83 FR 53292 - Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Deep South Expansion Project, Lander and Eureka Counties, Nevada
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 204 (October 22, 2018)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 204 (October 22, 2018)
| Page Range | 53292-53293 | |
| FR Document | 2018-22979 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 204 (Monday, October 22, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 53292-53293] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-22979] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNVB0l000.L 71220000.EX0000.LVTFF1486020 MO# 4500101184] Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Deep South Expansion Project, Lander and Eureka Counties, Nevada 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 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and is announcing the beginning of the public comment period to solicit public comments on the DEIS. Barrick Cortez, Inc. (BCI) is proposing to expand its existing Cortez Hills Project mining operations, which would require a modification to the Plan of Operations to increase the plan boundary by 4,279 acres: From 58,093 acres to 62,372 acres. DATES: To ensure 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. The date(s) and location(s) of any public meetings or other public involvement activities will be announced at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, local media, newspapers, mailings, and the BLM website at: goo.gl/JwgwXA. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Project by any of the following methods:Website: https://aecom.wetransfer.com/downloads/ae11a0597ec409ff8ae048db96df62b020180803215410/1fd982a652f79e37f3e601b88767537120180803215411/a09201. Email: blm_nv_mlfo_deepsoutheis@blm.gov. Fax: 775-635-4034. Mail: BLM Mount Lewis Field Office, 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, NV 89820. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Mount Lewis Field Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Hurrell, Project Manager; telephone: 775-635-4000; address: 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada 89820; or email: blm_nv_mlfo_deepsoutheis@blm.gov. Contact Kevin Hurrell to have your name added to BLM's 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: Barrick Cortez, Inc. (BCI) is proposing to expand its existing Cortez Hills Project mining operations, which is located southeast of Battle Mountain in Eureka and Lander Counties, Nevada. There are 54,825 acres of public lands within the Plan of Operations boundary that are administered by the BLM Mount Lewis Field Office, and 3,268 acres of private lands controlled by BCI. BCI was previously authorized to disturb 16,700 acres within their Plan of Operations boundary. The proposed mine expansion, named the Deep South Expansion Project (Proposed Project) would require a modification to the Plan of Operations to increase the plan boundary by 4,279 acres: From 58,093 acres to 62,372 acres. The proposed modification would result in approximately 3,798 acres of new disturbance inside the new proposed plan boundary, of which 2,768 acres are public lands. BCI currently employs about 1,250 people from the northern Nevada towns of Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Eureka, Carlin, and surrounding areas. If the Deep South Expansion Project is approved, the company expects to extend the mine life and employment opportunities for its workforce by another 12 years. BCI's purpose for the Deep South Expansion Project is to continue to profitably recover gold and silver from reserves and resources on federal mining claims in the Project Area utilizing, to the extent practical, existing facilities at BCI's currently permitted operations within the Project Area. The project need is to meet the prevailing market demand for gold. The prevailing market demand is adjusted on a daily basis on commodity exchanges throughout the world. This adjustment results from buyers and sellers agreeing [[Page 53293]] on a specific transaction price, which reflects the current supply and demand for the commodity and other factors. Under the Gold Acres Pit Partial Backfill Alternative, the proposed expansion of the existing Gold Acres Pit would be completed prior to development of the proposed satellite pits (Alta, Bellwether, and Pasture), with the waste rock from the satellite pits (30 million tons) placed as backfill in the Gold Acres Pit to an approximate elevation of 5,440 feet amsl (Figures 2-18 and 2-19). This would result in a 72-acre reduction in the proposed new disturbance for the Gold Acres North Waste Rock Facility. The pit bottom elevations for the expanded Gold Acres Pit and proposed satellite pits would be the same as described for the Proposed Action. No dewatering would be required for the proposed expansion of open pit operations at the Gold Acres Complex as the proposed pit bottom elevations would be above the groundwater table. Therefore, proposed dewatering and water management operations would be the same as under the Proposed Action. Under the No Action Alternative the proposed facilities and facility modifications, as well as the proposed operations modifications, that comprise the Deep South Expansion Project would not be developed or implemented. Under this alternative, the existing mining and processing operations in the Project Area and the current off site transport