For Release: November 22, 2005
Contact: Doran Sanchez (951) 697-5220; E-mail: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-06-16

Health Concerns Prompt Temporary Emergency Closure of Wild Hot Springs Near Tecopa

In response to concerns expressed by the Inyo County Department of Environmental Health Services regarding potential threats to public health and safety, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today implemented an emergency closure of the Wild Hot Springs, located near the town of Tecopa.

The closure affects an unpermitted, improved hot spring facility on public lands within the Amargosa River Area of Critical Environmental Concern in southern Inyo County. The facility is believed to have been constructed in conjunction with exploratory mining in the area, prior to the availability of private and leased hot spring facilities nearby.

The temporary closure will remain in effect until BLM completes an environmental assessment (EA) that addresses public health and safety concerns and complies with State law, and implements a decision regarding management of the facilities and hot springs. The document also will analyze and the proper functioning condition requirements of the spring.

BLM is soliciting public comments to assist in the development of the EA. Alternatives being considered include no action, closure with removal of trespass facilities and restoration of the site to its natural state, or lease of the facilities if an appropriate party shows interest and can provide financial assurance. The site, including structures, covers less than .1 acres.

Public comments must be postmarked by Wednesday, January 11, 2006. Written comments should be mailed to the Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, Attn: Wild Hot Springs Project. Submit email comments to Rich_Rotte@ca.blm.gov.

Contact Rich Rotte or Edy Seehafer of the Barstow field office at (760) 252-6000 for additional information or to request a printed copy of the EA, when completed, which also will be posted at www.ca.blm.gov/barstow.

The state regulations governing oversight of improved springs are CCR (California Code of Regulations) Title 22, 65501. These regulations were determined to apply to mineral springs and therapeutic baths and like facilities in 1969 by the California attorney general (52 Ops. Atty. Gen. 63, 4-15-1969).

Closure and compliance with the emergency closure is governed by 43 CFR 8360. Anyone violating the temporary closure may be fined up to $1,000, receive up to one year in jail or both.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office
22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, California - (951) 697-5220