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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Final Comment Letter
Maxwell Burn
USFWS is proposing to treat areas recently Rx burned with herbicides to prevent establishment of invasive species (targeted species will be Canada thistle, hoary cress, houndstongue, pepperweed, Russian knapweed, and salt cedar), from May 15- May 22, 2024. These units are in close proximity to an area where the state-threatened least shrew (Cryptotis parvus) was detected in October 2023. Potential herbicides used will be Polaris AC Complete, Escort XP, Telar XP, Method 240SL, and Glystar Plus. Best management practices will be followed for each herbicide. Please note that the attached invasives treatment proposal does not include one of the units that was burned.
Invasive Plant Control, Proposed Action, Threatened or Endangered Species
Dam maintenance and/or modification for 5 dams in Cooke's Range.
Location of Dams:
Dam 1: Section 36, Township 21 South, Range 9 West
- This Dam is located west of AO16 road, South of Dam 2, and North of Dam 5
Dam 2: Section 25, Township 21 South, Range 9 West
- This Dam is located on Butterfield Trail, North of Dam 1, Southwest of Dam 3
Dam 3: Section 30, Township 21 South, Range 8 West
- This is the Northernmost dam, located east of Dam 2 and West of Dam 4
Dam 4: Sections 29 and 32, Township 21 South, Range 8 West
- This Dam is the Easternmost dam, also located on Butterfield Trail, South of Dam 3, North of Dam 5
Dam 5: Section 6, Township 22 South, Range 8 West
- This Dam is the Southernmost Dam, East of Dam 1, and West of Dam 4
Alternative A: Modification to All Dams:
Dam 1: The modifications to Dam 1 include lowering the dam 10 to 12 feet and construction of a 430-foot-long concrete weir, 10-foot-wide stilling basin with approximately 160 cubic yards of 8-inch rock rip rap, 225-foot earthen channel, one 18 inches by 24-foot HDPE pipe culvert, and two 18 inches by 20-foot HDPE pipe culverts. Approximately 1,140 feet of County Road A016 will be re-aligned to direct traffic away from the dam embankment and the culverts will be installed under the re-aligned roadway. The existing spillway, 24-inch concrete outlet riser pipe, and existing dirt livestock tanks would be protected in place. Modifications to Dam 1 would require the removal of approximately 4,340 cubic yards of soil.
Modification of Dam 1 would continue to retain some stormwater behind the structure while allowing stormwater to flow over the concrete weir into the stilling basin, earthen channel, and livestock tanks. Water would also flow over the downstream embankment to the east as sheet flow to an existing natural channel and then under the roadway.
Dam 2: The modifications to Dam 2 include lowering the dam 11 to 14 feet and construction of a compound concrete weir with a 250-foot section to pass small frequent storm events and a 190-foot section nine inches higher than the 250-foot section to pass the large, less frequent storm events. A 10-foot-wide stilling basin with approximately 365 cubic yards of 6-inch rock rip, a 24 inches by 18-foot HDPE pipe culvert and elevated road crossing would also be installed. An earthen berm would be placed along the west side of County Road A016 downstream of the embankment. The existing spillway, 30-inch outlet riser pipe, and livestock tank would be preserved in place. Modifications to Dam 2 would require the removal of approximately 11,600 cubic yards of soil. As much as possible of the removed soil would be used as fill to repair a portion of County Road A016 that has been damaged by erosion.
Modifications to Dam 2 would allow stormwater to flow over both concrete weirs and into the existing livestock tank as well as drain over the downstream embankment to the southeast as sheet flow across an existing flat area.
Dam 3: The modifications to Dam 3 include lowering the dam approximately 10 feet and construction of a 365-foot earthen weir and installing 15 cubic yards of 6-inch rock rip rap along a 2-foot-wide strip where the downstream side of the earthen weir meets the embankment. The 12-inch concrete outlet riser pipe on the west side of the dam would be capped and plugged with concrete. This would require the removal of vegetation around the pipe, including roots, and a high slump flowable concrete would be pumped into any voids around the pipe prior to backfilling. The existing spillway and the 18-inch outlet riser pipe on the east side of the dam would be preserved in place. Modifications to Dam 3 would require the cut of approximately 6,312 cubic yards of soil, most of which may be placed and compacted over the existing spillway at the northwest end of the dam.
