DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0050-EA

NEPA Document Collection for: DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2012-0050-EA
EA at Dead Horse Wells Geothermal Area for Geothermal/Well Field, Geothermal/Power Plant

Wild Rose Geothermal Project EA for Geothermal/Well Field, Geothermal/Power Plant

Proposed Action

Drill and test up to 4 wells, 15 - 35 MW new power plant facility and substation, construction and operation of production and injection wells, pipelines asses roads, etc, construct and operate a 120 kV gen-tie and switching station.

Conditions of Approval

See attached file of Conditions of Approval.

Data Completion Notes

Data entry complete.

Documents

Serial Register Page:

• NVN-084239X-SRP-Unit.pdf

FONSI:

• WildRoseFONSI-signed.pdf

Decision:

• WildRoseDR signed.pdf

Other: (these docs should be moved to "Other Documents")

• WildRoseDR-COAs.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.

CloseWater would be applied to the ground during the construction and utilization of the drill pads, access roads, and other disturbed areas as necessary to control dust.

CloseTo minimize air pollution emissions from construction activities and construction and drill rig diesel engines, the following BMPs for fugitive dust and diesel exhaust would be implemented during operational activities:  Surfacing access roads with aggregate materials, wherever appropriate;  Using dust abatement techniques, such as watering on unpaved, unvegetated surfaces to minimize airborne dust, as needed (the source of water to be used for dust abatement is described in Section 2.1.4.8);  Posting and enforcing speed limits to reduce fugitive dust (speed limit of 15 miles per hour, as necessary);  Applying dust abatement techniques (such as watering, requiring loader buckets to be emptied slowly, minimizing drop heights, etc.) to earth-moving, excavating, trenching, and grading activities; and  Minimizing equipment and vehicle idling times during construction activities.

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.

The proposed action will avoid all historic properties.

Close Any areas containing cultural resources of significance would be avoided, or the potential for impacts mitigated in a manner acceptable to the BLM. Ormat employees, contractors, and suppliers would be reminded that all cultural resources are protected and if uncovered shall be left in place and reported to the Ormat representative and/or their supervisor. A buffer of approximately 30 to 50 meters would be established around eligible and unevaluated cultural sites that lie very close to project activities. When initial construction is close to the buffered areas, an archaeological monitor would be present to insure that eligible and unevaluated cultural sites are not disturbed.

CloseWhen initial construction is close to the buffered areas, an archaeological monitor would be present to insure that eligible and unevaluated cultural sites are not disturbed. Additionally, Ormat employees, contractors, and suppliers would be reminded that all cultural resources are protected and if uncovered shall be left in place and reported to the Ormat representative and/or their supervisor. The following cultural resource protection measures would be implemented by Ormat:  Avoid known eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites through design, construction, and operation of the project.  A 100-foot buffer zone would be established around eligible and potentially eligible cultural resource sites to help provide protection to the sites. The Proposed Action would not encroach into the established 100-foot buffer zone.  The project facilities would be operated in a manner consistent with the engineered design to prevent problems associated with run-off that could affect adjacent cultural sites. This includes the use of acceptable erosion control methods that are applicable to the site conditions.  Where the installation of project facilities could impact eligible or potentially eligible cultural sites, Ormat would retain a qualified archaeologist to serve as a cultural monitor during construction of the facility in order to avoid potential effects to cultural site(s). The BLM would decide when cultural monitors are necessary.  Limit vehicle and equipment travel to established roads and roads that are part of the Proposed Action.  Any accidental discovery of cultural resources, items of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, or funerary items would require 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.

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.

Close1. To prevent the spread of invasive, non-native species, all contractors will be required to power-wash their vehicles and equipment, including body and undercarriage, prior to entering BLM-administered lands. 2. Prior to construction, Ormat will submit to BLM an invasive plant management plan to monitor and control noxious weeds. At a minimum, the plan would incorporate the following measures: Existing weed infestations would be treated prior to disturbance. The location of the weeds would be communicated to the Stillwater Field Office weed coordinator, and treatment methods and herbicides used would be discussed prior to treatment. Infestations would be either avoided or treated prior to disturbance Herbicides would be applied per label instructions. All personnel applying herbicides would either be certified by the BLM and/or the State of Nevada, or they would be supervised by a BLM or State of Nevada Certified Applicator. Bureau or other personnel applying herbicides would use personal protective equipment while spraying or handling herbicides Herbicide application operations would be suspended when wind speed exceeds 6 miles per hour or when precipitation is imminent. Some treatment areas could be signed, if needed, indicating the herbicide used and the date of treatment. Areas which that are isolated and/or receive very little use by human beings would not be signed. During herbicide treatments, a pre-application sweep of the area would be completed (i.e., looking for nesting birds). Any areas that become infested with weeds during construction would be mapped and treated. 3. Any infestations of noxious weed species discovered during construction or operation would be treated prior to disturbance. The location of the weeds would be communicated to the Stillwater Field Office weed coordinator, and treatment methods and herbicides used would be discussed prior to treatment.

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.

The proposed action will not impact any traditional cultural properties, significant religious or sacred sites, or other known sites of cultural importance.

