BLM Approves Dewey‑Burdock Uranium Project

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — The Bureau of Land Management has issued its final decision, including a Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record, for the proposed Dewey‑Burdock uranium in‑situ recovery project in Fall River County, South Dakota. 

The decision authorizes Powertech (USA) Inc. to construct initial ancillary infrastructure on approximately 240 acres of BLM‑managed public land within the larger 10,580‑acre project area. The authorized work includes construction of portions of the primary and secondary access roads, light‑use roads, four groundwater monitoring wells, and overhead powerlines. Total disturbance on public lands will be about 4.2 acres. 

The environmental assessment was tiered to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s 2009 Generic Environmental Impact Statement and 2014 Supplemental EIS for the Dewey‑Burdock project. 

The infrastructure authorized under this decision supports in‑situ recovery operations located on adjacent private lands. No production well fields, processing facilities, wastewater impoundments, or uranium extraction activities are approved on BLM‑administered public lands. 

The BLM published the draft environmental assessment on April 14, 2026, initiating a 30‑day public comment period. The bureau received 764 submissions, including comments related to groundwater, cultural resources, tribal concerns, environmental justice, and compliance with federal laws. These comments were reviewed and addressed in the final environmental assessment. 

With today’s decision, the BLM will require implementation of all design features and Conditions of Approval to ensure compliance with 43 CFR 3809 surface management regulations and to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of public lands. BLM staff will inspect the Plan of Operations at least twice per year during active operations. 

For more information visit the BLM’s National NEPA Register or contact the BLM South Dakota Field Office at 605‑892‑7000.