Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Draft RMP Amendment

The BLM prepared the Draft EIS to analyze the effects of granting a right of way (ROW) to China Mountain Wind LLC and NV Energy to construct and operate the China Mountain Wind Project. The proposed wind energy project would generate and deliver electrical power to the transmission grid via a NV Energy transmission line.

The project as proposed would consist of up to 170 wind turbines, 83 miles of all-weather gravel roads, 19 miles of overhead electric transmission line, three permanent meteorological (met) towers, three electrical substations, and two operation and maintenance facilities.  The proposed facility would generate approximately 425 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

In the Draft EIS, nine alternatives are analyzed in detail.  Another 11 alternatives were considered but subsequently eliminated from detailed study because they did not meet the purpose and need of the proposed action.  All of the alternatives except A (No Action) and E would require amendments to the 1987 Jarbidge Resource Management Plan (RMP).

The BLM has not identified a preferred alternative for the project, as one does not exist.  A preferred alternative for the project will be identified in the Final EIS.  The preferred planning alternative is the suite of amendments associated with Alternatives B2b, B2c, C, D and F.

Documents

Volume I - Draft EIS

Front Cover	Cover Sheet/Abstractions	Dear Reader Letter
Summary	Table of Contents	Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need
Chapter 2 - Alternatives	Chapter 3A - Affected Environment	Chapter 3B - Affected Environment
Chapter 3C - Affected Environment

Volume II - Draft EIS

Front Cover	Table of Contents	Chapter 4 - Environmental Consequences
Chapter 5 - Consultation Coordination	Chapter 6 - References	Appendix 2A - Design Features
Appendix 2B - Best Management Practices	Appendix 3A - Proper Functioning Conditions	Appendix 3B - Acoustics Fundamentals
Appendix 3C - Bird Survey Data	Appendix 3D - Bird Flight Characteristics	Appendix 3E - Special Status Animals
Appendix 3F - Visual Resources Photo Logs	Appendix 3G - Visual Resource Assessment/Contrast Rating	Appendix 3H - Natural Resource Recreation Settings
Appendix 4A - Construction/Operation Noise Prediction Details	Appendix 4B - Visual Simulations	Glossary
Index

DRAFT Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan prepared by RES (project proponent)