other private sector organizations. Applicants must have the ability to conduct research in topics related to nonfuel mineral resources and that meet the goals of the MRP. The MRERP will consider all research-based proposals that address one of the MRP’s long-term goals. The long-term goals of the MRP, as described in its strategic plan (https://minerals.usgs.gov/plan/ 2006-2010/2006-2010_plan.html) are (1) Ensure availability of up-to-date quantitative assessments of potential for undiscovered mineral deposits, (2) ensure availability of up-to-date geoenvironmental assessments of priority Federal lands, (3) ensure availability of reliable geologic, geochemical, geophysical, and mineral locality data for the United States, and (4) ensure availability of long-term data sets describing mineral production and consumption. Furthermore, annual research priorities are provided as guidance for applicants to consider when submitting proposals. Annual research priorities are determined by USGS MRP management. Since its initiation in 2004, the MRERP has awarded more than $2.8 million to 48 different research projects across the country. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), and under regulations at 30 CFR 250.197, ‘‘Data and information to be made available to the public or for limited inspection.’’ Responses are voluntary. No questions of a ‘‘sensitive’’ nature are asked. We intend to release the project abstracts and primary investigators for awarded/ funded projects only. Frequency: Annually. Estimated Annual Number and Description of Respondents: Approximately 500 research scientists from universities, State agencies, Tribal governments or organizations, and industry or other private sector organizations. Estimated Total Number of Annual Responses: 25. Estimated Annual burden hours: 1125. Estimated Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Hour’’ Burden: We estimate the public reporting burden averages 45 hours per response. This includes the time for (1) Project conception and development, proposal writing and reviewing, and submitting project narrative through Grants.gov, (2) PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 25193 preparation of annual progress report, and (3) preparation of final technical report. Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping ‘‘Non-Hour Cost’’ Burden: There are no ‘‘non-hour cost’’ burdens associated with this collection of information. Public Disclosure Statement: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Comments: We are soliciting comments as to: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) how to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) how to minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that the comments submitted in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this IC. 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 OMB in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that it will be done. Dated April 13, 2012. Ione Taylor, Associate Director, Energy and Minerals, and Environmental Health. [FR Doc. 2012–10177 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4311–AM–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWYD03000 L51100000.GN0000.LVEMK10CW580–WYW– 166318] Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project, Wyoming AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. E:\FR\FM\27APN1.SGM 27APN1 25194 ACTION: Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Notices Notice of Availability. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery (ISR) Project and by this notice is announcing the opening of the comment period. DATES: To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Lost Creek ISR Project Draft EIS within 45 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. ADDRESSES: Comments related to the Lost Creek ISR Project may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Email: Lost_Crk_Mine_WY@blm.gov. Please reference ‘‘Lost Creek ISR Project’’ in the subject line. • Fax: 307–328–4224. • Mail: Bureau of Land Management, Lost Creek ISR Project, Attention: Dennis Carpenter, Field Manager, 1300 N. Third Street, P.O. Box 2407, Rawlins, Wyoming 82301. Copies of the Lost Creek ISR Project Draft EIS are available in the BLM Rawlins Field Office, at the address indicated above, the BLM Lander Field Office, 1335 Main Street, Lander, Wyoming 82520; the BLM High Desert District Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901; and the BLM Wyoming State Office, 5353 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009; and at the following Web site: https://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/ NEPA/documents/rfo/lostcreek.