Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Robinson Mine Plan of Operations Amendment, White Pine County, Nevada, 78351-78353 [2020-26671]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 234 / Friday, December 4, 2020 / Notices
email: jbarringer@blm.gov. People who
use a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to
contact the above individual during
normal business hours. The FRS 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: The
Bering Sea–Western Interior Planning
Area is in western Alaska and
encompasses approximately 62.3
million acres of land, including 13.5
million acres managed by the BLM.
This RMP replaces the 1981
Southwest Management Framework and
a small portion of the 1986 Central
Yukon Resource Management Plan,
including amendments. It provides:
• Consolidated direction to address
land and resource use and development
on BLM-managed lands within the
planning area under one RMP, and
• Analysis of the environmental
effects that could result from the
implementation of the alternatives
proposed in the RMP/EIS.
The purpose of this Proposed RMP is
to make decisions that guide future land
management actions and site-specific
implementation decisions. The
decisions will address goals and
objectives for resource management
(desired outcomes) and establish land
uses (allocations) that are allowable,
restricted, or prohibited to achieve the
goals and objectives. The need for this
RMP is to provide guidance that will
address the significant alterations in
resources, circumstances, laws, policies,
and regulations in the planning area
since 1981.
The Proposed RMP/Final EIS
evaluates five alternatives for managing
the planning area. Alternative A, the no
action alternative, represents existing
management described by current land
use plans and provides the benchmark
against which to compare the other
alternatives. Alternative B emphasizes
reducing the potential for competition
between recreational or developmental
uses and subsistence resources by
identifying key areas for additional
management actions. Alternative C
emphasizes adaptive management at the
planning level to maintain the long-term
sustainability of resources while
providing for multiple resource uses.
Alternative D provides additional
flexibility at the site-specific
implementation level and fewer
management restrictions at the planning
level. The Proposed RMP (Alternative E)
emphasizes adaptive management at the
planning level to protect the long-term
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:18 Dec 03, 2020
Jkt 253001
sustainability of resources while
providing for multiple resource uses.
This alternative is meant to provide
flexibility at the planning level while
still providing enough direction to make
processing of site-specific projects easier
and more consistent. Alternatives B, C,
D, and E were developed using input
from the public, stakeholders, and
cooperating agencies. Major planning
issues addressed include subsistence
resources, including water resources,
fisheries, and wildlife; forestry; minerals
and mining; recreation; travel
management and access; and areas of
critical environmental concern.
The BLM initiated the scoping
process for the Bering Sea-Western
Interior RMP with the publication of a
Notice of Intent in the Federal Register
on July 18, 2013 and concluded that
scoping process 180 days later on
January 17, 2014. The BLM requested
agencies, tribes, groups, and the public
to identify issues and concerns within
the planning area. Scoping comments
collected at public meetings and by
emails, letters, and phone calls were
used to identify issues and define the
scope of analysis for management
alternatives. Meetings were held in 10
communities with proximity to
substantial blocks of BLM lands, the
Iditarod National Historic Trail, the
Unalakleet Wild River Corridor, and
major watersheds in the planning area
(Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers). Local
and regional news releases advertised
the times and locations of these
meetings. Additional detail on the
public outreach efforts related to the
scoping process is included in the
Scoping Report (BLM 2014a).
During February and March of 2015,
the BLM held public meetings in 14
communities that focused on explaining
the preliminary alternatives for the
future Draft RMP/EIS. The BLM released
the Preliminary Alternatives Comment
Summary Report in August 2015, which
summarized input received on
preliminary alternatives for the Draft
RMP/EIS. The BLM used the comments,
along with subsequently identified
issues and planning criteria, to help
formulate a reasonable range of
alternatives for analysis in the Draft
RMP/EIS.
The BLM provided additional public
outreach when there were substantial
project updates through its Bering SeaWestern Interior ePlanning website;
mailing of postcards and flyers; seven
newsletter publications; emailed eNews
Blasts; and through press releases,
newspaper advertisements, and radio
public service announcements.
