BLM NEWS RELEASE
WINNEMUCCA — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca District, Humboldt River Field Office has issued a Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Leach Hot Springs Geothermal Exploration Project Environmental Assessment (EA). The Ormat Technologies, Inc., proposed exploration area is about 25 miles south of Winnemucca in Pershing County, Nev.
“The BLM is pleased to complete the environmental analysis and Decision Record that analyzed the exploration activities for this project.” said Mike Truden, Humboldt River Field Manager. “The next step is for Ormat to submit drilling applications to the BLM.”
The purpose of the exploration drilling is to evaluate the temperature and volumes of geothermal fluid that can be generated by each well and investigate the development potential of the geothermal resources on BLM administered lands.
The BLM decision will allow construction of up to 12 well pads and reserve pits, each sized to accommodate the drilling of each of three different types of geothermal exploration wells: temperature gradient wells, observation wells, and production wells for a maximum total of 36 exploration wells; improvements to existing and construction of new on-lease access roads for project area access beginning off of Pershing County’s Grass Valley Road; expansion of an existing mineral material site; up to two groundwater wells, temporary surface pipelines and associated ancillary facilities including a man-camp. Total acreage proposed for disturbance within the project area is estimated to be 70 acres and is within the boundaries of three federal geothermal leases.
The document may be reviewed online at www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/wfo/blm_information/nepa0.html. A copy of the EA will be provided upon request, or is available for review at the Winnemucca District Office at 5100 E. Winnemucca Blvd., during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
For further information, please contact Marcie Purkey at (775) 623-1742.
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