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Ram Power, Inc. (Ram) is proposing to construct, operate, and maintain the Clayton Valley Geothermal Exploration Project (Project) within Esmeralda County, Nevada to determine subsurface temperatures, confirm the existence of geothermal resources, and confirm the existence of a commercial geothermal reservoir at the proposed well sites within the Project area. Unit N-89376X, proposal for 17 geothermal wells.

In order to minimize the potential for the spread of noxious and invasive weeds in the Project area, all construction vehicles and equipment will be cleaned of all soil and plant material using high-pressure equipment (compressed air or water) prior to arrival at the work site.

Initial ground-disturbing activities would not be conducted during the migratory bird nesting season (March 30 through August 15), unless necessary, and only after a qualified biologist first inventories for migratory birds and nests. This survey would be conducted to identify either breeding adult birds or nesting sites within the specific areas to be disturbed. If active nests are present within these areas to be disturbed, Ram would coordinate with the BLM or appropriate state officials, as applicable, to develop appropriate protection measures, which may include avoidance, construction constraints, and/or the establishment of buffers.

The access roads and well pads would be recontoured and ripped and then covered with native topsoil and reseeded when project activities are completed.  Revegetation will follow the Reclamation Plan (Appendix C) and includes site appropriate seed mixtures. Disturbed areas will be reseeded with a diverse mix of perennial native or introduced plant species. Noxious, invasive, and non-native seeds listed in the Nevada Designated Noxious Weed List (Nevada Administrative Code 555.010) or prohibited by the Federal Seed Act (7 CFR Part 201) will be excluded. Seed mixtures will be subject to the approval of the BLM.  Mineral materials placed upon the playa surface for road or drill pad construction will be stripped from the playa surface during reclamation and placed in a local area where similar materials are found, then recontoured and revegetated to blend with the surroundings.

Wellhead equipment left on the drill site following the completion of drilling would be painted a color, subject to approval by the authorized officer, which would blend with the landscape. Prior to paint selection, Ram would contact the Tonopah Field Office Project lead for concurrence.  Given the importance of maintaining dark sky conditions, conscious efforts would be made to protect the current dark skies from light pollution. All drill rig and 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.

Ram Power, Inc. (Ram) is proposing to construct, operate, and maintain the Clayton Valley Geothermal Exploration Project (Project) within Esmeralda County, Nevada to determine subsurface temperatures, confirm the existence of geothermal resources, and confirm the existence of a commercial geothermal reservoir at the proposed well sites within the Project area. Unit N-89376X, proposal for 17 geothermal wells.