Release of Final Environmental Documents Includes Public Review of Phosphate Mine Plan
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POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have published the final environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating environmental impacts and mitigation measures and identifying the agency-preferred alternative for the proposed Rasmussen Valley phosphate mine, near Soda Springs, Idaho.
The BLM and USFS will issue respective agency decisions in separate Records of Decision (RODs) to allow for public review of the final EIS and consideration of any additional information that may result. The final EIS incorporates additions and revisions resulting from public comments received on the draft EIS, which was published in September 2015.
Electronic copies of the final EIS are available on the BLM website http://on.doi.gov/1GpGxyW . Electronic copies of the final EIS and the Draft USFS ROD are available on the USFS website http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ctnf/landmanagement/projects. CD-ROMs and limited quantities of printed copies are available from the BLM Pocatello Field Office, 4350 Cliffs Drive, Pocatello, ID.
The BLM and the USFS have different objection and appeal procedures when issuing decisions. The USFS is required to issue a draft ROD with a final EIS, while the BLM is not required to do so.
After reviewing the Final EIS, you should submit any information for the BLM to consider in making its decision to the address below by October 11, 2016.
- Email: blm_id_rasmussenvalleyeis@blm.gov
- Fax: 208-478-6376
- Mail: Bureau of Land Management, Pocatello Field Office, Attn: Rasmussen Valley Mine EIS Project Manager, 4350 Cliffs Drive, Pocatello, ID 83204
The BLM will release its ROD no sooner than October 11, 2016 and will announce release of the ROD by news release, the BLM website, letter and email.
Nu-West Industries, Inc., doing business as Agrium Conda Phosphate Operations (Agrium), has proposed developing a new open pit phosphate mining operation on their existing phosphate lease that would include external overburden piles, a haul road, a water management plan, and other ancillary facilities. Ore would be transported off site and processed at Agrium’s Conda fertilizer plant. The company is also requesting lease modifications to extend the mine pit beyond the lease boundary to facilitate recovery of ore that exists adjacent to the current lease.
The BLM will decide whether to approve the proposed mine plan and lease modifications, and whether to require wildlife mitigation. The USFS will make recommendations to the BLM concerning surface management and mitigation on leased lands within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) and will make decisions on special use authorizations needed for off-lease activities on the CTNF.
The Rasmussen Collaborative Alternative (RCA) has been identified as the agency preferred alternative. The original proposal would result in approximately 468 acres of new disturbance, while the RCA would result in approximately 541 total acres of new disturbance but with fewer environmental impacts.
Agrium has proposed the use of quantitative results of wildlife Habitat Equivalency Analysis in the determination of off-site wildlife habitat mitigation in the regional watershed. A third party, such as a state natural resource management agency, foundation, or other appropriate organization, would implement mitigation projects with stakeholder oversight.
The USFS Forest Supervisor-CTNF will issue a decision on the USFS portion of the project. The Reviewing Officer is the Regional Forester. Written objections to the USFS decision, including any attachments, must be filed with the Reviewing Officer within 45 days following publication of a legal notice in the Idaho State Journal. Those wishing to object to this proposed project with the USFS should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.
Send objections to:
Email appeals-intermtn-regional-office@fs.fed.us
Mail: Objection Reviewing Officer, USFS Intermountain Region,
324 25th Street, Ogden, UT 84401
Fax: 801-625-5277
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers were cooperating agencies in preparing the final EIS. Other participating agencies include the Idaho Department of Lands, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For additional information, please contact BLM project manager Bill Volk, phone 208-236-7503, fax 208-478-6376, email wvolk@blm.gov.
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.