83 FR 38172 - Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Greater Phoenix Project, Lander County, NV
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 150 (August 3, 2018)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 150 (August 3, 2018)
| Page Range | 38172-38173 | |
| FR Document | 2018-16680 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 150 (Friday, August 3, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 38172-38173] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-16680] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNVB00000. L51100000.GN0000. LVEMF1704460. 17X. MO# 4500106342] Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Greater Phoenix Project, Lander County, NV AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mount Lewis Field Office, Battle Mountain, Nevada, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice is announcing its availability. The Greater Phoenix Project is owned by Newmont USA Limited and is located approximately 12 miles southwest of the town of Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada. The Proposed Project includes expanding the life of the mine from 2040 to 2063; expanding the boundary of the mine by 10,611 acres, from 8,228 acres to 18,839 acres; and increasing surface disturbance by 3,497 acres, from 8,374 to 11,871 acres. DATES: The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final EIS for the Greater Phoenix Mine Project and other documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Mount Lewis Field Office: 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820. All documents are available for download at https://go.usa.gov/xQDYJ. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Gabriel--Project Manager, telephone 775-635-4000; address 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820; email [email protected]. Contact Christine Gabriel 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 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: Newmont USA Limited (Newmont) proposes to modify the Phoenix Mine Plan of Operations to expand its existing mining operations. The proposed Project is located approximately 12 miles southwest of the town of Battle Mountain in Lander County, Nevada. Within this expanded area, surface disturbance would increase by 3,497 acres from 8,374 to 11,871 acres, which includes 5,896 acres located on public lands administered by the BLM Mount Lewis Field Office. The existing Phoenix Mine is a gold and copper mining and beneficiation operation. Mill-grade oxide gold ore is beneficiated to gold concentrate at the Phoenix Mill facility, which also produces small amounts of copper and silver concentrates as trace elements. Mill tailings are deposited in a tailings storage facility (TSF). Copper- containing ore is beneficiated using heap leaching followed by solvent extraction and electrowinning of copper from the leach solution. Operations at Phoenix Mine under the currently authorized Plan of Operations and existing permits would last approximately 24 years. Active closure and reclamation activities are anticipated to extend approximately 13 years beyond the operational phase. Additionally, more than 500 years of post-closure monitoring would follow final reclamation. The proposed Project amendments include the following: Extension of mine life from 2040 to 2063; expansion of the Plan of Operations boundary by 10,611 acres--from 8,228 acres to 18,839 acres, of which 10,132 are BLM-managed public lands; increase surface disturbance by 3,497 acres--from 8,374 acres to 11,871 acres; expansion of the Phoenix Pit area through consolidation of existing pit areas, and increase in pit depth by 380 feet--from 4,990 to 4,610 feet above mean sea level; expansion of the Natomas Waste Rock Facility by 347 acres--from 997 acres to 1,344 acres; expansion of the Phoenix TSF by 1,801 acres--from 1,396 acres to 3,197 acres; expansion of the Phoenix Heap Leach Facility by 79 acres--from 536 acres to 615 acres; expansion of the clay soil borrow area by 819 acres--from 469 acres to 1,288 acres; development of an additional soil borrow area (483 acres); [[Page 38173]] modification of the mine closure approach (including the management of pit water through treatment to meet applicable water quality standards and subsequently put to beneficial use in perpetuity); and realignment of Buffalo Valley Road, as well as realignment of a service power line, fiber optic line, and natural gas pipeline. Under the proposed Project, four existing FLPMA right-of-way grants (associated with project-related linear facilities) would be amended. The EIS's analysis is focused on impacts to the following resource areas that were identified through the NEPA scoping process: Water resources (including surface water, groundwater, and geochemistry); air quality; vegetation resources (including noxious weeds and special status species); wildlife (including migratory birds and special status species); grazing management; land use and access; aesthetics (visual); cultural resources; Native American cultural concerns; geological resources (including minerals and soils); paleontological resources; recreation; social and economic values; hazardous materials; wetland and riparian zones. The EIS describes and analyzes the proposed Project's direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on all affected resources. In addition to the proposed Project, three alternatives were analyzed: the Enhanced/Mechanical Evaporation Cell Alternative, Treat Water for Agricultural Cropping on Private Land Alternative, and the No Action Alternative. The Draft EIS, was available for a 45-day public comment period, which ended October 16, 2017. A public meeting was held on September 26, 2017 in Battle Mountain, NV. A total of 178 comments were received during the public comment process. Comment responses are in the Final EIS. The BLM has utilized and coordinated the NEPA scoping and comment process to help fulfill the public involvement requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3)--and continues to do so. The information about historic and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the proposed Project has assisted the BLM in identifying and evaluating impacts to such resources in the context of both NEPA and the NHPA. 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 and addressed in the EIS. John Gant Massey, Acting Field Manager, Mount Lewis Field Office. [FR Doc. 2018-16680 Filed 8-2-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P
![38172 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Notices
community, oil and gas industry, and Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
potash industry in May 2011. The BLM 1506.10, 43 CFR 1610.2. Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339
gave a scoping presentation to the Pecos Aden L. Seidlitz, to contact the above individual during
District Resource Advisory Council in Acting BLM New Mexico State Director.
