BLM Releases Environmental Assessments for Nov. 2011 Oil and Gas Lease Sale
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The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado just released several environmental assessments for public comment regarding proposed leases for its quarterly oil and gas lease sale in November.BLM field offices with proposed leases are now preparing environmental assessments before each sale to give the public an opportunity to submit comments on potential parcels and allow the BLM to address those concerns in a timely manner before the sale notice is posted.“This step will help the public by providing a positive, consistent and proactive approach regarding upcoming sales," said BLM Colorado State Director Helen M. Hankins. " The BLM has always reviewed each parcel very closely. The only difference now is that we are able to engage the public earlier in the planning process."During the environmental review, the public will have 30 days to voice any concerns regarding proposed parcels. However, the comment period will be limited to comments, not protests. Protests, if any, can be submitted during the 30-day protest period after the sale notice is posted.Traditional energy development is important in Colorado and accounts for a number of jobs along the Western Slope. The State of Colorado received more than $229.4 million in Fiscal_Year 2010 from royalties, rentals and bonus bid payments for all federal minerals, including oil, gas and coal. Field offices with proposed parcels for the November lease sale include the Grand Junction, Royal Gorge, Uncompahgre and the Colorado River Valley field offices. Information regarding area-specific environmental assessments is listed below.Colorado River Valley Field Office: The environmental assessment evaluates one parcel southwest of Silt, Colo., totaling 12 acres of land. Comments are being accepted through July 6, 2011. The environmental assessment may be reviewed at http://www.blm.gov/co/, or by visiting the Colorado River Valley Field Office. Contact Dave Boyd at 970-876-9008 for more information about this parcel.Grand Junction Field Office: The environmental assessment evaluates 25 parcels totaling 14,208 acres of land. Comments are being accepted through July 6, 2011. The environmental assessment may be reviewed at by visiting the Grand Junction Field Office. Contact Thomas Alvarez at 970-244-3097 for more information about these parcels.Royal Gorge Field Office: The environmental assessment will be released Wednesday and evaluates 48 parcels totaling 34,086 acres of land. Comments are being accepted through July 8, 2011. The environmental assessment may be reviewed at http://www.blm.gov/co/ or by visiting the Royal Gorge Field Office. Contact Martin Weimer at 719-269-8572 for more information about these parcels.Uncompahgre Field Office: The environmental assessment evaluates two parcels totaling 842 acres of land. Comments are being accepted through July 7, 2011. The environmental assessment may be reviewed at http://www.blm.gov/co/, or by visiting the Uncompahgre Field Office. Contact Shannon Borders at 970-240-5399 for more information about these parcels.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.