of refractory ore to the Goldstrike Mill for processing and backhaul of Arturo Mine oxide ore to the Pipeline Complex for processing would continue under the terms of current permits and approvals as authorized by the BLM and State of Nevada. The DEIS describes and analyzes the Proposed Project's direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on all affected resources. In addition to the Proposed Project, one additional alternative was analyzed, including the Gold Acres Pit Partial Backfill alternative, and the No Action Alternative. On March 29, 2017, a Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register (80 FR 58501) inviting scoping comments on the Proposed Action. The BLM held a public scoping meeting in Battle Mountain on April 18, 2017, Crescent Valley on April 19, 2017 and Elko, Nevada on April 20, 2017. The BLM received six scoping comment submittals during the scoping period. Concerns raised included impacts to water resources, air quality, wildlife, and recreation. 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 the agency continues to do so. The information about historical 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 in the DEIS. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with tribes and other stakeholders that may be interested in or affected by the Proposed Project, 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. Jon D. Sherve, Field Manager, Mount Lewis Field Office. [FR Doc. 2018-22979 Filed 10-19-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P
![53292 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 204 / Monday, October 22, 2018 / Notices
Information collected Reason for collection
Declaration whether the donor is seeking to attach conditions to the do- To assist the Department in determining whether there are any issues
nation. associated with the proffer of the gift that need to be more closely
examined.
Declaration whether this proposed donation is or is not part of a series To assist the Department in determining the scope and context of the
of donations to the Department. donation, and to assist in determining whether there are any issues
associated with the proffer of the gift that need to be more closely
examined.
Signature, Printed Name, Date, Organization, Email address, City, To establish the contact information of the potential donor, and have
State, Zip, and daytime or work phone number. the certifier sign the certification form.
Title of Collection: Donor Certification 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
Form. Federal Land Policy and Management Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to
OMB Control Number: 1090–0009. Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the contact the above individual during
Form Number: DI–3680. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) normal business hours. The FRS is
Type of Review: Extension of a Mount Lewis Field Office, Battle available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
currently approved collection. Mountain, Nevada, has prepared a Draft to leave a message or question with the
Respondents/Affected Public: Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) above individual. You will receive a
Individuals or households, Businesses, and is announcing the beginning of the reply during normal business hours.
Not-for-profit institutions, Tribal public comment period to solicit public SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Barrick
governments. comments on the DEIS. Barrick Cortez, Cortez, Inc. (BCI) is proposing to expand
Total Estimated Number of Annual Inc. (BCI) is proposing to expand its its existing Cortez Hills Project mining
Respondents: 115. existing Cortez Hills Project mining operations, which is located southeast
Total Estimated Number of Annual operations, which would require a of Battle Mountain in Eureka and
Responses: 115. modification to the Plan of Operations Lander Counties, Nevada. There are
Estimated Completion Time per to increase the plan boundary by 4,279 54,825 acres of public lands within the
Response: 20 minutes. acres: From 58,093 acres to 62,372 acres. Plan of Operations boundary that are
Total Estimated Number of Annual DATES: To ensure comments will be administered by the BLM Mount Lewis
Burden Hours: 39 hours. considered, the BLM must receive Field Office, and 3,268 acres of private
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. written comments on the Draft EIS lands controlled by BCI. BCI was
Frequency of Collection: Once per within 45 days following the date the previously authorized to disturb 16,700
prospective donor per year. Environmental Protection Agency acres within their Plan of Operations
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour publishes its Notice of Availability in boundary.
Burden Cost: None. the Federal Register. The date(s) and The proposed mine expansion, named
An agency may not conduct or location(s) of any public meetings or the Deep South Expansion Project
sponsor and a person is not required to other public involvement activities will (Proposed Project) would require a
respond to a collection of information be announced at least 15 days in modification to the Plan of Operations
unless it displays a currently valid OMB advance through public notices, media to increase the plan boundary by 4,279
control number. releases, local media, newspapers, acres: From 58,093 acres to 62,372 acres.
