BLM seeks public comment on gas pipeline project near Placerville
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MONTROSE, CO – As part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to both responsibly develop our natural resources and be a good neighbor to local communities, the Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office is seeking public comment on a proposal to replace and bury approximately 700 feet of an above-ground natural gas pipeline serving the communities of Placerville, Telluride, and Mountain Village. This exposed section is vulnerable to rock and tree fall, changing weather, and impacts from recreational users and vehicles and may pose a risk to public safety.
“This natural gas pipeline provides a critical service to several of our local communities,” said Uncompahgre Acting Field Manager Amy Carmichael. “The public’s timely and substantive comments will help us better address potential impacts to make an informed decision.”
Rocky Mountain Natural Gas LLC, doing business as Black Hills Energy, is proposing to trench and bury one pipeline section located on BLM-administered public land near Placerville. Although the pipeline was primarily buried when first constructed in 1987, a few sections were left above ground where the pipeline crosses rocky slopes. The proposed work area is on a steep rocky slope along Highway 145 within the San Miguel River Canyon. BHE has committed to design features to minimize impacts to the hillside and has submitted a complete reclamation plan.
Comments on the preliminary environmental assessment must be received or postmarked by July 27, 2020. Additional information and project documents are available on the BLM ePlanning website: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1505110/510. Please provide written comments via ePlanning or mail comments to the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office, Attn: Telluride Leg-Off Project, 2465 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.
-BLM-
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.