The 90-day public comment period on
the Draft RMP/EIS ran from March 15,
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
78351
2019, to June 13, 2019, with 17 public
meetings held during that time to gather
comments on the Draft RMP/EIS. The
BLM engaged in a collaborative
outreach and public involvement
process during the public comment
period that included federally
recognized tribes, Alaska Native
corporations, city, state, and federal
agencies, non-governmental
organizations, and the general public.
The BLM collected comments on
alternatives, objectives, and actions
described in the Draft RMP/EIS. This
Proposed RMP/Final EIS reflects
changes and adjustments based on
information received during public
comment on the Draft RMP/EIS and new
information. The Bering Sea-Western
Interior Comment Summary Report
(BLM 2019) provides additional detail
on the public comment period,
comments received, and how those
comments were addressed in this
Proposed RMP/Final EIS. A summary of
comments received during the public
comment period and responses to those
comments is also included in Appendix
G.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3120(a); 40 CFR
1506.6(b).
Chad B. Padgett,
State Director, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 2020–26646 Filed 12–3–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–JA–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLNVL00000.L19900000.EX0000 21X MO
#4500150160]
Notice of Availability of the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for
the Robinson Mine Plan of Operations
Amendment, White Pine County,
Nevada
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely
District (EYDO), Nevada, has prepared a
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the Robinson Mine Plan of
Operations Amendment project and by
this notice is announcing its
availability.
DATES: In order to have comments
considered for inclusion in the Final
EIS, the BLM must receive comments on
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\04DEN1.SGM
04DEN1
78352
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 234 / Friday, December 4, 2020 / Notices
the Draft EIS by January 19, 2021, or 45
days following the date that the
Environmental Protection Agency
publishes its Notice of Availability in
the Federal Register, whichever is
greater. To maximize the opportunity
for public input on this project while
prioritizing the health and safety of
BLM employees and the interested
public, BLM will host online virtual
public meetings to provide information
and gather input on the project. The
date(s) and information about how to
login and participate in these virtual
meetings will be announced at least 15
days in advance through local media
and on the BLM website at https://
go.usa.gov/xvYad. To ensure that
comments will be considered, the BLM
must receive written comments on the
Draft EIS within 45 days following the
date the Environmental Protection
Agency publishes its Notice of
Availability in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
related to the Robinson Mine Plan of
Operations Amendment Draft EIS by
any of the following methods:
• Website: https://go.usa.gov/xvYad
• Email: blm_nv_eydo_robinson_eis@
blm.gov
• Mail: BLM Ely District Office, ATTN:
Project Manager, Tiera Arbogast, 702
North Industrial Way, Ely, Nevada
89301
Documents pertinent to this proposal
may be examined at the Ely District
Office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tiera Arbogast, telephone 775–289–
1872, or email tarbogast@blm.gov.
Contact Ms. Arbogast to have your name
added to the 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. Arbogast during normal
business hours. The FRS 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. Normal
business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except for
Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
document provides notice that the BLM
EYDO, Ely, Nevada, has published a
Draft EIS for the Robinson Mine Plan of
Operations Amendment project. The
Robinson Mine is an 8,887.6 acre copper
mining operation adjacent to Ruth,
Nevada, seven miles west of Ely,
Nevada via U.S. Route 50.
The KGHM Robinson Nevada Mining
Company (KGHM Robinson) is
proposing additional development at
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:18 Dec 03, 2020
Jkt 253001
the Robinson Mine to extend mine life
approximately 4 additional years
beyond its currently anticipated
permanent closure in 2024. To
accomplish this, the company is
proposing renewed mining in the
eastern portions of its privately-owned
Liberty Pit and a grant by the BLM to
access and develop two specific areas of
nearby BLM-managed public land on
which to dispose newly generated waste
rock.
Under the Proposed Action
Alternative (Alternative B) the company
would develop approximately 260 acres
immediately south of the Robinson
Mine to serve as the ‘‘King’’ waste rock
storage facility. An alternative scenario
would allow the company to develop
approximately 102 acres of BLM lands
and 67 acres of KGHM-owned land
adjacent to its existing North Tripp
waste rock facility. The company is also
considering possible disposal of new
waste rock within approximately 160
acres in its privately-owned Ruth East
Pit, where no future mining is planned.
