BLM seeking comments on Environmental Assessment

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Battle Mountain District is making available for public review an Environmental Assessment (EA) for 139 parcels of public land nominated for lease within the Battle Mountain District in the July 2014 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale. These parcels have the potential for future oil and gas exploration and development. The 30-day public review period concludes March 12, 2014.

The BLM received nominations for 166 parcels of public land to offer for leasing, totaling more than 285,000 acres. The BLM deferred several of the nominated parcels to protect Sage-grouse habitat. Other parcels were removed because of conflicts with existing mining operations.  A detailed listing of deferred parcels is available in the EA, which is available for public review at: https://www.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/nepa/nepa_register.do

The remaining 139 parcels (230,989 acres) have been analyzed for potential impacts in the EA. Lease stipulations identified in the Shoshone-Eureka (1986) and Tonopah (1997) Resource Management Plans are attached to all parcels to help protect resources.

The sale will be conducted on July 17, 2014. Additional information about the sale is available at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/energy.html.

If you have questions or need more information about this project, please contact Mark Ennes, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, Tonopah Field Office, at (775) 482-7835.