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Carpenter, Field Manager, at the BLM Rawlins Field Office, telephone: 307–328–4200; address: 1300 N. Third Street, P.O. Box 2407, Rawlins, Wyoming 82301, email: Lost_Crk_Mine_WY@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 named individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant, Lost Creek ISR, LLC (Lost mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:44 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 Creek), has filed a plan of operations pursuant to the 43 CFR subpart 3809 regulations to construct a uranium ore recovery plant, an access road to the site, and a pipeline system for the flow of oxidizing leach solution to injection wells and return of fluids from recovery wells to the recovery plant site; to drill injection, recovery and monitoring wells; and to construct associated facilities such as parking lots, power lines, etc. Development and recovery of the uranium consists of dissolving underground uranium-bearing minerals into solution and then bringing the solution to the surface facility for concentration. The Lost Creek ISR Project is located about 40 miles northwest of Rawlins, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. The project is located in the following area. Sixth Principal Meridian T. 25 N., R. 92 W. Secs. 16 to 20, inclusive; Secs. 29 to 31, inclusive. T. 25 N., R. 93 W. Secs. 13, 24, and 25. The project area boundary includes approximately 4,250 acres, but only about 345 acres would be subjected to actual surface disturbance that would be approved by the BLM. Most of the surface disturbance would be related to construction of pads for wells used to extract uranium in solution from the site. The plant site would comprise approximately 10 acres, including parking space for about 50–60 employees. Multiple subsurface ore bodies ranging in depth from about 300– 700 feet below the surface are found at the site. Each of the three separate production areas containing uranium would be established and mined, one at a time. It is expected that mining operations would last about 8 years. An estimated additional 3 years would be required for startup and closure of the site for a total project length of 11 years. A proposed final reclamation plan for the project area has been submitted. All surface facilities would be removed when the project is completed and the land re-contoured to near predisturbance condition and revegetated. The draft EIS addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the proposed action and three alternatives including the No Action Alternative, the ‘‘Not Fencing the Pattern Areas’’ Alternative, and the ‘‘Drying Yellowcake On-Site’’ Alternative. The No Action Alternative, as required by NEPA, describes conditions expected to occur if no ISR operations would be conducted within the permit PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 area, although activities currently ongoing would continue and other activities at the site during the proposed licensing/permitting period would still occur. Under the ‘‘Not Fencing the Pattern Areas’’ Alternative, temporary fencing would be installed only around the drill pits, including those drilled within the mine units, and around the plant and storage ponds, as opposed to the entire well field of the pattern area. Under the ‘‘Drying Yellowcake On-Site’’ Alternative, a yellowcake drying and packing facility would be constructed and operated at the permit area. As with the Proposed Action, yellowcake slurry (30 to 50 percent solids) would be produced; however, the slurry would be filter-pressed to remove additional water, dried, and packaged on-site. The Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on February 11, 2011 (76 FR 7877). Key issues identified during scoping include, among others, the project impact on public-land access, wild horse use and distribution, greater sagegrouse, air and water resources, livestock grazing operations, and public health and safety. Please note that public comments and information submitted including names, street addresses, and email addresses of persons who submit comments will be available for public review and disclosure at the above address during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except holidays. 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 may ask the BLM 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 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10. Larry Claypool, Acting State Director. [FR Doc. 2012–10045 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–22–P E:\FR\FM\27APN1.SGM 27APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25193-25194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10045]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLWYD03000 L51100000.GN0000.LVEMK10CW580-WYW-166318]


