Public Comment Letters

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.

Comment Title Description Search Terms Date Final Comment Letter
Albuquerque Reach Habitat Restoration Project - BOR and NMISC programmatic EA The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) is proposing to do a multi-phased riparian and floodplain habitat restoration project in the Angostura/Albuquerque reach of the Rio Grande between River Miles 194 and 172.5. The project is located on land administered by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the Bureau of Reclamation, the lead federal agency. The project consists of 80 separate habitat restoration project areas on the banks of the Rio Grande and on select islands within the channel, as well as proposed spoils and access road plans, starting on the north side of the Alameda Bridge (State Road 528) and ending on the south side of the I-25 bridge in the South Valley. The project would also provide maintenance and adaptive management of existing and newly constructed habitat restoration areas. The purpose of the project is to benefit the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) and other federally listed species that occur in the project area. The Bureau of Reclamation has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) document to analyze potential impacts associated with the proposed project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508 process. This notice announces the availability of the EA for public review and a 30-day public comment period from February 24 to March 25, 2025. The EA can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation's website at https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/ea.html. Environmental Assessment, Fish/Wildlife Habitat Improvement 2025-03-24 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4248.pdf
Minimal Impaction Exploration Permit Modification Application, Summa Silver Mogollon Project On February 5, 2025, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received a revised permit modification application from Everett Ecological, on behalf of Summa Silver Corporation, for a modification to their minimal impact exploration Permit No. CA027EM in Catron County, New Mexico. The permit modification proposes the construction of a new access road and the clarification of staging area locations. 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/mining-act-reclamation-program/pending-and-approved-explorationapplications/minimal-impact/ca027em-summa-silver-mogollon/ Mine Exploration, Mine Permit 2025-03-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4256.pdf
Walmart Superstore No. 5166 - Deming, NM An expansion area is proposed for the existing Walmart building located 1021 East Pine Street in Deming, New Mexico (approx 400 yards). Proposed Action 2025-03-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4325.pdf
Site Wide Closure/Closeout Plan Update 2024, Chino Mine On October 31, 2024, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company ("FMI") to update their existing Closure/Closeout Plan ("CCP") for the Chino Mine ("Chino"), Permit No. GR009RE. The purpose of the 2024 CCP Update is to present a comprehensive reclamation plan for Chino that is consistent with all applicable federal and state regulatory requirements and permit conditions. The updated reclamation plan is used to calculate a financial assurance cost estimate for Chino that will meet the financial assurance requirements of 19.10.12 NMAC. Mine Closeout Plan, Mine Permit 2025-03-12 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4108.pdf
El Segundo Mine Permit Revision, Highwall Miner Application 2024 The mine requests to add the highwall miner technique to the potential methods used for coal extraction on the mine site. A copy of the revision application is available for public inspection at the following locations: McKinley County Courthouse, County Clerk's Office, 201 W. Hill, Gallup, New Mexico; the Grants Public Library, 1101 N First St., Grants, New Mexico; and on the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division Website at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/mmd/public-notices/. A formal public meeting will be hosted by the Director and PNRC on Wednesday, February 19, 2024 at 1PM at the Grants Public Library, 1101 N First St., Grants, New Mexico to address any public concerns. We would appreciate receiving your comments no later than COB Friday, March 21, 2025. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (505) 670-9997 (cell), or Erik.Munroe@emnrd.nm.gov. Mine Permit 2025-03-12 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4226.pdf
