BLM: BLM Seeking Comments on Preliminary Environmental Assessment for Patua II Geothermal Exploration and Utilization Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office has completed the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Patua II Geothermal Exploration and Utilization Project proposed by Gradient Resources, Inc. The proposed geothermal exploration project is located just east of Fernley, Nev., and is approximately 15 miles west of Fallon, Nev. The public is invited to comment on the plan through March 29, 2012.

The proposed project and associated access roads are on lands managed by the BLM and the Bureau of Reclamation. The EA analyzes potential impacts from the proposed exploration and utilization activities proposed by Gradient. The primary objective of the project is to further evaluate the characteristics of the geothermal resources in the Patua II Project area and develop a geothermal power plant. The proposed activities include:

• constructing new access roads
• upgrading existing access roads
• constructing up to 19 well pads
• drilling and completing slim wells and/or exploration wells, flow testing exploration wells to determine commercial potential
• constructing a new nominal 60 megawatt net power plant

Links to the EA and related documents are located on the BLM website at www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_information/nepa.html.

Please send written comments to: Steve Kramer, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, Stillwater Field Office, 5565 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. Comments may also be received via email at skramer@blm.gov and should include “Patua II” in the subject line. A hardcopy can be provided upon request. A copy of the EA is also available at the Carson City District BLM office during the comment period.

Public comments submitted for this project, including names and addresses of commenters will be available for public review at the Carson City District Office during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail 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.

For further information please contact Steve Kramer, Project Lead, at 775-885-6005.