Search for the Final Comment Letter for a project that technical guidance staff at New Mexico Department of Game and Fish have reviewed using the filters below. If you select multiple search terms in the "Search Terms" box, the filter will return all projects that are associated with at least one of the search terms you selected.
On June 26, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department received the document Modification Request to Permit No. GR009RE - Southwest Lampbright Waste Rock Stockpile Buttress ("Application"). This Application was submitted
to MMD to modify the Closure / Closeout Plan to include the construction of the Southwest Lampbright Waste-Rock Stockpile Buttress. This change to Permit No. GR009RE is considered a modification and has been designated Modification 24-1.
The purpose of this project is to restore the Rio Chama channel flow conveyance to pre-flood event dimensions prior to June 20, 2024, in order to facilitate San Juan Chama releases, reduce flood risk, and mitigate operational risks to the Abiquiú Reservoir. The proposed project will dredge within the river channel to restore the channel capacity to a capacity of approximately 1700 CFS. Reach 1 will start at NM233 and have continuous channel restoration for a length of 4.5 miles, 60' wide, and 4.75 deep. Percentage of sediment blocking channel is 35%, therefore the project will excavate approximately 169,472 cubic yards of sediment. Sediment will be removed from the channel and placed above the ordinary high water mark. Reach 2 will start below the Chili Diversion and have continuous channel restoration for a length of 2.5 miles, 60' wide, and 4.75 deep. Percentage of sediment blocking channel is 25%, therefore the project will excavate approximately 108,636 cubic yards of sediment. Sediment will be removed from the channel and placed above the ordinary high water mark.
On August 29, 2024 the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an amended application from Freeport-McMoRan Tyrone Mining, LLC ("Tyrone") for a minimal impact exploration permit called Tyrone Peak. The application proposes to drill up to thirty-six (36) drill holes up to 2,500 feet deep on nineteen (17) drill pads, creating 40 acres of total disturbance. MMD is tracking this permit as Permit No. GR093EM. The proposed drilling sites are located near the Tyrone Mine (Permit No. GR010RE) main gate entrance.
AML Capitol Dome Abandoned Mines Safeguarding Project
Public Meeting:
February 7, 2024, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Mimbres Valley Special Events Center.
2300 E. Pine St, Deming, NM (Presentation and Feedback).
Public Scoping Comment Period:
February 7 through March 6, 2024
Minimal Impact Exploration Application, Creek Tunnel Mine
On July 9, 2024 the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Steven Jackman for a minimal impact exploration permit called Creek Tunnel. The application proposes to excavate an old mine adit, creating 1 acre of disturbance. The proposed project site is approximately 1.5 miles south of Red River, NM off Forest Road 485.
On May 13, 2024 the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Rammsco Operations, Inc. ("Rammsco") to modify the minimal impact new mining permit for the Eagle Mesa Mine, Permit No. SA009MN. The application for permit modification was assigned Modification 24-1 by MMD. The Modification 24-1 application proposed a partial FA release for reclaimed acreage (2.12 acres) and to expand mining operations (6.6 acres) within their permit area under Permit No. SA009MN for the Eagle Mesa Mine, located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. MMD reviewed the Modification 24-1 application and deemed the application administratively complete.
Modification 24-1, Black Spring Mine, Partial Release of Financial Assurance
On May 3, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department received an application for partial release of financial assurance associated with the Menefee Mining Black Springs Mine located in McKinley County, New Mexico. Pursuant to §19.10.3.304.H NMAC, MMD is requesting comments from your agency regarding the request to modify permit number MK026MN.
BLM FFO Farmington Mancos/Gallup Resource Management Plan Amendment
The BLM Farmington Field Office Farmington Mancos/Gallup Resource Management Plan Amendment has been terminated as of July 12, 2024. The BLM is inviting comments that will help them determine whether to amend or revise the current, 2003 plan.
Minimal Impact Exploration Permit Modification Application, American Magnesium Little Mountain Project
On July 23, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received a permit application from American Magnesium, LLC for a modification to their minimal impact exploration permit in Luna County, New Mexico. Pursuant to 19.10.3.302.G NMAC, MMD is requesting comments from your agency regarding this application. The application from the operator can be downloaded from MMD's website at:
https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/mmd/lu047em-american-magnesium-little-mountain-exploration/
Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) nominations
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB) is nominating certain surface waters of the state as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs). ONRWs are surface waters that receive enhanced protection against degradation under state and federal statutes and regulations. Degradation of baseline or existing water quality is not allowed in ONRWs except under limited circumstances.
Minimal Impact Exploration Operation Permit Application, North Cebolleta Exploration Project.