Lastly, KGHM Robinson is seeking
access to 94 private acres and
approximately 545 acres of BLM lands
adjacent to its existing Giroux Wash
Tailings Storage Facility in order to (a)
obtain soil material to use in increasing
the height of the Giroux Wash main
impoundment and the surrounding
perimeter dams, and (b) to serve as
growth media (e.g., topsoil) storage areas
to be used in future reclamation of areas
of mining-related surface disturbance.
Under the No Action Alternative
(Alternative A) the BLM would not
approve the 2019 Robinson Mine Plan
of Operations Amendment as written.
Although KGHM Robinson could
continue mining on their own private
lands, no additional expansion onto
BLM-managed public lands would be
permitted. Without additional areas on
which to dispose waste rock generated
by continued mining, or the ability to
obtain substantial additional volumes of
soil to use in increasing the height of the
primary impoundment and perimeter
dams at the Giroux Wash Tailings
Storage Facility (TSF), KGHM Robinson
estimates that active operations at the
Robinson Mine would cease in 2024.
The Reduced King Waste Rock Dump
(WRD) and North Tripp WRD
(Alternative C) would keep all project
elements described in the 2019 Plan
Amendment, including both the North
Tripp and King WRDs; however, the
allowable footprint of the King WRD
would be reduced from the 260 acres
under Alternative B to 234 acres under
this alternative. Specifically, Alternative
C would eliminate all proposed King
WRD development east of County Road
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
44A. The North Tripp WRD would be
expanded onto approximately 102 acres
of BLM-managed public lands and 67
private acres. As with Alternative B, this
alternative would include dewatering
and renewed mining in the eastern
portions of the Liberty Pit and
development of approximately 545 acres
of BLM-managed public land and 94
private acres adjacent to the Giroux
Wash TSF. This alternative would result
in approximately 869 acres of new
disturbance on BLM-managed public
lands and 237 acres of KGHM-owned
private lands, for a total of
approximately 1,106 acres of new
surface disturbance. As with Alternative
B, mine life would be extended to 2028,
The Ruth East Backfill and Reduced
King WRD Alternative (Alternative D) is
similar to Alternative B, the Proposed
Action. Alternative D would include
renewed dewatering and expanded
mining operations in the eastern
portions of the Liberty Pit as well as
approval for KGHM Robinson to
develop a total of approximately 639
acres of mixed public and private land
adjacent to the Giroux Wash TSF.
Alternative D, like Alternative C, would
include the reduced 234-acre King
WRD. Alternative D would, however,
not include development of the North
Tripp WRD. Rather, additional waste
rock generated during continued mining
would be disposed within
approximately 160 acres of KGHMowned lands within the Ruth East Pit.
Approval of Alternative D would
therefore result in approximately 767
acres of new surface disturbance on
BLM-managed lands and 330 acres of
KGHM-owned private lands, or a total of
approximately 1,097 acres. As with
Alternatives B and C, mine life would
be extended to 2028.
The Notice of Intent for this project
included the BLM’s proposal to also
amend the Ely District Resource
Management Plan for Visual Resource
Management classes. During scoping,
however, the BLM determined that a
Resource Management Plan amendment
is not required, and therefore it is no
longer being analyzed as part of this
Draft EIS. On September 14, 2020, The
Council on Environmental Quality’s
revision to the NEPA Regulations went
into effect. The final rule does not apply
to the NEPA analysis for the Robinson
Mine Plan of Operations Amendment,
as it began prior to September 14, 2020.
The purpose of the public review and
comment process is to seek input on the
range of alternatives and analysis of
impacts presented in the Draft EIS. You
may submit comments in writing to the
BLM as shown in the ADDRESSES section
above. To be considered, your
E:\FR\FM\04DEN1.SGM
04DEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 234 / Friday, December 4, 2020 / Notices
comments must be submitted by the
close of the 45-day comment period.
The BLM has initiated ongoing
consultation with Indian tribes on a
government-to-government basis in
accordance with Executive Order 13175
and other policies. Tribal concerns,
including impacts on Indian trust assets
and potential impacts to cultural
resources, will be given due
consideration. The public is encouraged
to comment on the range of alternatives
and analysis presented in the Draft EIS.