The authority for this action is the mailings, and the BLM website at: The proposed modification would result
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 goo.gl/JwgwXA. in approximately 3,798 acres of new
U.S.C. 3501 et seq). ADDRESSES: You may submit comments disturbance inside the new proposed
Douglas A. Glenn, related to the Project by any of the plan boundary, of which 2,768 acres are
following methods: public lands.
Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director,
Office of Financial Management. • Website: https://aecom.wetransfer. BCI currently employs about 1,250
com/downloads/ae11a0597ec409ff8ae people from the northern Nevada towns
[FR Doc. 2018–22978 Filed 10–19–18; 8:45 am]
048db96df62b020180803215410/ of Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca,
BILLING CODE 4334–63–P
1fd982a652f79e37f3e601b88767537 Eureka, Carlin, and surrounding areas. If
120180803215411/a09201. the Deep South Expansion Project is
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR • Email: blm_nv_mlfo_deepsoutheis@ approved, the company expects to
blm.gov. extend the mine life and employment
Bureau of Land Management • Fax: 775–635–4034. opportunities for its workforce by
• Mail: BLM Mount Lewis Field another 12 years.
[LLNVB0l000.L 71220000.EX0000. Office, 50 Bastian Road, Battle BCI’s purpose for the Deep South
LVTFF1486020 MO# 4500101184] Mountain, NV 89820. Expansion Project is to continue to
Documents pertinent to this proposal profitably recover gold and silver from
Notice of Availability of the Draft may be examined at the Mount Lewis reserves and resources on federal
Environmental Impact Statement for Field Office. mining claims in the Project Area
the Proposed Deep South Expansion
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: utilizing, to the extent practical, existing
Project, Lander and Eureka Counties,
Kevin Hurrell, Project Manager; facilities at BCI’s currently permitted
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
Nevada
telephone: 775–635–4000; address: 50 operations within the Project Area. The
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, Nevada project need is to meet the prevailing
Interior. 89820; or email: blm_nv_mlfo_ market demand for gold. The prevailing
ACTION: Notice. deepsoutheis@blm.gov. Contact Kevin market demand is adjusted on a daily
Hurrell to have your name added to basis on commodity exchanges
SUMMARY: In compliance with the BLM’s mailing list. Persons who use a throughout the world. This adjustment
National Environmental Policy Act of telecommunications device for the deaf results from buyers and sellers agreeing
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 204 / Monday, October 22, 2018 / Notices 53293
on a specific transaction price, which comment process to help fulfill the infrastructure on public lands and
reflects the current supply and demand public involvement requirements under waterways.
for the commodity and other factors. the National Historic Preservation Act DATES: Nominations must be
Under the Gold Acres Pit Partial (NHPA) (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided postmarked by November 21, 2018.
Backfill Alternative, the proposed in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3), and the agency
expansion of the existing Gold Acres Pit ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent
continues to do so. The information
would be completed prior to to Shirley Sears, Office of Policy,
about historical and cultural resources
development of the proposed satellite National Park Service, 1849 C Street
within the area potentially affected by
pits (Alta, Bellwether, and Pasture), NW, Mail Stop 2659, Washington, DC
the Proposed Project has assisted the
with the waste rock from the satellite 20240.
BLM in identifying and evaluating
pits (30 million tons) placed as backfill impacts to such resources in the context FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
in the Gold Acres Pit to an approximate of both NEPA and the NHPA. Shirley Sears, Office of Policy, National
elevation of 5,440 feet amsl (Figures 2– The BLM has consulted and continues Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail
18 and 2–19). This would result in a 72- to consult with Indian tribes on a Stop 2659, Washington, DC 20240,
acre reduction in the proposed new government-to-government basis in telephone number 202–354–3955, or
disturbance for the Gold Acres North accordance with Executive Order 13175 email shirley_sears@nps.gov.
Waste Rock Facility. The pit bottom and other policies. Tribal concerns, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
elevations for the expanded Gold Acres including impacts to Indian trust assets Committee has been established as a
Pit and proposed satellite pits would be and potential impacts to cultural discretionary committee by authority of
the same as described for the Proposed resources have been analyzed in the the Secretary under 54 U.S.C. 100906,
Action. No dewatering would be DEIS. Federal, State, and local agencies, and is regulated by the Federal Advisory
required for the proposed expansion of along with tribes and other stakeholders Committee Act (FACA), as amended (5
open pit operations at the Gold Acres that may be interested in or affected by U.S.C. Appendix 1–16).
