DOI-BLM-NV-W010-2010-0004-EA

NEPA Document Collection for: DOI-BLM-NV-W010-2010-0004-EA
EA at New York Canyon Geothermal Area for Geothermal/Exploration

New York Canyon Geothermal Exploration Project EA for Exploration Drilling and Well Testing

Proposed Action

Construction of up to 15 well pads, on-lease access roads, surface pipelines and associated ancillary facilities for the purpose of drilling geothermal observation wells.

Data Completion Notes

5/12/2014 Removed NOI tag from SRP document, this is not an NOI.
Data entry completed on 7/17 (reviewed on 8/7).

Documents

Serial Register Page:

• NVN-088195-SRP.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 Post and enforce speed limits to reduce fugitive dust (speed limit of 15 miles per hour, as necessary). Apply dust abatement techniques (such as watering, requiring loader buckets to be emptied slowly, minimizing drop heights, etc.) to earthmoving, excavating, trenching, and grading activities. Minimize 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.

Close TGP would provide training to all onsite employees on the importance of protecting cultural resources and the consequences of any violations. Crews would be required to stay within the project site as needed to perform their duties. This would not preclude crew members from travelling to and from the project site. Signage would be posted throughout the Project Area to indicate that access roads are ¡§no through traffic¡¨. No overland travel would be allowed outside the approved disturbance areas which are limited to roads and pads. The specific locations for well pads and access roads would be identified in individual Geothermal Drilling Permits (GDPs), which would be submitted for review by the BLM to ensure compliance with BLM stipulations prior to construction. No new NEPA documents would be required for actions proposed inside the Project Area. Construction and drilling would be prohibited in the southern leases (N-86890, N-76300, N76299) during the pine nut harvesting season, September and October. If the pine nut season extends into November, drilling and construction would be prohibited. Each year, through consultation with the tribes and users of the TCP, the BLM would determine if pine nut season extends into November. All non-emergency drilling and construction activities would be prohibited during the pine nut season (September, October and possibly November) in the southernmost leases (N86890, N-76300, N-76299). Emergency work would require approval of the Authorized Officer. Construction of well pads would remain at least 50 meters away from CrNV-02-9535 and CrNV-02-9577. Any new constriction crossing CrNV-02-9577 would be done only with permission by the BLM and at locations designated by the BLM. TGP would not restrict access for the Native Americans to CrNV-02-9535 and CrNV-029577, nor put any impediments along these two routes that would prohibit travel by the Native Americans. Native Americans would be allowed access to TCPs and sacred sites. If the traffic counter installed along CrNV-02-9577 to monitor people driving into the TCP yields rising numbers, the BLM would evaluate the need for a gate to be installed at the road leading into the project area. For the restoration of the ecological heath of the TCPs, TGP would fund tamarisk/salt-cedar removal from the Dave Canyon TCP. This project would be completed by the third year of the drilling project. Details would be resolved between TGP, the BLM and the users of Dave Canyon TCP. Depending on the methodology used to remove the tamarisk/salt-cedar, temporary jobs may be available to Native Americans assisting the BLM in plant removal. Project traffic would be restricted from utilization of traditional routes CrNV-02-9535 and CrNV-02-9577.

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.

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 Avoid or treat existing weed infestations prior to disturbance. Map and treat areas that become infested during construction. Use certified weed-free seed and mulching materials.

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.

CloseTo minimize impacts to migratory birds and other wildlife, wells and roads would be recontoured and reseeded following completion of the Proposed Action as described in Section 2.1.8. Erosion-control measures would be implemented as described in section 4.16.2 Topsoil would be salvaged and reused whenever possible and in a timely manner as described in section 2.1.9.

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.

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.

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.