Pursuant to §19.10.3.302 NMAC, the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division has determined that a Minimal Impact Exploration Permit Application ("application") submitted on March 18, 2024 is administratively complete. The application was submitted by Cibola Resources LLC., for its North Cebolleta Exploration Project and proposes to disturb a total of up to 4.3 acres of Cebolleta Land Grant property (25 drill holes on 25 drill pads) within the boundaries of claim numbers identified in the application for exploration located approx. 4.7 miles SE of Seboyetta, NM off of Marquez Rd. in Cibola County New Mexico. Because Cibola Resources has agreed not to exceed 5 acres of total disturbance at all times, MMD is processing this application as a minimal impact exploration permit pursuant to §19.10.3.302 (A) NMAC.
Pursuant to 19.10.3.304(H) NMAC, the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) has determined that a Minimal Impact New Mining Operation Permit Application (Application) submitted on July 15, 2024 is administratively complete. The Application was submitted by Uinta Basin Sand LLC, which will soon be Natural Pozzolan Resources LLC, (UBS-NPR). MMD is processing UBS-NPR's Application as a minimal impact new mining operation pursuant to 19.10.3.304(A) NMAC and assigning the Laughlin Peak Mine Permit No. CO002MN. UBS-NPR proposes a surface mining operation for volcanic tephra and pumice with disturbance of not more than 10 acres at a time and concurrent reclamation. The proposed mine site is located approximately 19 miles southeast of Raton, New Mexico in Colfax County.
Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment Addressing Energy Readiness Support, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is proposing to install, operate, and maintain additional energy readiness systems at WSMR, New Mexico. The Proposed Action incorporates the use of various technological approaches to promote energy resiliency for WSMR. These technical approaches include (1) expanding the existing 6-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the Main Post by adding a 20-MW solar PV system, with a the local utility company providing services (i.e., equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance) through a real estate transaction; (2) installing microgrid systems designed to
incorporate carports and ground-level and roof-top PV panels at the Stallion Range Center and other locations where appropriate; (3) installing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and additional generators powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel contributing to the desired goal of having 14 days of backup power capacity for critical facilities at the Main Post and Stallion Range Center cantonment areas; and (4) installing electric vehicle charging stations within disturbed areas near existing facilities.
Kit Carson is planning a Fiber Optic line project for rural areas in Rio Arriba County. Kit Carson Electric Co-operative has prepared this Draft Plan of Development (POD) describing the proposed construction and operation of a Fiber optic line along pre-existing electric corridors that are owned and operated by Jemez Mountain Electric Co-operative. This project will take place on public land administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management/Farmington (Taos) Field Office (BLM), in addition to land administered by. Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest. The proposed project is located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, along an already existing utility corridor administered by Jemez Mountain Electric Co-operative, beginning in Gallina, and ending in Chili New Mexico.
In order to construct, operate, and maintain a new fiber optic line across BLM, US Forest Service lands, State land, and DOD holdings, a broadband proposal for the placement of the fiber optic line from the USFS' Broadband Action Team (BAT) is sought. The proposed new fiber optic line is proposed to be underground and within the pre-existing utility corridors owned and operated by Jemez Mountains Electric Co-Op. A pre-existing memorandum has been attached that details the relationship between JMEC and Kit Carson EC.
The grant process has been initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Connect3 Grant Program via Standard Form 299 (SF299). This POD follows guidance from the USFS Broadband's Request for Attachments outlined in Obtaining a permit.
Stewardship plan to improve forest stand health and decrease catastrophic wildfire risk by reducing basal area (stand density), create and maintain defensible space around structures and buffer around property boarder. Reduce ladder fuels by thinning small trees in the understory of dominant trees. Promote a healthy forest stand by releasing some large dominate trees and improve resilience and tree vigor by thinning stands where appropriate. No forest thinning will be conducted at this time.
On April 4, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received a permit application from Southern Silver Exploration Corp for a modification to their regular exploration permit in Grant County, New Mexico. Pursuant to 19.10.4.402.F NMAC, MMD is requesting comments from your agency regarding this application.
Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument draft RMP and EIS
The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (Monument) Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) describes and analyzes a range of alternatives for managing public lands within the Monument planning area. The planning area encompasses lands within the Monument's boundaries regardless of surface ownership or jurisdiction. Within the planning area, the United States (U.S.) Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers approximately 476,591 acres of surface land, referred to as the decision area. The decision area does not include state, municipal, or private land. On May 21, 2014, President Barack Obama signed Presidential Proclamation 9131 (79 Federal Register 30431), which identified approximately 496,330 acres of federal lands and interest in lands owned or controlled by the government of the United States as the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (BLM 2014). The Monument is composed of Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-administered lands encompassing five rugged mountain ranges surrounding the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Protection of the Monument was established to "preserve its cultural, prehistoric, and historic legacy and maintain its diverse array of natural and scientific resources, ensuring that the prehistoric, historic, and scientific values of this area remain for the benefit of all Americans." The Monument's current management is directed by the existing Mimbres RMP (BLM 1993), relevant amendments that apply to this planning area, and any interim Monument guidance. Although some decisions in the Mimbres RMP are still relevant, there are management issues, direction, and desired future conditions that need to be addressed, given the Presidential Proclamation. The Monument was established as a new planning area independent of other BLM-administered lands; to address these issues, the BLM has prepared a stand-alone document (OMDPNM RMP/EIS) pursuant to the BLM's regulation for resource management planning found in 43 CFR 1610 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
Environmental Impact Statement, Land Management Plan
Minimal Impact Exploration Application, Alhambra Project, Standard Silver Corp.