Modifications to Dam 3 would allow stormwater flows to drain over the downstream embankment to the southwest as sheet flow, constrained by an existing 500-foot-long earthen berm. From the berm, sheet flow would drain west to join the existing channel at the pipe riser outlet.
Dam 4: The modifications to Dam 4 include lowering the dam approximately 14 feet and construction of a 100-foot concrete weir armored with a geomat composed of linked or tied concrete blocks with open cells that are filled with screened native soil. The geomat would be draped over the weir with a two-foot overlap on the upstream embankment and placed with a six-foot apron at the toe of downstream slope. Using some of the cut soils, a number of small earthen berms would be placed as diversions downstream of the weir to direct sheet flow southwest towards the existing channel that has formed below the 18-inch pipe outlet. The existing 18-inch intake riser pipe would be extended up to 7 feet higher to ensure continuing stormwater retention behind the structure.
Approximately 460 feet of the existing access road would be realigned to direct traffic away from the dam and two 24 inches by 17-foot HDPE pipe culverts would be installed to convey water from the above-mentioned channel under the road. The existing spillway on the northwest end of the structure and the water well with livestock tanks would be preserved in place. Modifications to Dam 4 would require the cut of approximately 3,775 cubic yards of soil.
Dam 5: The modifications to Dam 5 include lowering the dam 2 to 8 feet and construction of a 1,000-foot long weir that serves as a 16-foot wide road with 4-foot shoulders. Under the road six 24-inch by 80-foot-long HDPE pipes with trash racks in each of two culvert banks [or concrete box culverts] would each discharge to a concrete stilling basin with approximately 20 cubic yards of 6-inch rock rip rap, and the 36-inch concrete outlet riser pipe would be preserved in place The resulting road and shoulders would be stabilized with soil cement or lime stabilization. Modifications to Dam 5 would require the cut of approximately 6,880 cubic yards of soil.
Modifications to Dam 5 would allow stormwater to flow through the pipe culverts which are designed to drain to the overbanks of the downstream arroyo to help prevent downstream erosion.
Inlet elevations of the pipes would be stepped, to accommodate passage of smaller, more frequent runoff rates closer to the main arroyo.
Alternative B: No Action Alternative:
- No action would be taken to modify or rehabilitate the dams. Removal of vegetation and debris from trash racks would continue.
Alternative C: Maintenance Common to All Dams:
Maintenance activities include:
- Vegetation and debris would be removed from trash racks.
- Earthwork would re-shape the crests and berms.
- Material would be added to crests/groins/head cuts to fill erosion.
- Pipe inlets and outlets would be armored to reduce head cutting and erosion.
- Risers would be added to intake structures.
Dam Maintenance, Proposed Action, Roads and Bridges
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) proposes improvements to a 0.7-mile section of Interstate 40 (I-40) near Tijeras, New Mexico. The Beginning of the Project (BOP) is located at Milepost (MP) 168.78 and the End of Project (EOP) is at MP 169.99. Project improvements would include replacing three bridges (Bridges 7655, 7656, and 7657) with single span bridges and completing minor repairs/maintenance to Bridge 7654. The project would also close and demolish the I-40 westbound off-ramp bridge.
The project is located near the I-40 Carnuel Interchange in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Just east of the Carnuel Interchange, four parallel bridges carry I-40 eastbound and westbound, a frontage road, and the I-40 westbound off-ramp over the Tijeras Arroyo. The bridges were built in 1978, and their conditions range from satisfactory to poor. The project will make improvements to the bridges, so they continue to allow traffic to safely cross the Arroyo.
