Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed POA11 Project-Modification to the Plan of Operations for the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines, Pershing County, NV, 55979-55980 [2019-22707]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 202 / Friday, October 18, 2019 / Notices The BLM reviewed public scoping comments to identify planning issues that directed the formulation of alternatives and frames the scope of analysis in the Draft RMPs/EIS. Issues identified include management of recreation and access; paleontological and cultural resources; livestock grazing; mineral resources; and wildlife, water, vegetation, and soil resources. This planning effort also considers management of lands with wilderness characteristics and designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. The formal public-scoping process for the RMPs and EIS began on January 16, 2018, with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register (83 FR 2179) and ended on April 11, 2018. The BLM held public scoping meetings in Kanab and Escalante, Utah, in March 2018. The Notice of Availability for the Draft RMPs/EIS was published on August 17, 2018 (83 FR 41108), followed by a Notice of Error published on August 31, 2018, that extended the public comment period on the Draft RMPs/EIS (83 FR 44659). The BLM accepted public comments on the range of alternatives, effects analysis, and Draft RMPs for 105 days, ending on November 30, 2018. During the publiccomment period, public meetings were held in Kanab and Escalante, Utah. The Draft RMPs/EIS evaluated four alternatives in detail. Alternative A is the No Action alternative, which is a continuation of existing decisions in the 2000 Monument Management Plan. Alternative B generally focuses on protection of resources (e.g., wildlife, vegetation, cultural, etc.) while providing for targeted resource use (e.g., rights-of-way, travel, mineral development). Alternative C generally represents a balance of resource protection and resource use. Alternative D generally focuses on maximizing resource use (e.g., rights-of-way, minerals development, livestock grazing) while still providing for resource protection as required by applicable regulations, laws, policies, plans, and guidance, including protection of Monument objects within the GSENM Units. Comments on the Draft RMPs/EIS received from the public, the Utah Resource Advisory Council, cooperating agencies and tribes, and internal BLM review were considered and incorporated as appropriate into the Proposed RMPs/ Final EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of clarifying text, but did not significantly change the range of alternatives considered. The BLM developed Alternative E in response to comments received on the Draft RMPs/ VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 250001 EIS and includes elements of Alternatives A, B, C, and D. The BLM has identified Alternative E as the agency’s Proposed RMPs. Identification of this alternative, however, does not represent final agency direction. The Notice of Availability for the Proposed RMPs and Final EIS published in the Federal Register on August 23, 2019 (84 FR 44326), initiating a protest period that ended on September 23, 2019. The modified Proposed RMPs and Final EIS and an accompanying errata sheet that includes a summary of all of the changes made are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at: https:// go.usa.gov/xVCGJ. The BLM is providing a 30-day protest period for the modified Proposed RMPs and Final EIS. All protests must be in writing and submitted, as set forth in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections earlier. The BLM will accept protests pertaining to new information identified in the modified Proposed RMPs and Final EIS. Please do not resubmit protests previously submitted during the protest period that was open from August 23 through September 23, 2019. The BLM will render a written decision on valid protests received during both protest periods. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personally identifiable information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may request that the BLM withhold your personally identifiable information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, and 43 CFR 1610.2. Edwin L. Roberson, State Director. [FR Doc. 2019–22774 Filed 10–17–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–DQ–P PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55979 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNVW00000.L5110000. GN0000.LVEMF1805980. 18X.MO#4500139740] Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed POA11 Project— Modification to the Plan of Operations for the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines, Pershing County, NV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Humboldt River Field Office, Winnemucca, Nevada has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice announces the beginning of the public comment period to solicit public comments on the Draft EIS. The BLM is the lead agency in development of the Draft EIS and will be evaluating Coeur Rochester, Inc.’s (CRI) request for the proposed expansion of its silver mining operations at the existing Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines. DATES: This notice initiates the public comment period for the Draft EIS. Comments may be submitted in writing until December 2, 2019. The date(s) and location(s) of any comment meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM website at: https://go.usa.gov/xPdjC. In order to be included in the Draft EIS, all comments must be received prior to the close of the 45-day public comment period. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Final EIS. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines Plan of Operations Amendment 11 (POA11) Project by any of the following methods: • Website: https://go.usa.gov/xPdjC. • Email: wfoweb@blm.gov; include ‘‘Coeur POA11 EIS Comments’’ in the subject line. • Fax: (775) 623–1740. • Mail: 5100 E Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about the proposed mine expansion contact Kathleen Rehberg, telephone: (775) 623–1500, email: krehberg@blm.gov, address: 5100 East SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1 55980 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 202 / Friday, October 18, 2019 / Notices Winnemucca Boulevard., Winnemucca, Nevada 89445. Contact Ms. Rehberg to have your name added to our mailing list. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact Ms. Rehberg during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. CRI has requested to expand its operations at the Rochester and Packard mines by modifying its approved Plan of Operations. The mine is located approximately 26 miles northeast of Lovelock, Nevada. The mine is currently authorized to disturb up to 2,203.1 acres (approximately 164.6 acres of private land and 2,038.5 acres of public land), which was analyzed in a series of EISs and Environmental Assessments beginning in 1986 through the latest EIS in 2015. The Proposed Action is to expand mining in both of CRI’s current pits (the Rochester and Packard pits) and move, relocate, or expand heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, haul roads, access road, water pipeline, and processing facilities. The proposal would increase disturbance by 2,815.4 acres (435.2 acres on private land and 2,380.2 acres on public land). Mining of the Rochester Pit would extend below the groundwater resulting in a permanent pit lake after closure. Additional, potentially acid generating material would be excavated and would be processed as ore or stored according to CRI’s Waste Rock Storage Plan. The plan would also necessitate an upgrade in power distribution lines and a substation. With the proposed expansion, mine life would be extended to 2033, and would be followed by mine closure and reclamation. The purpose of this comment period is for the public to review and provide comments on the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS, after scoping, has identified and analyzed impacts to the following resource areas: Air and atmospheric resources; cultural resources; noxious weeds, invasive species and non-native species; migratory birds; Native American religious concerns; wastes and materials (hazardous and solid); water quality (surface and ground); geology, minerals, and energy; lands and realty; paleontology; rangeland management; recreation; social values and economics; soils; special status species (plants and wildlife); transportation and access; vegetation; visual resources; and wildlife. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:37 Oct 17, 2019 Jkt 250001 The Draft EIS describes and analyzes the Proposed Action’s direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on all affected resources. In addition to the Proposed Action, the following alternatives are also analyzed in the document: (1) Alternative 1, which is an alternate method to manage and store potentially acid generating material; (2) Alternative 2, which was developed to address and manage pit lake development and water quality; and (3) The No Action Alternative. The BLM has consulted and continues to consult with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175 and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts to Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources have been analyzed in the Draft EIS. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with tribes and other stakeholders that may be interested in or affected by the Proposed Action that the BLM is evaluating, are invited to participate in the comment process. 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. David Kampwerth, Field Manager, Humboldt River Field Office. [FR Doc. 2019–22707 Filed 10–17–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWO310000/L13100000.PP0000/19X; OMB Control Number 1004–0209] Agency Information Collection Activities; Measurement of Oil Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to renew an information collection. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before December 17, 2019. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Send your comments on this information collection request (ICR) by mail to Jean Sonneman. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20240; or by email to jsonneman@blm.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1004–0209 in the subject line of your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information about this ICR, contact Subijoy Dutta by email at sdutta@blm.gov, or by telephone at 202–912–7152. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the BLM provides the general public and other Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps to assess the impact of the BLM’s information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. Additionally, it helps the public understand the BLM’s information collection requirements and provides the requested data in the desired format. The BLM is soliciting comments on the ICR that is described below. The BLM is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to the proper functions of the BLM; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the BLM enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the BLM minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this Notice are a matter of public record. The BLM will include or summarize each comment in our request to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve this ICR. 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 in your comment to the BLM to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. The following information pertains to this request: Abstract: This collection of information enables the BLM to ensure compliance with standards for the ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM 18OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 202 (Friday, October 18, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55979-55980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-22707]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLNVW00000.L5110000.GN0000.LVEMF1805980.18X.MO#4500139740]