On April 18th, 2024 the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Standard Silver Corp. for a minimal impact exploration permit called Alhambra Project. The application proposes to drill up to seventy five (75) drill holes up to 200 feet deep on nine (9) drill pads, creating 3.484 acres of total disturbance. MMD is tracking this permit as Permit No. GR094EM. The proposed drilling sites are located approximately ~ 13 miles from Silver City on US 180 west.
On April 23, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from THEMAC Resource Group ("Applicant") requesting a minimal impact exploration permit for the Copper Flat Exploration Project 2024, Permit No. SI061EM. The Application proposes 23 drill holes and drill pads to disturb approximately 4 acres of United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property and/or Private Patented claims approximately 4 miles Northeast of Hillsboro, NM. MMD has deemed the application administratively complete. Your agency was notified of a site inspection that was scheduled and occurred on May 23rd.
Phase 2 of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC), Mountain-Plains Southwest
By June 24, 2024, DOE invites the public to submit comments on the potential NIETCs on the preliminary list, including about:
-Transmission needs within the potential NIETCs and associated consumer harms;
-The geographic boundaries of the potential NIETCs; and
-Potential impacts on environmental, community, and other resources within the potential NIETCs.
The Forest Service is proposing to authorize Robert L. Bayless, Producer LLC to construct and operate a natural gas and water pipeline on the Jicarilla Ranger District. The proposed project is identified as the La Jara 1-2 00 I1-1 Pipeline Project. An overview of the project area is depicted in Figure I. This project will facilitate initial
development of the La Jara Mancos Unit (Unit No. NMNM I 05770971 ).
This project will involve surface disturbance and construction activities on private land, within the Jicarilla Ranger District boundary, and on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Forest Service will only approve those activities on NFS lands. Activities located on private land will be approved by the Bureau of Land Management- Fannington Field Office and the respective private landowners. Please see Figure 2.The proposed action consists of construction, maintenance, and operation of the following (all acreages provided are approximate):
Our client proposes the construction of a 199-foot self-support tower and associated ground-based equipment inside a proposed 50-foot-by-50-foot lease area. A 15-foot-wide access and utility easement is proposed to extend from the lease area approximately 260 feet east and then north to join an existing gravel road, and then west for approximately 180 feet to join State Highway 18. An 8-foot-wide utility easement is proposed to extend approximately 75 feet west from the lease area to a proposed fiber vault to be installed at the right-of-way. This site is currently an unutilized portion of desert land along State Highway 18.
White Sands Missile Range Supplemental EA for Expanded Test Activities at Lee and Yucca Impact Areas
The White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Test Center has prepared the draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Expanded Test Activities at Lee and Yucca Impact Areas at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The purpose of the proposed action is to expand Lee and Yucca Impact Areas and increase the number of long-range test missions. Extended range testing is essential for the development of effective weapon systems with the capability for precision engagement beyond the range of current systems ensuring combat readiness of the United States armed services and protect national security. The draft SEA assessed impacts on valued environmental components for three alternatives. The preferred alternative proposes to increase the size of Lee and Yucca Impact Areas as well as to increase the number of test missions into these areas. Environmental analysis focused on the impacts from increasing the area of and number of test missions into these impact areas. The environmental analysis shows there will be no significant impact.
BLM Gila Lower Box Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) and EA
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces District announces a 30-day public comment period for the final Recreation Area Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact for the Gila Lower Box Area. The public comment period is open from April 17 to June 1, 2024. The 11,200-acre Gila Lower Box RAMP planning area is located in Hidalgo and Grant counties, approximately 20 miles northwest of the town of Lordsburg. The planning area includes the Gila Lower Box Wilderness Study Area, the Gila Lower Box Area of Critical Environmental Concern, and the Gila Lower Box Special Recreation Management Area. The plan will guide future development and provide management direction for recreation resources within the Gila Lower Box Area. The planning area is characterized by cliffs and steep canyon sides rising above a significant riparian area. The area is home to several threatened, endangered and sensitive wildlife species as well as designated critical habitat for these species. The area also provides important habitat to a variety of native plants and wildlife. While recreation is an important use of the planning area, unmanaged recreation use has resulted in disturbance and damage to sensitive resources. There is a need to implement primitive and sustainable recreation actions to protect the Gila Lower Box Area while being consistent with the management goal of protecting riparian values outlined in the 1993 Mimbres Resource Management Plan.
Search for the Final Comment Letter for a project that technical guidance staff at New Mexico Department of Game and Fish have reviewed using the filters below. If you select multiple search terms in the "Search Terms" box, the filter will return all projects that are associated with at least one of the search terms you selected.
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