Complex as the proposed pit bottom the Proposed Project, are invited to The Committee’s duties are strictly
elevations would be above the participate in the comment process. advisory and include, but are not
groundwater table. Therefore, proposed Before including your address, phone limited to, providing recommendations
dewatering and water management number, email address, or other on policies and programs that: Expand
operations would be the same as under personal identifying information in your and improve visitor infrastructure
the Proposed Action. comment, you should be aware that developed through public-private
Under the No Action Alternative the your entire comment—including your partnerships; implement sustainable
proposed facilities and facility personal identifying information—may operations embracing fair, efficient, and
modifications, as well as the proposed be made publicly available at any time. convenient fee collection and strategic
operations modifications, that comprise While you can ask us in your comment use of the collected fees; improve
the Deep South Expansion Project to withhold your personal identifying interpretation using technology; and
would not be developed or information from public review, we create better tools and/or opportunities
implemented. Under this alternative, cannot guarantee that we will be able to for Americans to discover their lands
the existing mining and processing do so.
operations in the Project Area and the and waters. The Committee also
current off site transport of refractory Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7. provides recommendations for
ore to the Goldstrike Mill for processing implementation of Secretary’s Order
Jon D. Sherve, 3347—Conservation Stewardship and
and backhaul of Arturo Mine oxide ore Field Manager, Mount Lewis Field Office.
to the Pipeline Complex for processing Outdoor Recreation.
would continue under the terms of
[FR Doc. 2018–22979 Filed 10–19–18; 8:45 am] The Committee meets approximately
current permits and approvals as BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P two times per year. The Secretary
authorized by the BLM and State of appoints members and their alternates
Nevada. to the Committee to serve up to a 3-year
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR term. The Committee will not exceed 18
The DEIS describes and analyzes the
Proposed Project’s direct, indirect, and discretionary and 2 ex officio members.
National Park Service Nominations are currently being
cumulative impacts on all affected
resources. In addition to the Proposed [NPS–WASO–D–COS–POL–26448; sought for consideration in appointing
Project, one additional alternative was PPWODIREP0] [PPMVSCS1Y.Y00000] two discretionary members to the
analyzed, including the Gold Acres Pit Committee from among, but not limited
Request for Nominations for the Made to, the entities listed below. The
Partial Backfill alternative, and the No in America Outdoor Recreation
Action Alternative. nominees must be senior-level
Advisory Committee representatives of their organizations.
On March 29, 2017, a Notice of Intent
was published in the Federal Register AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. • Camping, recreational, and/or all-
(80 FR 58501) inviting scoping ACTION: Notice. terrain vehicle (ATV) industries
comments on the Proposed Action. The • Tourism and/or guide industries
BLM held a public scoping meeting in SUMMARY: The National Park Service, related to outdoor recreation
Battle Mountain on April 18, 2017, U.S. Department of the Interior, is • Hospitality industries
Crescent Valley on April 19, 2017 and seeking nominations for individuals to • Outdoor outfitter industries
Elko, Nevada on April 20, 2017. The be considered for appointment to the • Saltwater and freshwater recreational
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
BLM received six scoping comment Made in America Outdoor Recreation fishing organizations
submittals during the scoping period. Advisory Committee (Committee). The • Recreational boating organizations
Concerns raised included impacts to Committee provides advice to the • Industrial manufacturing industries
water resources, air quality, wildlife, Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) on • Transportation industries
and recreation. the public-private partnerships across Nominations should be typed and
The BLM has utilized and all public lands, with the goal of must include a resume providing an
coordinated the NEPA scoping and expanding access to and improving adequate description of the nominee’s
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Document Created: 2018-10-20 01:50:23
Document Modified: 2018-10-20 01:50:23
| 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 | To ensure 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. The date(s) and location(s) of any public meetings or other public involvement activities will be announced at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, local media, newspapers, mailings, and the BLM website at: goo.gl/JwgwXA. | |
| Contact | Kevin Hurrell, Project Manager; | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 53292 |
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