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 and 43 CFR
1610.2.
Jared Bybee,
Acting Field Manager, Bristlecone Field
Office.
[FR Doc. 2020–26671 Filed 12–3–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
[NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–NPS0031200;
PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000]
Notice of Inventory Completion:
Pueblo Grande Museum, City of
Phoenix, AZ; Correction
National Park Service, Interior.
Notice; correction.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Pueblo Grande Museum
has corrected an inventory of human
remains and associated funerary objects
in a Notice of Inventory Completion
published in the Federal Register on
May 8, 2020. This notice corrects the
minimum number of individuals and
the number of associated funerary
objects. Lineal descendants or
representatives of any Indian Tribe or
Native Hawaiian organization not
identified in this notice that wish to
request transfer of control of these
human remains and associated funerary
objects should submit a written request
to the Pueblo Grande Museum. If no
additional requestors come forward,
transfer of control of the human remains
and associated funerary objects to the
lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or
Native Hawaiian organizations stated in
this notice may proceed.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:18 Dec 03, 2020
Jkt 253001
Lineal descendants or
representatives of any Indian Tribe or
Native Hawaiian organization not
identified in this notice that wish to
request transfer of control of these
human remains and associated funerary
objects should submit a written request
with information in support of the
request to the Pueblo Grande Museum at
the address in this notice by January 4,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Lindsey Vogel-Teeter,
Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E.
Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034,
telephone (602) 534–1572, email
lindsey.vogel-teeter@phoenix.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is
here given in accordance with the
Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C.
3003, of the correction of an inventory
of human remains and associated
funerary objects under the control of the
Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix, AZ.
The human remains and associated
funerary objects were removed from
Maricopa County, AZ, as well as
unspecified locations within central or
southern AZ.
This notice is published as part of the
National Park Service’s administrative
responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25
U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in
this notice are the sole responsibility of
the museum, institution, or Federal
agency that has control of the Native
American human remains and
associated funerary objects. The
National Park Service is not responsible
for the determinations in this notice.
This notice corrects the minimum
number of individuals and the number
of associated funerary objects in a
Notice of Inventory Completion
published in the Federal Register (85
FR 27435–27443, May 8, 2020). Transfer
of control of the items in this correction
notice has not occurred.
DATES:
Correction
In the Federal Register (85 FR 27436,
May 8, 2020), column 3, paragraph 3, is
corrected by substituting the following
paragraph:
Between 1936 and 1939, human remains
representing, at minimum, 54 individuals
were removed from site AZ U:9:1(ASM)/
Pueblo Grande in Maricopa County, AZ, by
PGM personnel. These excavations occurred
in multiple areas of the site, and the majority
of this work was conducted under the
supervision of Julian Hayden. The human
remains have been in the collections of PGM
since they were excavated, but some
individuals were not identified until 2018,
during a review of the faunal and
unprovenanced collections. The human
remains belong to 37 cremated individuals
and 17 individuals from inhumations. The
PO 00000
Frm 00052
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
78353
individuals range in age from fetal to old
adult and include both males and females.
No known individuals were identified. The
125 associated funerary objects are 18
ceramic bowls of plain ware, red ware, and
red-on-buff ware; eight ceramic jars of plain
ware and Black Mesa black-on-white ware;
one ceramic pitcher; one seed jar; three
scoops of red ware and red-on-buff ware; four
environmental samples; two lots of textile
fragments; one spindle whorl; 13 lots of
worked faunal bones that include awls; eight
lots of shells; seven lots of shell jewelry that
include bracelets, pendants, and beads; 25
lots of ceramic sherds of plain ware, red
ware, red-on-buff ware, and polychrome
ware; nine lots of faunal bones, including the
remains of a red-tailed hawk burial; six
vessel fragments/partial vessels; one piece of
stone jewelry; one worked sherd; one
polishing stone; one lot of charcoal; three lots
of a white chalky substance (possibly burned
caliche or shell); two axes; one hammerstone;
one red-on-buff censer; three palettes; two
lithics; one projectile point; one turtle
carapace; and one figurine.
