DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2010-0008-EA

NEPA Document Collection for: DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2010-0008-EA
EA at Soda Lake Geothermal Area for Geothermal/Exploration

EA at Soda Lake Geothermal Area for Geothermal/Exploration Drilling and Well Testing

Proposed Action

The primary objective of the project is to further evaluate the characteristics of the geothermal resources at the Soda Lake site. The proposed activities include constructing new access roads, upgrading existing access roads, constructing up to nine new well pads, drilling and completing slim wells and/or exploration wells, and flow testing exploration wells to determine commercial potential.

Data Completion Notes

Data entry complete.

Documents

Serial Register Page:

• NVN-088821-SRP-NOI.pdf

FONSI:

• Soda Lake FONSI.pdf

 

Resource Analysis

Resource	Not Present	Present, Not Affected	Present, Potentially Affected	Not Indicated	Comment	Applicant Proposed Mitigation	Agency Imposed Mitigation

Air Quality "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Close All applicable state and federal air quality standards would be met through the use of the best available technology to control emissions; Application of water on roads and pads when necessary to suppress dust; Prudent speed limits would be observed on unpaved roads throughout the project area in order to reduce dust emissions; and Access roads, project area roads, and other traffic areas would be maintained on a regular basis to minimize dust and provide for safe travel conditions.

Cultural Resources "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Close Magma would avoid known eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites through design, construction, and operation of the project; An approximately 30-meter buffer zone would be established and identified by placing flagging around eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites to help provide protection to the sites. Project equipment and facilities would not encroach into the established 30-meter buffer zone; The project facilities would be operated in a manner consistent with the engineered design to prevent problems associated with the run-off that could affect adjacent cultural sites. This includes the use of acceptable erosion control methods that are applicable to the site conditions; Magma would limit vehicle and equipment travel to previously-identified established roads and construction areas; and Any unplanned discovery of cultural resources, items of cultural patrimony, sacred objects or funerary items requires that all activity in the vicinity of the find ceases, and Terri Knutson, Field Manager, Stillwater Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road Carson City, Nevada 89701, be notified immediately by phone (775-885-6000) with written confirmation to follow. The location of the find would not be publicly disclosed, and any human remains must be secured and preserved in the place until a Notice to Proceed is issued by the authorized officer.

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Cultural Resources "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Environmental Justice "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Prime or Unique Farmlands "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Floodplains "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Invasive, Nonnative Species "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Close Magma would use a certified weed-free seed mix during revegetation of disturbed areas; Magma would follow standards outlined in Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, The Gold Book (BLM, 2007) for well site reclamation; Magma would complete concurrent reclamation when feasible in order to minimize disturbed areas where weed species could establish; Magma would implement a weed management plan if noxious weeds are observed during reclamation monitoring (Appendix B); Magma would revegetate growth medium and overburden stockpiles with a weed-free seed mix as soon as possible following stockpile completion; Vehicle traffic would be restricted to defined roads or overland travel routes to reduce potential mechanical transport of noxious weed seeds; and When working in areas of established noxious weed populations, equipment would be washed prior to leaving the site.

Migratory Birds "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Native American Concerns "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Threatened and Endangered Species "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wastes Hazardous or Solid "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wetlands and Riparian Zones "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wild and Scenic Rivers "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wilderness "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Soils "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Vegetation "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wildlife Resources "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Lands and Realty "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Newlands Project

Recreation "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Wildlife Resources "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Close Trash and other waste products would be properly managed and Magma would control garbage that could attract wildlife. All trash would be removed from the sites and disposed of at an authorized landfill; Speed limits would be posted, and if necessary, speeds would be reduced, especially when wildlife is active near access and service roads; Employees and contractors are strictly prohibited from carrying firearms on the job site to discourage illegal hunting and harassment of wildlife; and Reclamation of the disturbed areas, as described in Section 2.4, would be completed in order to return these areas to a productive wildlife habitat.

Fire Resources "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

CloseSpark arresters would be used on all equipment that has the potential to emit sparks.

Noise "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

CloseNoise suppression devices would be used on all compressors,

Water Quantity "NEPA_Resource_Analysis" is not in the list of possible values (Not Present, Present, Not Affected, Present, Potentially Affected, Not Indicated) for this property.

Close Drilling activities would be kept to a minimum distance of 500 feet from any drainage, seep, or spring, unless approved by BLM and Reclamation; Any new proposed crossing of Newlands Project facilities would be reviewed and approved by Reclamation; Access across drainages, seeps, and springs would be avoided wherever possible. Culverts would be used if it is necessary to cross any large drainage; and Silt fences and/or straw bales would be used in areas requiring sediment control.ns.