BLM Seeks Input on Rio Algom Groundwater Monitoring Project
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
Moab, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management Moab Field Office is seeking public input on a proposal to modify a mine plan for the Rio Algom Mining LLC Groundwater Monitoring Project in San Juan County, Utah. In June of 2013, BLM approved the installation of 18 groundwater monitoring wells in the Lisbon Valley area. The purpose of the project is to monitor movement of contaminated groundwater and remain in compliance with the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control. Rio Algom Mining LLC is proposing to install up to 7 additional groundwater monitoring wells and four core holes, two of which may also be converted into monitoring wells, in order to better characterize subsurface conditions.
The public is encouraged to participate by reviewing the proposal and providing written comments regarding issues or concerns that should be considered during the planning process. The proposal is available on BLM’s ePlanning website at:http://go.usa.gov/xY3aH. Scoping comments will be accepted electronically through the ePlanning website or by mail until August 29, 2016.
Please note that the most useful comments are those that contain new technical or scientific information relevant to the proposal. Comments which contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process. Please reference “Rio Algom” when mailing comments. Written comments may be mailed to the following address:
Bureau of Land Management
Moab Field Office
Attn: Minerals Program, Rio Algom
82 East Dogwood,
Moab, UT 84532
To be most helpful, please submit comments before the close of the scoping period. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. BLM will not consider anonymous comments. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety.
In addition to NEPA, individuals can participate in the proposed project's National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 process. To provide input in this process, please submit written requests to Don Montoya, archaeologist for the BLM-Moab Field Office, explaining your interest in the project and/or concerns with potential effects related to historic properties from the project.
For further information, please contact David Pals at (435) 259-2113. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.
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.