Close Small quantities of solid wastes (paper, plastic, and other garbage) generated by the Proposed Action would be transported offsite to an appropriate landfill facility. Portable chemical toilet wastes would be removed by a local contractor. The hazardous material spill and disposal contingency plan would be submitted to and approved by the BLM and made readily available on site before operations begin. Secondary containment structures would be provided for all chemical and petroleum/oil storage areas during drilling operations. Additionally, absorbent pads or sheets would be placed under likely spill sources and spill kits would be maintained on site during construction and drilling activities to provide prompt response to accidental leaks or spills of chemicals and petroleum products. Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes would be conducted in conformance with federal and state regulations to prevent soil, groundwater, or surface water contamination and associated adverse effects on the environment or worker health and safety.

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.

Economic Values "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.

Close All construction and operating equipment would be equipped with applicable exhaust spark arresters. Personnel would be trained in fire prevention and initial response, and fire extinguishers would be available at each drill site. Water that is used for construction and dust control would be available for fire suppression. Personnel would be allowed to smoke only in designated areas and would be required to follow applicable BLM regulations regarding smoking.

CloseAll flammable materials would be stored in accordance with the appropriate Federal, State and local statutes.

Fisheries 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.

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.

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.

CloseApplicant shall contact right-of-way holder for location on underground utilities.

CloseGeneral Terms and Conditions would be made part of the ROW grant (see Appendix B).

Paleontological 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.

CloseSubsurface disturbance would not occur in stock pile areas or as a result of overland travel routes.

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.

CloseTGP has committed to fence pits in conformance with the Gold Book pages 17-18 (BLM 2007).

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.

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.

CloseErosion control measures, including but not limited to silt fencing, diversion ditches, water bars, temporary mulching and seeding, and application of gravel or rip rap, would be installed, where necessary, immediately after completion of construction activities to avoid erosion and runoff. BMPs, including development of a SPCC plan, would be implemented to prevent the release of hazardous materials to the environment which could affect soil resources. Proposed facilities would not be constructed in areas with steeper slopes. Excavation into native soil during construction of well pad reserve pits and central sump would be minimized to the maximum extent possible. Topsoil would be salvaged and reused whenever possible and in a timely manner. Temporarily disturbed areas would be reseeded where previously vegetated using a BLM approved seed mixture. Erosion control measures, including but not limited to silt fencing, diversion ditches, water bars, temporary mulching and seeding, and application of gravel or rip rap, would be installed, where necessary, immediately after completion of construction activities to avoid erosion and runoff. Access roads would follow existing contours to the maximum extent possible. In areas where new access roads must be constructed across slopes, erosion control measures would be installed as necessary, in accordance with Gold Book standards (BLM, 2007). An average of 6 inches of gravel would be used as road surface because roads would be used during all seasons. Up to 3 feet of gravel may be used on some sections of road and no gravel would be used on road sections where the natural surface is adequate. Additional gravel would be laid down when ground conditions are wet enough to cause rutting or other noticeable surface deformation and severe compaction. As a general rule, if vehicles or other project equipment create ruts in excess of 4 inches deep when traveling cross-country over wet soils, the soil shall be deemed too wet for vehicle use, without the application of a gravel surface. If construction occurs in areas of very soft soils, up to 3 feet of aggregate would be used. An NDEP BAPC Surface Area Disturbance (SAD) permit documenting the best practical management practices to be used, would be required for the project because the surface disturbed by the project would be greater than 5 acres.

Special Status 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.

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.

CloseThe BLM-approved seed mixtures as shown in Table 12 would be used. TGP would consult with BLM regarding the timing of reseeding, specific seed mixtures, and application rates to be used to improve the success of reseeding. Disturbed areas would be re-contoured to blend with the surrounding topography. Topsoil would be salvaged whenever possible and reused in a timely manner. Impacts to vegetation would be minimized by reseeding all areas of access roads and well pads not required for subsequent energy production using weed-free and BLM-approved seed mixtures.