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Lost Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery Project, Wyoming

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

[[Page 25194]]


ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (NEPA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has 
prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lost 
Creek Uranium In Situ Recovery (ISR) Project and by this notice is 
announcing the opening of the comment period.

DATES: To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive 
written comments on the Lost Creek ISR Project Draft EIS within 45 days 
following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its 
Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce 
future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities 
at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, 
and/or mailings.

ADDRESSES: Comments related to the Lost Creek ISR Project may be 
submitted by any of the following methods:
     Email: Lost_Crk_Mine_WY@blm.gov. Please reference 
``Lost Creek ISR Project'' in the subject line.
     Fax: 307-328-4224.
     Mail: Bureau of Land Management, Lost Creek ISR Project, 
Attention: Dennis Carpenter, Field Manager, 1300 N. Third Street, P.O. 
Box 2407, Rawlins, Wyoming 82301.
    Copies of the Lost Creek ISR Project Draft EIS are available in the 
BLM Rawlins Field Office, at the address indicated above, the BLM 
Lander Field Office, 1335 Main Street, Lander, Wyoming 82520; the BLM 
High Desert District Office, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock Springs, 
Wyoming 82901; and the BLM Wyoming State Office, 5353 Yellowstone Road, 
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009; and at the following Web site: https://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/documents/rfo/lostcreek.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Carpenter, Field Manager, at 
the BLM Rawlins Field Office, telephone: 307-328-4200; address: 1300 N. 
Third Street, P.O. Box 2407, Rawlins, Wyoming 82301, email: Lost_Crk_Mine_WY@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 named individual. You will receive a 
reply during normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant, Lost Creek ISR, LLC (Lost 
Creek), has filed a plan of operations pursuant to the 43 CFR subpart 
3809 regulations to construct a uranium ore recovery plant, an access 
road to the site, and a pipeline system for the flow of oxidizing leach 
solution to injection wells and return of fluids from recovery wells to 
the recovery plant site; to drill injection, recovery and monitoring 
wells; and to construct associated facilities such as parking lots, 
power lines, etc. Development and recovery of the uranium consists of 
dissolving underground uranium-bearing minerals into solution and then 
bringing the solution to the surface facility for concentration. The 
Lost Creek ISR Project is located about 40 miles northwest of Rawlins, 
Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. The project is located in the following 
area.

Sixth Principal Meridian

T. 25 N., R. 92 W.
    Secs. 16 to 20, inclusive;
    Secs. 29 to 31, inclusive.
T. 25 N., R. 93 W.
    Secs. 13, 24, and 25.

    The project area boundary includes approximately 4,250 acres, but 
only about 345 acres would be subjected to actual surface disturbance 
that would be approved by the BLM. Most of the surface disturbance 
would be related to construction of pads for wells used to extract 
uranium in solution from the site.
    The plant site would comprise approximately 10 acres, including 
parking space for about 50-60 employees. Multiple subsurface ore bodies 
ranging in depth from about 300-700 feet below the surface are found at 
the site. Each of the three separate production areas containing 
uranium would be established and mined, one at a time. It is expected 
that mining operations would last about 8 years. An estimated 
additional 3 years would be required for startup and closure of the 
site for a total project length of 11 years. A proposed final 
reclamation plan for the project area has been submitted. All surface 
facilities would be removed when the project is completed and the land 
re-contoured to near predisturbance condition and re-vegetated.
    The draft EIS addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative 
impacts of the proposed action and three alternatives including the No 
Action Alternative, the ``Not Fencing the Pattern Areas'' Alternative, 
and the ``Drying Yellowcake On-Site'' Alternative.
    The No Action Alternative, as required by NEPA, describes 
conditions expected to occur if no ISR operations would be conducted 
within the permit area, although activities currently on-going would 
continue and other activities at the site during the proposed 
licensing/permitting period would still occur. Under the ``Not Fencing 
the Pattern Areas'' Alternative, temporary fencing would be installed 
only around the drill pits, including those drilled within the mine 
units, and around the plant and storage ponds, as opposed to the entire 
well field of the pattern area. Under the ``Drying Yellowcake On-Site'' 
Alternative, a yellowcake drying and packing facility would be 
constructed and operated at the permit area. As with the Proposed 
Action, yellowcake slurry (30 to 50 percent solids) would be produced; 
however, the slurry would be filter-pressed to remove additional water, 
dried, and packaged on-site.
    The Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal 
Register on February 11, 2011 (76 FR 7877). Key issues identified 
during scoping include, among others, the project impact on public-land 
access, wild horse use and distribution, greater sage-grouse, air and 
water resources, livestock grazing operations, and public health and 
safety.
    Please note that public comments and information submitted 
including names, street addresses, and email addresses of persons who 
submit comments will be available for public review and disclosure at 
the above address during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), 
Monday through Friday, except holidays.
    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 may ask the BLM 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 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10.

Larry Claypool,
Acting State Director.
[FR Doc. 2012-10045 Filed 4-26-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-22-P
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