Navajo Lake State Park Management Plan Management Plan for Navajo Lake State Park. Design Office (DO) is assisting New Mexico State Parks (NMSP)with the development of the Navajo Lake State Park Management Plan. The project area is shown below and includes a 4,566-acre portion of the Navajo Lake State Park along the San Juan River Corridor, downstream of Navajo Dam. The corridor is popular for fishing and recreation and includes 4.3 miles of Special Trout Waters (known as Red Chili Waters). In November 2022, the Design Office (DO) team (which included Otak and MASS Design) prepared a Draft Existing Conditions and Issues report. Other early consulting support was provided by WestLand Resources (from Tucson, AZ) and reportedly included habitat and cultural surveys (not yet reviewed by Biohabitats). Since that time, DO has been involved in designing improvements in two locations -Texas Hole Day Use Area and Crusher Hole Day Use and Campground Area. The Crusher Hole area has identified invasive species issues (Tamarisk) and the Texas Hole area includes a sediment retention basin which was identified in 2022 as needing long-term planning to address sediment management and a potential strategy for upstream restoration. At this time, Design Office would like assistance integrating ecological considerations into the Management Plan process. Specifically, DO would like Biohabitats to provide ecological planning guidance and nature-based design strategies that will help support the health of Project Recreation 2025-03-12 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4320.pdf
Atrisco II Solar Solar Field for Energy Proposed Action, Solar Energy 2025-02-28 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4235.pdf
DiMaggio #003 Flowline A remediation project for a spill that took place in May 2019. There was a total of 4 bbls or produced water and 4 bbls of oil released. Remediation efforts are still ongoing. 2025-02-27 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4230.pdf
Modification 25-1, Black Spring Mine On January 2, 2025, the Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), received an application for Mine Expansion. The proposal includes the expansion of Menefee's existing Black Spring Humate Mine (a shallow surface mine) located on BLM-managed surface and mineral estate near the community of Ojo Encino in McKinley County, New Mexico (NM). Menefee is proposing to expand their existing Black Spring Humate Mine by approximately 117 acres. Additionally, they are requesting to increase the mine's current design limit from 10 to 12 acres. The Black Spring Mine is located 30 miles southwest of Cuba, NM, and four miles south of the community of Ojo Encino, in Section 4, Township 15N, Range 5W, NM Principal Meridian (NMPM), McKinley County, NM. Mine Permit 2025-02-26 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4191.pdf
Draft Environmental Assessment for the Conchas Lake Vegetation Management Plan The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District (USACE), has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the Conchas Lake Project Vegetation Management Plan in San Miguel County, New Mexico. The DEA evaluates alternatives that would ensure that the conservation and management of the land, water, and recreational resources on Conchas Lake follow applicable environmental laws and regulations. The proposed action would implement the Conchas Vegetation Management Plan, that would identify and execute effective strategies that promote the health of upland, wetland, and riparian ecosystems, over the course of each growing season. Strategies include: (1) preserve native habitat mosaics, (2) identify and restore disturbed and degraded areas, (3) manage invasive and non-native flora, (4) reduce standing dead woody vegetation and (5) preserve the aesthetic and historic character of the surround landscape. Environmental Assessment, Prescribed Burn 2025-02-24 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4189.pdf
Long Forest Management Plan Developing a Forest Management Plan for a private landowner interested in hazardous fuels reduction and recreation. Forest Restoration, Proposed Action 2025-02-23 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4237.pdf
Roof Mounted PV Solar System Roof mounted PV solar system for existing business Proposed Action, Threatened or Endangered Species 2025-02-19 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4217.pdf
Abo Unit L10 A remediation project in Eddy County, New Mexico. Remediation efforts should be completed in 2025. 2025-02-17 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4213.pdf
Abo Unit C47 A remediation project in Eddy County, New Mexico. Remediation efforts should be completed in 2025. 2025-02-17 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4212.pdf
Aqua Fria Wind Farm NE Quad We are collecting a species list for a pre-field survey that we are conducting for a energy project near Corona NM 2025-02-17 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4207.pdf
Pecos Springsnail 12-month Finding and Species Status Assessment Information Request The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting data on the biology of, threats to, conservation activities related to, and distribution and important habitat association features of the Pecos Springsnail to inform a Species Status Assessment and 12-month finding for this species. Biological Survey, Proposed Rulemaking, Threatened or Endangered Species 2025-02-17 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4219.pdf
