News Release

For Release:  March 14, 2008                                                            
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217; email: srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-08-30

BLM Announces Intent to Prepare Joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for Calnev Pipeline Project

Calnev Pipe Line, LLC has applied for a right-of-way on public lands to expand and reconstruct 233 miles of pipeline in California and Nevada. The pipeline transports jet fuel from the North Colton terminal in Colton, California to Bracken Junction in Las Vegas, Nevada. Projected increases in commercial air traffic in and out of McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas will require significant increases in jet fuel supplies over the next 20 years. An expanded and modernized pipeline will serve that need. The project would include construction, operation and maintenance of a new 16-inch diameter pipeline from Colton to Las Vegas; new pumps, an electrical substation and other ancillary facilities to increase pumping at Colton; a new pump station, electrical substation and ancillary facilities at Baker; as well as new or modified connections to existing laterals. Pipeline construction will take place over 12 months and is anticipated to begin in late 2009 or early 2010.

A public scoping period of 60 days commenced with the publishing of the Federal Register Notice on March 13, 2008. In order to be assured inclusion in the draft EIS/EIR, written comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period on May 12, 2008 at the address identified below. The public is also invited to make comments or hear more about the project at the following public scoping meetings:

 Tuesday, April 1, 2008 - Rialto Middle School, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. 324 N. Palm Ave., Rialto, CA
  
 Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - Victor Elementary School District, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.,  presentation at 6:30 p.m. (Nisqualli Room), 15115 Nisqualli Road, Victorville, CA
 
 Thursday, April 3, 2008 - Parkdale Community Center, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., presentation at 6:30 p.m. 3200 Ferndale St., Las Vegas

During the public scoping period the BLM and county are soliciting public comment that should be considered in the analysis of the proposed action as well as the planning criteria to be used during consideration of the plan amendment. Comments may also be submitted in writing to the address listed below. Additional opportunities for public participation and formal comment will occur when the draft EIS/EIR is issued.

Comments and other correspondence should be sent to the BLM Barstow Field Office, attention Edythe Seehafer, environmental coordinator, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311 (760) 252-6021, by fax at (760) 252-6099 or by e-mail at eseehafer@ca.blm.gov. Documents pertinent to this proposal, including comments of respondents, will be available for public review at the BLM Barstow Field Office during regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For further information and/or to have your name added to the mailing list, contact Edythe Seehafer at the contact numbers and addresses above or Carrie Hyke, AICP, principal planner, San Bernardino County, Advance Planning Division, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., First Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0182, Tel. 909-387-4147.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553- (951) 697-5217