normal business hours. The FRS is
January 2012. The BLM also held public available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
[FR Doc. 2018–16665 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am]
workshops pertaining to VRM, travel, to leave a message or question with the
BILLING CODE 4310–FB–P
and special designations and met with above individual. You will receive a
the Public Lands Advisory Council in reply during normal business hours.
February 2012. In addition, the BLM DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Newmont
held two economic profile system USA Limited (Newmont) proposes to
workshops early in the process with Bureau of Land Management modify the Phoenix Mine Plan of
local citizens and community leaders to Operations to expand its existing
[LLNVB00000. L51100000.GN0000.
develop a common understanding of the mining operations. The proposed
LVEMF1704460. 17X. MO# 4500106342]
local economies, and the ways in which Project is located approximately 12
land-use planning decisions may affect Notice of Availability of the Final miles southwest of the town of Battle
them. Environmental Impact Statement for Mountain in Lander County, Nevada.
During the scoping period, the public the Proposed Greater Phoenix Project, Within this expanded area, surface
provided the Carlsbad Field Office with Lander County, NV disturbance would increase by 3,497
input on relevant issues to consider in acres from 8,374 to 11,871 acres, which
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, includes 5,896 acres located on public
the planning process. Additional Interior.
information was collected during two lands administered by the BLM Mount
ACTION: Notice. Lewis Field Office. The existing
internal alternatives development
workshops and one cooperating agency Phoenix Mine is a gold and copper
SUMMARY: In compliance with the mining and beneficiation operation.
workshop. Based on the issues, National Environmental Policy Act of
conflicts, and the BLM’s goals and Mill-grade oxide gold ore is beneficiated
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the to gold concentrate at the Phoenix Mill
objectives, the Carlsbad Field Office Federal Land Policy and Management
Interdisciplinary Team and managers facility, which also produces small
Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the amounts of copper and silver
formulated four action alternatives for Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
consideration and analysis in the Draft concentrates as trace elements. Mill
Mount Lewis Field Office, Battle tailings are deposited in a tailings
RMP/Draft EIS. At the close of the Mountain, Nevada, has prepared a Final
public comment period, the BLM will storage facility (TSF). Copper-containing
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) ore is beneficiated using heap leaching
use substantive public comments to and by this notice is announcing its
revise the Draft RMP/Draft EIS in followed by solvent extraction and
availability. The Greater Phoenix Project electrowinning of copper from the leach
preparation for its release to the public is owned by Newmont USA Limited and
as the Proposed Resource Management solution.
is located approximately 12 miles Operations at Phoenix Mine under the
Plan and Final Environmental Impact southwest of the town of Battle currently authorized Plan of Operations
Statement (Proposed RMP/Final EIS). Mountain in Lander County, Nevada. and existing permits would last
The BLM will respond to each The Proposed Project includes approximately 24 years. Active closure
substantive comment received during expanding the life of the mine from and reclamation activities are
the public review and comment period 2040 to 2063; expanding the boundary anticipated to extend approximately 13
by making appropriate revisions to the of the mine by 10,611 acres, from 8,228 years beyond the operational phase.
document, or explaining why the acres to 18,839 acres; and increasing Additionally, more than 500 years of
comment did not warrant a change. surface disturbance by 3,497 acres, from post-closure monitoring would follow
Notice of the Availability of the 8,374 to 11,871 acres. final reclamation.