Modification 24-1 of Harding Mine, Sawni LLC On December 2, 2024 the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Michael Rutland to modify the minimal impact new mining permit for the Harding Mine, Permit No. SI025MN. The application for permit modification was assigned Modification 24-1 by MMD. The Modification 24-1 application proposed changing the reclamation plan for closing the shaft and permanent closure and termination of the Permit No. SI025MN for the Harding Mine, located in Sierra, New Mexico. MMD reviewed the Modification 24-1 application and deemed the application administratively complete. Mine Permit 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4165.pdf
NEDU 620 Flowline The remediation of a flowline that is located in Lea County, New Mexico. Remediation efforts should be completed in 2025 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4176.pdf
Chile Solar This site is being considered for a solar facility. Solar Energy 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4171.pdf
A-18 Lateral This is a release from 2021 that we inherited from another consultant. The site currently has three SVE wells installed and the proposed work plan for this site includes installing an additional 6 wells. 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4170.pdf
EPNG Cedar Canyon Meter Station Project in Eddy County, New Mexico Kinder Morgan proposes to construct a new meter station with an associated access route and gate.The Project may be located at the following latitude and longitude coordinates: 32.145413°, -103.879185°. The proposed Project facilities in Eddy County, New Mexico, will include the following: 1. a 100 x 100-foot temporary construction workspace to install a new pipeline metering facility; and 2. a 362-foot-long access road and gate off Pipeline Road Number 1. The workspace and access road/gate will be wholly located on an existing gravel pad leased by Enterprise Products and will be used to construct/operate the metering facility which will be tied into one of its existing pipelines. Oil and Gas Pipeline, Proposed Action 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4169.pdf
Pipeline 1009 The cleanup of a pipeline leak in southeastern New Mexico. Remediation should be completed in 2025, and excavation is ongoing. 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4168.pdf
Summa Silver - Survey Work Plan The Mogollon Project, operated by Summa Silver Corporation, is located in the Mogollon mining district, Catron County, New Mexico. This mineral exploration project encompasses over 5 acres of surface disturbance, primarily due to the operation of drill rigs and associated support equipment. The project activities are conducted under minimal impact exploration regulations and permit CA027EM, administered by the New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) under the state's Mining Act​​. Timing and Activities Exploration activities will occur during designated operational periods to minimize environmental impacts and align with stipulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Key activities include drilling operations, vehicular movement, and material handling, all focused on identifying and delineating subsurface mineral deposits. Equipment and Materials The primary equipment includes: Drill rigs (diamond or reverse circulation) Support vehicles and water trucks On-site storage for drilling fluids and materials Extent of Ground Disturbance The project will disturb more than 5 acres of ground, including drill pads, access roads, and staging areas. Efforts will be made to minimize unnecessary vegetation removal and soil compaction through established Best Management Practices (BMPs)​​. Wildlife Surveys and Mitigation Wildlife surveys and mitigation measures are integral to the project. Compliance with federal and state guidelines ensures protection of local wildlife, including raptors, sensitive species, and habitats: Surveys: Pre-disturbance surveys for threatened and endangered species, as well as migratory birds and raptors, are mandatory. Mitigation: Seasonal activity restrictions near critical habitats will be implemented. Disturbed areas will be reclaimed post-operations to restore natural habitats​​. Proposed Action 2025-02-14 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4167.pdf
Species Status Assessment for Rio Grande Shiner The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request information pertinent to the initiation of a Species Status Assessment for the Rio Grande Shiner. Biological Survey, Threatened or Endangered Species 2025-02-13 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4194.pdf
North Hobbs Grayburg SA #23 This project is remediating an area that had a pipeline leak. The impacted area is part of a pasture area bordered by lease roads. There was a total of 200 bbls of produced water release and 110 bbls were recovered. The leak took place in February 2023 and the client is looking to have the mitigation work completed in 2025. 2025-02-10 public_comment_letter_NMERT-4140.pdf

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