Close Construction of a power plant, gen-tie, well connection pipelines, and surface disturbance from roads, parking, and laydown areas would result in permanent, direct loss of cold desert scrub habitat. This could disturb any birds nesting nearby. In order to prevent these disruptions pre-construction nesting bird surveys would be performed. Netting, or other appropriate mitigation, would be installed over or near reserve pits to prevent access and mortality of migratory birds.

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.

After consulting with the BLM wildlife biologist and the USFWS website for Nevada, no T & E species are known to exist in the project area.

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.

No hazardous wastes occur in the proposed project area and all solid wastes would be disposed off-site (see Section 2.1.7.2).

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.

The proposed action is located near the Gabbs Wilderness Study Area, but will not affect wilderness character.

Visual 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 All drill rig and well test facility lights would be limited to those required to safely conduct the operations and would be shielded and/or directed in a manner that focuses direct light to the immediate work area. All newly constructed structures would be below 85 feet tall and the energy plant, pipelines, wellheads, pump motors and motor control buildings would each be painted consistent with BLM visual guidelines to blend with the area and minimize visibility. The fence constructed around each of the production well sites would also be painted an appropriate color to blend with the area.

Geology and Minerals "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 Should operations be proposed which would result in potential conflict between the two parties, the BLM would attempt to assist the two parties to reduce or eliminate the conflict. Relocating well sites and access routes in the project area could create the same surface conflicts with locatable mining claim exploration activities. However, Ormat and the mining claimant or operator would negotiate to reduce or eliminate conflicts that may arise from any relocated geothermal activity.

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 If Gen-tie Option 2 is selected, Ormat would avoid construction activities within the Nugent Wash Canyon area during lambing and the winter season (November 1 – May 1). All power poles will utilize BLM-approved raptor deterrents. If the Nevada Department of Wildlife determines that anti-perch and anti- nesting devices are warranted, Ormat Technologies Inc. and the applicable energy company will retrofit transmission line components within six months of a Nevada Department of Wildlife request. The proposed transmission line would also provide raptor protection in compliance with the standards described in the “Suggested Practices for Raptor Protection on Power Lines, The State of the Art in 2006” (APLIC 2006). Sumps that do not contain liquids harmful to wildlife would be graded to allow wildlife to escape or have escape ramps installed. Ormat would employ immediate reclamation (e.g., liquid management/solidification) as soon as sumps are no longer necessary. The following standards would be adopted to permit wildlife to escape: Pits/Ponds/Tanks with Wall Grades Allowing Wildlife to Escape: Ensure at least two sides or installed shoots are sloped 4:1 (horizontal:vertical) or flatter. Even with appropriate grading, wildlife slipping may be an issue (e.g., clay based drilling material) precluding successful escape. If sure-footing or slipping issues may exist, consider installing geo-mesh. If geo-mesh is utilized, it should occur in 2 corners (at least 8 feet wide) and the maximum distance between any two geomesh locations should not exceed 200 feet; and/or Escape Ramps - Install when Sump Walls are > 3:1 grading (e.g. 2:1) and/or when Synthetic Liners are Installed; and Install escape ramps in 2 corners; should be coated with geo-mesh; maximum distance between any two ramps should not exceed 200 feet.

Close1. Reserve pits and all sumps containing potentially harmful liquids to wildlife would be fenced and netted. Fencing would be 42 inches tall with the bottom 24 inches having holes smaller than 2 inches (e.g., stucco/chicken wire, safety, etc.) placed tight to the ground, per Nevada Department of Wildlife guidelines. Nevada Department of Wildlife would be consulted in the event that sumps are attracting and resulting in wildlife mortalities; netting, screening, bird balling, flagging, and/or placing reflectors may be necessary. 2. Introducing liquids harmful (e.g., toxic or temperature or physical properties of substance) to wildlife (e.g., during flow testing) would be conducted at times likely to result in the fewest wildlife issues. For example, Ormat would avoid flow testing during the peak of the bird migration season.

BLM Sensitive 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.

Range 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.

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.

CloseAll construction and operating equipment would be equipped with applicable exhaust spark arresters. Fire extinguishers would be available on the active sites. Water that is used for construction and dust control would be available for firefighting. Personnel would be allowed to smoke only in designated areas, and they would be required to follow applicable BLM regulations regarding smoking.

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.

CloseFollowing project construction, areas of disturbed land no longer required for operations would be reclaimed to promote the reestablishment of native plant and wildlife habitat.

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.

CloseConstruction noise would be minimized through practices which avoid or minimize actions which may typically generate greater noise levels, or generate distinctive impact noise.

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 Cut and fill activities have been minimized through the selection of the power plant site and pipeline routes. Offsite storm water would be intercepted in ditches and channeled to energy dissipaters as necessary to minimize erosion around the power plant. To minimize erosion from storm water runoff, access roads would be maintained consistent with the best management practices applicable to development roads. BLM best management practices for storm water would be followed, as applicable, on public lands. Water wells would be cased to a depth below the lowest groundwater aquifer to prevent co-mingling of fluids, in compliance with appropriate sections of the NRS 534A.010 through NRS 534A.090 and all other applicable local, state, and federal regulations. A spill or discharge contingency plan would be implemented to mitigate the impact of potential sources of accidental spills or discharges