Close Interim and Final Reclamation Disturbed areas in the southern polygon of the Project Area (associated with leases N-86890, N-76300 and N-76299) would undergo interim reclamation within 6 months of completion of flow testing of each well. Disturbed areas in the central polygon of the Project Area (associated with leases N-76299, N-76298 and N-76301) and in the northern polygon of the Project area (associated with leases N-76301 and N-86893) that are not needed for active support of operations would undergo interim reclamation within 3 years of completion of flow testing for each well. Interim reclamation, shaping, recontouring, and placement of growth medium would occur upon completion of drilling and well flow testing for disturbed areas, except for the access roads and reserve basins so that existing disturbances are reduced and blend into the natural landscape. Seeding would be completed along with interim or final reclamation or during the next growing season (October through December). Surface facilities remaining on site for observation wells would have matte finishes. The BLM Winnemucca District Office, Humboldt River Field Office would be notified in writing when reclamation operations commence and are completed. If any well that is not needed for active support of operations sits idle for longer than one year, the well would be plugged and abandoned to comply with all Federal and State of Nevada regulations, and final reclamation of disturbed areas would be completed within 6 months from the date of proper plugging and abandonment of the observation well. All exploratory drilling would be completed within 3 years of the Decision Record date. A reclamation plan would be submitted to the BLM for approval prior to commencement of final reclamation. Wells would be plugged and abandoned, and well pads recontoured and successfully re-seeded with a weed-free BLM approved seed mix. Gravel depth measuring in excess of 8 to 10 inches would be reduced or removed from constructed well pads. The remaining gravel would be topsoiled, ripped and seeded and/or the gravel would be buried deep in the recontoured cut to prevent excess surface exposure. Reserve pits and central sump would be backfilled after they are dry and free of waste and graded to conform to the surrounding terrain.

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.

CloseWhere practical, lighting would be directional and would be hooded or shielded. Well heads would be painted a color that blends with the surrounding area, as approved by the BLM. 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.

Wild Horse and Burro Management "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.

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 Development of a construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and spill prevention, control, and countermeasures (SPCC) plan. Erosion-control measures would be implemented. From springs to be identified in consultation with the BLM: Representative temperature and flow rate ¡V once immediately prior to the commencement of drilling and once immediately following the completion of drilling; and once per year until all wells have been abandoned. During drilling or flow testing of selected observation wells, to be identified in consultation with the BLM: Representative temperature once each week until drilling, flow testing or water extracting is completed. When permanent new access roads must cross ephemeral washes, rolling dips would be installed. The rolling dips would be designed to accommodate flows from at least a 25-year storm event. Culverts may be used wherever rolling dips are not feasible. Excavation into native soil during construction of the well pad reserve pit and central sump would be minimized to the maximum extent possible. Settled bentonite clay from drilling mud would accumulate on the bottom of the drill pad reserve pits and central sump to act as an unconsolidated clay liner, reducing the potential for drilling fluid to percolate to groundwater. A BLM-approved grouting and casing program for construction of observation wells would be implemented to prevent water quality effects on groundwater during or after well installation. Borehole geophysics analyses (cement bond logs) would be conducted to document that well casing grouting activities provide an effective seal isolating the geothermal aquifer from shallow alluvial aquifers, therefore minimizing potential impacts on surface springs or streams. The project would use BMPs to ensure that any geothermal fluid encountered during the drilling does not flow uncontrolled to the surface. These include the use of ¡§blow-out¡¨ prevention equipment during drilling and the installation of well casing cemented into the ground. TGP would obtain necessary working in waters and/or groundwater discharge permits and provide a Notice of Intent to NDEP prior to well pad construction. TGP would submit a GDP application, including detailed drilling and casing procedures, to BLM for approval prior to initiating geothermal drilling.

Close Water would be monitored from the seasonal creeks emanating from Hughes Canyon, Dave Canyon, New York Canyon, Logan Canyon, and Big Ben Canyon. TGP would not utilize any water from the stock pond, nor the seasonal creeks in any of their operations. TGP would avoid doing any modifications to the stock pond that would destroy its integrity. TGP would obtain necessary working in waters and/or groundwater discharge permits and provide a Notice of Intent to NDEP and a sundry notice to BLM prior to well pad construction.