Proposed RMP/Final EIS will be posted DATES: The BLM will not issue a final The proposed Project amendments
in the Federal Register. Please note that decision on the proposal for a minimum include the following: Extension of
public comments and information of 30 days after the date that the mine life from 2040 to 2063; expansion
submitted including names, street Environmental Protection Agency of the Plan of Operations boundary by
addresses, and email addresses of publishes its Notice of Availability in 10,611 acres—from 8,228 acres to
persons who submit comments will be the Federal Register. 18,839 acres, of which 10,132 are BLM-
available for public review and ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final EIS for managed public lands; increase surface
disclosure at the above address during the Greater Phoenix Mine Project and disturbance by 3,497 acres—from 8,374
regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), other documents pertinent to this acres to 11,871 acres; expansion of the
Monday through Friday, except proposal may be examined at the Mount Phoenix Pit area through consolidation
holidays. Lewis Field Office: 50 Bastian Road, of existing pit areas, and increase in pit
Before including your address, phone Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820. All depth by 380 feet—from 4,990 to 4,610
number, email address, or other documents are available for download at feet above mean sea level; expansion of
personal identifying information in your https://go.usa.gov/xQDYJ. the Natomas Waste Rock Facility by 347
comment, you should be aware that FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: acres—from 997 acres to 1,344 acres;
your entire comment—including your Christine Gabriel—Project Manager, expansion of the Phoenix TSF by 1,801
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
personal identifying information—may telephone 775–635–4000; address 50 acres—from 1,396 acres to 3,197 acres;
be made publicly available at any time. Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada expansion of the Phoenix Heap Leach
While you can ask us in your comment 89820; email blm_nv_bmdo_ Facility by 79 acres—from 536 acres to
to withhold your personal identifying GreaterPhoenixProject@blm.gov. 615 acres; expansion of the clay soil
information from public review, we Contact Christine Gabriel to have your borrow area by 819 acres—from 469
cannot guarantee that we will be able to name added to our mailing list. Persons acres to 1,288 acres; development of an
do so. who use a telecommunications device additional soil borrow area (483 acres);
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 150 / Friday, August 3, 2018 / Notices 38173
modification of the mine closure and potential impacts to cultural associations, and individuals; and
approach (including the management of resources have been analyzed and public comment. Presentation to the
pit water through treatment to meet addressed in the EIS. Review Committee by telephone may be
applicable water quality standards and requested but is not guaranteed. The
John Gant Massey,
subsequently put to beneficial use in agenda and materials for this meeting
perpetuity); and realignment of Buffalo Acting Field Manager, Mount Lewis Field will be posted on or before September
Office.
Valley Road, as well as realignment of 18, 2018, at https://www.nps.gov/
a service power line, fiber optic line, [FR Doc. 2018–16680 Filed 8–2–18; 8:45 am]
nagpra.
and natural gas pipeline. BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P
The Review Committee is soliciting
Under the proposed Project, four presentations from Indian tribes, Native
existing FLPMA right-of-way grants Hawaiian organizations, museums, and
(associated with project-related linear DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal agencies on the following two
facilities) would be amended. topics: (1) the progress made, and any
The EIS’s analysis is focused on National Park Service
barriers encountered, in implementing
impacts to the following resource areas [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–25875; NAGPRA and (2) the outcomes of
that were identified through the NEPA PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP16.R50000] disputes reviewed by the Review
scoping process: Water resources Committee pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3006
(including surface water, groundwater, Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Review Committee (c)(4). The Review Committee also will
and geochemistry); air quality; consider other presentations from
vegetation resources (including noxious Notice of Public Meeting
Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian
weeds and special status species); AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. organizations, museums, Federal
wildlife (including migratory birds and agencies, associations, and individuals.