In the Federal Register (85 FR
274441, May 8, 2020), column 3,
paragraph 6, sentence 1 is corrected by
substituting the following sentence:
At an unknown time, human remains
representing, at minimum, 21 individuals
were removed from various unidentified
locations in AZ.
In the Federal Register (85 FR
274441, May 8, 2020), column 3,
paragraph 6, sentences 8–11 are
corrected by substituting the following
sentences:
Ten of the individuals are from
inhumations and 11 of the individuals are
from cremations. The individuals are of
varying ages and sexes. No known
individuals were identified. The four
associated funerary objects are one lot
ceramic sherds, one lot burned faunal bone,
and two lots of burned shell.
In the Federal Register (85 FR
274442, May 8, 2020), column 3,
paragraph 2, sentence 1, under the
heading ‘‘Determinations Made by the
Pueblo Grande Museum,’’ is corrected
by substituting the following sentence:
• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the
human remains described in this notice
represent the physical remains of 286
individuals of Native American ancestry.
In the Federal Register (85 FR
274442, May 8, 2020), column 3,
paragraph 2, sentence 2, under the
heading ‘‘Determinations Made by the
Pueblo Grande Museum,’’ is corrected
by substituting the following sentence:
• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(A), the 610
objects described in this notice are
reasonably believed to have been placed with
or near individual human remains at the time
of death or later as part of the death rite or
ceremony.
E:\FR\FM\04DEN1.SGM
04DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 234 (Friday, December 4, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78351-78353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26671]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLNVL00000.L19900000.EX0000 21X MO #4500150160]
Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement for the Robinson Mine Plan of Operations Amendment, White
Pine County, Nevada
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely
District (EYDO), Nevada, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for the Robinson Mine Plan of Operations Amendment
project and by this notice is announcing its availability.
DATES: In order to have comments considered for inclusion in the Final
EIS, the BLM must receive comments on
[[Page 78352]]
the Draft EIS by January 19, 2021, or 45 days following the date that
the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of
Availability in the Federal Register, whichever is greater. To maximize
the opportunity for public input on this project while prioritizing the
health and safety of BLM employees and the interested public, BLM will
host online virtual public meetings to provide information and gather
input on the project. The date(s) and information about how to login
and participate in these virtual meetings will be announced at least 15
days in advance through local media and on the BLM website at https://go.usa.gov/xvYad. To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM
must receive written comments on the Draft EIS within 45 days following
the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of
Availability in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Robinson Mine Plan of
Operations Amendment Draft EIS by any of the following methods:
Website: https://go.usa.gov/xvYad
Email: [email protected]
Mail: BLM Ely District Office, ATTN: Project Manager, Tiera
Arbogast, 702 North Industrial Way, Ely, Nevada 89301
Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Ely
District Office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tiera Arbogast, telephone 775-289-
1872, or email [email protected]. Contact Ms. Arbogast to have your
name added to the 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. Arbogast during normal business hours.
The FRS 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. Normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM
EYDO, Ely, Nevada, has published a Draft EIS for the Robinson Mine Plan
of Operations Amendment project. The Robinson Mine is an 8,887.6 acre
copper mining operation adjacent to Ruth, Nevada, seven miles west of
Ely, Nevada via U.S. Route 50.
The KGHM Robinson Nevada Mining Company (KGHM Robinson) is
proposing additional development at the Robinson Mine to extend mine
life approximately 4 additional years beyond its currently anticipated
permanent closure in 2024. To accomplish this, the company is proposing
renewed mining in the eastern portions of its privately-owned Liberty
Pit and a grant by the BLM to access and develop two specific areas of
nearby BLM-managed public land on which to dispose newly generated
waste rock.