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Proposed POA11 Project--Modification to the Plan of 
Operations for the Coeur Rochester and Packard Mines, Pershing County, 
NV

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Humboldt River 
Field Office, Winnemucca, Nevada has prepared a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice announces the beginning of 
the public comment period to solicit public comments on the Draft EIS. 
The BLM is the lead agency in development of the Draft EIS and will be 
evaluating Coeur Rochester, Inc.'s (CRI) request for the proposed 
expansion of its silver mining operations at the existing Coeur 
Rochester and Packard Mines.

DATES: This notice initiates the public comment period for the Draft 
EIS. Comments may be submitted in writing until December 2, 2019. The 
date(s) and location(s) of any comment meetings will be announced at 
least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM 
website at: https://go.usa.gov/xPdjC. In order to be included in the 
Draft EIS, all comments must be received prior to the close of the 45-
day public comment period. We will provide additional opportunities for 
public participation upon publication of the Final EIS.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Coeur Rochester and 
Packard Mines Plan of Operations Amendment 11 (POA11) Project by any of 
the following methods:
     Website: https://go.usa.gov/xPdjC.
     Email: [email protected]; include ``Coeur POA11 EIS 
Comments'' in the subject line.
     Fax: (775) 623-1740.
     Mail: 5100 E Winnemucca Blvd., Winnemucca, NV 89445.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about the proposed mine 
expansion contact Kathleen Rehberg, telephone: (775) 623-1500, email: 
[email protected], address: 5100 East

[[Page 55980]]

Winnemucca Boulevard., Winnemucca, Nevada 89445. Contact Ms. Rehberg to 
have your name added to our mailing list. Persons who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay 
Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Ms. Rehberg during normal 
business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to 
leave a message or question. You will receive a reply during normal 
business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CRI has requested to expand its operations 
at the Rochester and Packard mines by modifying its approved Plan of 
Operations. The mine is located approximately 26 miles northeast of 
Lovelock, Nevada. The mine is currently authorized to disturb up to 
2,203.1 acres (approximately 164.6 acres of private land and 2,038.5 
acres of public land), which was analyzed in a series of EISs and 
Environmental Assessments beginning in 1986 through the latest EIS in 
2015. The Proposed Action is to expand mining in both of CRI's current 
pits (the Rochester and Packard pits) and move, relocate, or expand 
heap leach pads, waste rock dumps, haul roads, access road, water 
pipeline, and processing facilities. The proposal would increase 
disturbance by 2,815.4 acres (435.2 acres on private land and 2,380.2 
acres on public land).
    Mining of the Rochester Pit would extend below the groundwater 
resulting in a permanent pit lake after closure. Additional, 
potentially acid generating material would be excavated and would be 
processed as ore or stored according to CRI's Waste Rock Storage Plan. 
The plan would also necessitate an upgrade in power distribution lines 
and a substation. With the proposed expansion, mine life would be 
extended to 2033, and would be followed by mine closure and 
reclamation.
    The purpose of this comment period is for the public to review and 
provide comments on the Draft EIS. The Draft EIS, after scoping, has 
identified and analyzed impacts to the following resource areas: Air 
and atmospheric resources; cultural resources; noxious weeds, invasive 
species and non-native species; migratory birds; Native American 
religious concerns; wastes and materials (hazardous and solid); water 
quality (surface and ground); geology, minerals, and energy; lands and 
realty; paleontology; rangeland management; recreation; social values 
and economics; soils; special status species (plants and wildlife); 
transportation and access; vegetation; visual resources; and wildlife.
    The Draft EIS describes and analyzes the Proposed Action's direct, 
indirect, and cumulative impacts on all affected resources. In addition 
to the Proposed Action, the following alternatives are also analyzed in 
the document: (1) Alternative 1, which is an alternate method to manage 
and store potentially acid generating material; (2) Alternative 2, 
which was developed to address and manage pit lake development and 
water quality; and (3) The No Action Alternative.
    The BLM has consulted and continues to consult with Indian tribes 
on a government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 
13175 and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts to Indian 
trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources have been 
analyzed in the Draft EIS. Federal, State, and local agencies, along 
with tribes and other stakeholders that may be interested in or 
affected by the Proposed Action that the BLM is evaluating, are invited 
to participate in the comment process.
    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.

David Kampwerth,
Field Manager, Humboldt River Field Office.
[FR Doc. 2019-22707 Filed 10-17-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P

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