The proposed project would involve the installation of rock bendway weirs along with launchable riprap to divert water flow to the thalwag and stop bank erosion adjacent to an acequia and NM 435 at milepost 2.9. Work would be performed during low flows.
This project is looking to potentially upgrade the road to allow for trucks carrying turbine blades to make the turns safely. The client does not expect to change the ROW width, but potentially reinforce the shoulders. Timing of the project is unknown at this point as routes are still being investigated. Attached is the proposal westwood submitted for the scope of this project
This is a potential road retrofit to safely allow large truck with turbine blades to pass. The company is exploring options and does not have timing or materials decided upon. The proposal from Westwood to support this work is attached to help clarify.
Draft EA Addressing Operations and Training Support Facilities and Activities at White Sands Missile Range, NM
WSMR is proposing to construct and improve facilities and designate existing training areas to support the operations of tenant and transient units, such as the Special Operations Forces - Training and Experimentation Center (SOF-TEC), at WSMR. SOF-TEC was formally activated as a tenant directorate at WSMR, New Mexico in March 2022 under the operational control of 1st Special Forces Command to become the premier irregular warfare training and experimentation center. The Proposed Action includes the construction or improvement of barracks, shower and laundry facilities, a vehicle wash station, and a bivouac area. The Proposed Action also includes the designation of existing areas used for operational testing mission sets (i.e., when testing of various military systems is used in a tactical training environment) for training mission sets. Although no construction dates have been established, construction is anticipated to take a year to complete.
The biological survey encompassed a 200-foot-wide area, 100-feet on each side of the pipeline centerline. Water pipeline with a 30-foot permanent workspace and 20-foot temporary workspace. Timing of activities is unknown.
Our client proposes to install a new 199-foot self-support tower in a proposed 50-foot by 50-foot lease area. A proposed approximately 12-foot-wide access and utility easement will extend approximately 140 feet east from Delaware Basin Road, connecting with a new 50-foot-wide access and utility easement extending approximately 60 feet north to the lease area. A proposed 8-foot-wide utility easement will extend approximately 90 feet east from Delaware Basin Road to the lease area. A proposed fiber conduit will be routed within the 8-foot-wide easement from a new fiber vault immediately south of the lease area 85 feet west to another new fiber vault. A proposed power conduit will be routed within the 50-foot-wide easement and 8-foot-wide easement from a new junction box immediately south of the lease area 115 feet west to a new utility pole. The site is located in undeveloped desert scrubland off the east side of Delaware Basin Road.
Pecos Canyon State Park 90% Construction Documents North Rio Mora Day Use Area
90% construction documents for the North Rio Mora Day-Use area at Pecos Canyon State Park sent from Emily Stoute at EMNRD for review by NMDGF. Separate signage plan specific to NMDGF also included. Focal area is just north of the Mora Campground. Providing gated parking, designated parking areas for day-use and angler parking, and signage. They will work on a trail including picnic sites and a fishing platform once they receive Wild and Scenic River compliance approvals. Tree plantings will be done along the road. They are modifying and moving signage.
This proposed hazard fuels mitigation project will take place on 55 acres of primarly private and some state land. Mastication in pinon/juniper to break fuel continuity while retaining group and stems >16"DRC will be the primary prescription. However near historic building hand falling and whole tree removal will be needed. While not a riparian restoration project all native riparian species will be retained and invasive removed where encountered.
the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") received an application from Freeport-McMoRan Tyrone Operations ("Tyrone") requesting a modification to the minimal impact exploration permit for the Emma-B Exploration Project, Permit No. GR083EM. The modification application (assigned by MMD as Modification 24-1) for the minimal impact exploration permit proposes drilling an additional twenty-six (26) drill holes up to 1,300 feet deep on twenty-five (25) drill pads, creating 4.97 acres of additional disturbance. The proposed drilling sites are located near previously disturbed drill pads approved in Permit No. GR083EM, approximately ½ mile south of the Tyrone Mine.