Under the Proposed Action Alternative (Alternative B) the company
would develop approximately 260 acres immediately south of the Robinson
Mine to serve as the ``King'' waste rock storage facility. An
alternative scenario would allow the company to develop approximately
102 acres of BLM lands and 67 acres of KGHM-owned land adjacent to its
existing North Tripp waste rock facility. The company is also
considering possible disposal of new waste rock within approximately
160 acres in its privately-owned Ruth East Pit, where no future mining
is planned. Lastly, KGHM Robinson is seeking access to 94 private acres
and approximately 545 acres of BLM lands adjacent to its existing
Giroux Wash Tailings Storage Facility in order to (a) obtain soil
material to use in increasing the height of the Giroux Wash main
impoundment and the surrounding perimeter dams, and (b) to serve as
growth media (e.g., topsoil) storage areas to be used in future
reclamation of areas of mining-related surface disturbance.
Under the No Action Alternative (Alternative A) the BLM would not
approve the 2019 Robinson Mine Plan of Operations Amendment as written.
Although KGHM Robinson could continue mining on their own private
lands, no additional expansion onto BLM-managed public lands would be
permitted. Without additional areas on which to dispose waste rock
generated by continued mining, or the ability to obtain substantial
additional volumes of soil to use in increasing the height of the
primary impoundment and perimeter dams at the Giroux Wash Tailings
Storage Facility (TSF), KGHM Robinson estimates that active operations
at the Robinson Mine would cease in 2024.
The Reduced King Waste Rock Dump (WRD) and North Tripp WRD
(Alternative C) would keep all project elements described in the 2019
Plan Amendment, including both the North Tripp and King WRDs; however,
the allowable footprint of the King WRD would be reduced from the 260
acres under Alternative B to 234 acres under this alternative.
Specifically, Alternative C would eliminate all proposed King WRD
development east of County Road 44A. The North Tripp WRD would be
expanded onto approximately 102 acres of BLM-managed public lands and
67 private acres. As with Alternative B, this alternative would include
dewatering and renewed mining in the eastern portions of the Liberty
Pit and development of approximately 545 acres of BLM-managed public
land and 94 private acres adjacent to the Giroux Wash TSF. This
alternative would result in approximately 869 acres of new disturbance
on BLM-managed public lands and 237 acres of KGHM-owned private lands,
for a total of approximately 1,106 acres of new surface disturbance. As
with Alternative B, mine life would be extended to 2028,
The Ruth East Backfill and Reduced King WRD Alternative
(Alternative D) is similar to Alternative B, the Proposed Action.
Alternative D would include renewed dewatering and expanded mining
operations in the eastern portions of the Liberty Pit as well as
approval for KGHM Robinson to develop a total of approximately 639
acres of mixed public and private land adjacent to the Giroux Wash TSF.
Alternative D, like Alternative C, would include the reduced 234-acre
King WRD. Alternative D would, however, not include development of the
North Tripp WRD. Rather, additional waste rock generated during
continued mining would be disposed within approximately 160 acres of
KGHM-owned lands within the Ruth East Pit. Approval of Alternative D
would therefore result in approximately 767 acres of new surface
disturbance on BLM-managed lands and 330 acres of KGHM-owned private
lands, or a total of approximately 1,097 acres. As with Alternatives B
and C, mine life would be extended to 2028.
The Notice of Intent for this project included the BLM's proposal
to also amend the Ely District Resource Management Plan for Visual
Resource Management classes. During scoping, however, the BLM
determined that a Resource Management Plan amendment is not required,
and therefore it is no longer being analyzed as part of this Draft EIS.
On September 14, 2020, The Council on Environmental Quality's revision
to the NEPA Regulations went into effect. The final rule does not apply
to the NEPA analysis for the Robinson Mine Plan of Operations
Amendment, as it began prior to September 14, 2020.
The purpose of the public review and comment process is to seek
input on the range of alternatives and analysis of impacts presented in
the Draft EIS. You may submit comments in writing to the BLM as shown
in the ADDRESSES section above. To be considered, your
[[Page 78353]]
comments must be submitted by the close of the 45-day comment period.
The BLM has initiated ongoing consultation with Indian tribes on a
government-to-government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175
and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust
assets and potential impacts to cultural resources, will be given due
consideration. The public is encouraged to comment on the range of
alternatives and analysis presented in the Draft EIS.
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 and 43 CFR 1610.2.
Jared Bybee,
Acting Field Manager, Bristlecone Field Office.
[FR Doc. 2020-26671 Filed 12-3-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P