ACTION: Meeting notice.
special status species); grazing A presentation request must, at
management; land use and access; SUMMARY: The National Park Service is minimum, include an abstract of the
aesthetics (visual); cultural resources; hereby giving notice that the Native presentation and contact information for
Native American cultural concerns; American Graves Protection and the presenter(s). Presentation requests
geological resources (including minerals Repatriation Review Committee (Review and materials must be received by
and soils); paleontological resources; Committee) will hold one meeting. All September 4, 2018. Written comments
recreation; social and economic values; meetings are open to the public. will be accepted from any party and
hazardous materials; wetland and DATES: The Review Committee will meet provided to the Review Committee.
riparian zones. on October 17–19, 2018, from 8:30 a.m.
The EIS describes and analyzes the Written comments received by
until approximately 5:00 p.m. (Eastern). September 11, 2018, will be provided to
proposed Project’s direct, indirect, and Related deadlines for participating in
cumulative impacts on all affected the Review Committee before the
the meeting are detailed in this notice. meeting.
resources. In addition to the proposed
ADDRESSES: The Review Committee will The Review Committee will consider
Project, three alternatives were
analyzed: the Enhanced/Mechanical meet in the Yates Auditorium, requests for a recommendation to the
Evaporation Cell Alternative, Treat Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street Secretary of the Interior that an agreed-
Water for Agricultural Cropping on NW, Washington, DC 20240. Electronic upon disposition of Native American
Private Land Alternative, and the No submissions of materials or requests are human remains proceed. A disposition
Action Alternative. to be sent to nagpra_info@nps.gov. request must include specific
The Draft EIS, was available for a 45- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: information and, as applicable, ancillary
day public comment period, which Melanie O’Brien, Designated Federal materials. For details on the required
ended October 16, 2017. A public Officer, National Native American information go to https://www.nps.gov/
meeting was held on September 26, Graves Protection and Repatriation Act nagpra/review. Disposition requests
2017 in Battle Mountain, NV. A total of Program (2253), National Park Service, must be received by August 14, 2018.
178 comments were received during the telephone (202) 354–2201, or email At this meeting, the Review
public comment process. Comment nagpra_info@nps.gov. Committee will not consider new
responses are in the Final EIS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The requests for findings of fact related to
The BLM has utilized and Review Committee was established in the identity or cultural affiliation of
coordinated the NEPA scoping and section 8 of the Native American Graves human remains or other cultural items,
comment process to help fulfill the Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 or the return of such items; or facilitate
public involvement requirements under (NAGPRA). the resolution of disputes. The Review
the National Historic Preservation Act Purpose of the Meeting: The agenda Committee will consider additions to or
(NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided will include a report from the National hear presentations on previous requests.
in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3)—and continues to NAGPRA Program; the discussion of the Contact the Designated Federal Officer
do so. The information about historic Review Committee Report to Congress; to discuss any requests for findings of
and cultural resources within the area subcommittee reports and discussion; fact or resolution of disputes by August
potentially affected by the proposed and other topics related to the Review 10, 2018.
Project has assisted the BLM in Committee’s responsibilities under Submissions and requests should be
identifying and evaluating impacts to section 8 of NAGPRA. In addition, the sent to nagpra_info@nps.gov. Such
such resources in the context of both agenda may include requests to the items are subject to posting on the
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
NEPA and the NHPA. Review Committee for a National NAGPRA Program website
The BLM has consulted and continues recommendation to the Secretary of the prior to the meeting.
to consult with Indian tribes on a Interior that an agreed-upon disposition
General Information
government-to-government basis in of Native American human remains
accordance with Executive Order 13175 proceed; presentations by Indian tribes, Information about NAGPRA, the
and other policies. Tribal concerns, Native Hawaiian organizations, Review Committee, and Review
including impacts to Indian trust assets museums, Federal agencies, Committee meetings is available on the
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Document Created: 2018-11-06 10:34:54
Document Modified: 2018-11-06 10:34:54
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a minimum of 30 days after the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. | |
| Contact | Christine Gabriel--Project Manager, | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 38172 |
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