Federal Register #2026-10794

BLM Seeks Environmental Impact Statement Preparation for DeLamar Mine Expansion

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Owyhee Field Office in Marsing, Idaho, is initiating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the DeLamar Mine Project expansion: - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Owyhee Field Office (Marsing, Idaho) - Project Scope: - Preparation of an EIS to assess the environmental impacts of expanding two open pit gold and silver mines - Project includes construction of haul roads, heap leach facilities, and rock storage areas - Estimated 2,915 acres of land disturbance over a 19-year period - Services Requested: - Environmental consulting services for EIS preparation (no specific part numbers or quantities provided) - Unique Requirements: - EIS must address impacts on habitat, water quality, and cultural sites - Public comments on scope and alternatives are solicited - No OEMs or specific vendors are named, as this is an environmental consulting and analysis requirement

Description

This notice announces a revision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures for the Bureau of Reclamation at Chapter 1 of Part 516 of the Department of the Interior's Departmental Manual (516 DM 1). The revision adds two new categorical exclusions for hydropower-related activities in the DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures, Appendix 2: Bureau Categorical Exclusions. These exclusions aim to improve the efficiency of NEPA compliance for hydropower activities that have consistently demonstrated no significant environmental impacts. The revision is effective immediately upon publication, and the categorical exclusions are available for immediate use.

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