LANL Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade Project, Draft Environmental Assessment
The United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is proposing to upgrade the electrical power supply system for Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANL requires a reliable and redundant electrical power supply to support mission programs and other activities conducted at LANL facilities. Electrical power supply forecasts project that existing transmission lines that serve LANL and Los Alamos County will reach capacity before 2027, and DOE/NNSA will not have the electrical power supply to meet mission requirements.
New Minimal Impact Exploration Permit Application, Sugarloaf Exploration Project
The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division received an application from Bonaventure Nevada Inc. on August 7, 2023 for a new minimal impact exploration permit in Grant County, New Mexico.
Ecological Risk Assessment for the St. Anthony Mine Pit 1
On November 30, 2023, the Mining and Minerals Division ("MMD") of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department received the Ecological Risk Assessment for the St. Anthony Mine Pit 1, dated November 2023 from United Nuclear Corporation and General Electric for the St. Anthony Mine, Cibola County, New Mexico.
The purpose of the proposed action is to (1) reduce surface fuel accumulations created by the wind event; (2) reduce the threat of insect and disease activity in the spruce-fit habitat, and; (3) remove hazardous trees that pose safety issues to firefighters and road/trail users. The proposed action is to treat a total of 2,881 acres. There are up to 17 miles of proposed temporary administrative roads; no new roads will be constructed. Existing closed roadbeds would be maintained to safely remove the forest products from the are. Temporary roads used for these activity would be closed and rehabilitated within three years of project completion.
Revision 23-1 to Continental Mine and Mill – Update to Closure/Closeout Plan
The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) received an application from Freeport- McMoRan Chino Mines Company (Chino) dated July 2023 requesting a revision to Permit No. GR002RE, for the Continental Mine Closure/Closeout Plan (CCP) Update (Application). Chino provided proof of public notification of the application to MMD in a letter dated October 30, 2023, and MMD has determined the application to be administratively complete on November 6, 2023. The Application (assigned by MMD as Revision 23-1) for the Continental Mine permit proposes an updated CCP similar to the 2014 CCP with some differences, not limited to the following:
1. The 2023 Updated CCP is based on the constructed facilities as of 2023 and end of year
2026 for the Cobre Haul Road, Hanover Mountain Mine, and South Waste Rock Disposal
Facility (SWRDF). In the 2014 CCP, the Cobre Haul Road and Hanover Mountain Mine
were conceptual plans.
2. The 2023 Updated CCP's Reclamation Cost Estimate is based on unit costs in 2023 dollars
for end of year 2026, as the greatest anticipated reclamation cost or highest liability year out
of years 2023 to 2027.
3. The 2023 Updated CCP contemplates use of Cobre Haul Road and Santa Rita Mine's Upper
South Stockpile as sources for cover material. At the same time, an ongoing 2022 test plot
study is evaluating other cover material sources.
The intent of the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park (MVBSP) Restoration Project is to implement aquatic recovery measures in the Rio Grande Canalization Project (RGCP) that would satisfy U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) obligations for aquatic and riparian habitat restoration requirements determined in the Record of Decision (USIBWC 2009a). USIBWC shared the updated pre-final design plans and invited stakeholders (i.e., DGF) to submit comments.
5-Year Closeout Plan Revision, GCC Rio Grande Tijeras Mine and Mill
The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) received an application from GCC Rio Grande Tijeras Mine and Mill on June 12th, 2023 for a revision of their permit in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Pursuant to 19.10.5.505.B NMAC, MMD is requesting comments from your agency regarding the application. The application received from the operator can be downloaded from MMD's website.
5-year Closeout Plan Revision for Permit Application, No Agua Mine
The New Mexico Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) received an application from Imerys Perlite USA Inc. on July 28, 2023 for a revision of their permit in Taos County, New Mexico. Pursuant to 19.10.5.505.B NMAC, MMD is requesting comments from your agency regarding the application. The application received from the operator can be downloaded from MMD's website at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/mmd/ta005re-no-agua-mine-revision-23-1/.
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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