BLM Announces Availability of Environmental Study for Renewable Energy Near Salton Sea

A Bureau of Land Management (BLM) notice, published in the Federal Register, announces the availability of a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the West Chocolate Mountains Renewable Energy Evaluation Area (REEA) and proposed Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan.  

Publication of the “Notice of Availability” initiates a 90-day public comment period, which ends September 29, 2011.   The BLM will announce future public meetings and any other public-involvement activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. 
 
The planning amendment considers approximately 20,762 acres of BLM-managed surface lands (acquired lands included) for testing and developing solar and wind energy facilities and for leasing approximately 19,162 acres of federal mineral estate (not including acquired lands) for geothermal energy testing and development. The DEIS analyzes the potential environmental, social, and economic effects of six alternatives and issues raised during the public scoping process.  The study may also lead to the designation of a Solar Energy Zone in the REEA.  The DEIS also analyzes the impacts of a 640-acre geothermal lease application within the REEA.

Public comments received will be used to develop the Final EIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. BLM must receive written comments on the DEIS by September 29, 2011.

Copies of the West Chocolate Mountains Renewable Energy Evaluation Area DEIS are available at the California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553; the El Centro Field Office,1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243; and the Palm Springs – South Coast Field Office, 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Written comments should be submitted to the BLM's California Desert District Office, address listed above, Attn: Peter Godfrey.

For more information, contact Joseph Vieira at (719) 852-6213 or e-mail jvieira@blm.gov, or Daniel Steward at (760)337-4424 or e-mail msteward@blm.gov.

California Desert District   22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos      Moreno Valley, CA 92553