Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Environmental Impact Statement

Transcription

1 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwestern Region FINAL Scoping Report Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Environmental Impact Statement ` USDA Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest Santa Fe, New Mexico September 2015

2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC , or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page 1. INTRODUCTION Purpose of and Need for the Action Description of the Planning and Decision Area Goal of the EIS Overview of the Scoping Process and Scoping Report Scoping Activities Conducted Notice of Intent and Media Outreach Scoping Letter Scoping Meetings Collaboration and Consultation with Tribes SCOPING RESULTS Attendance at Scoping Meetings Comment Tracking Written Comments Scoping Comment Summary Method of Comment Collection and Analysis Summary of Public Comments by Category Summary of Public Comments by Resource Issues Identified FUTURE STEPS Summary of Future Steps and Public Participation Opportunities Contact Information APPENDICES A B C D E F Notice of Intent Press Releases Scoping Letter Scoping Document List of Commenters Comments by Process Category and Resource Category September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS i

4 TABLES Page Table 1-1 Media Coverage Table 2-1 Scoping Meetings Information Table 2-2 Comments by Process Category Table 2-3 Comments by Process Category FIGURE Page Figure 1-1 Geothermal Leasing Project Surface Administration ii Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

5 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ACEC Full Phrase Area of Critical Environmental Concern BLM BMP CEQ CFR DOI EIS IRA NEPA NFS NOI NPS ROD SFNF US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management best management practice Council on Environmental Quality Code of Federal Regulations US Department of the Interior environmental impact statement inventoried roadless area National Environmental Policy Act National Forest System Notice of Intent National Park Service Record of Decision Santa Fe National Forest September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS iii

6 Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank. iv Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

7 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION In 2008, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recommended, and the Assistant Secretary Land and Minerals Management approved, the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Geothermal Leasing in the Western United States. The Forest Service did not sign a ROD for the EIS. The EIS and ROD were prepared in accordance with the planning requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, and its implementing regulations at 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1600, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR, Parts 1500 through Decisions in the ROD identified those lands that are legally open or closed to consideration for geothermal leasing on affected National Forest System (NFS) lands. The ROD provided stipulations, best management practices (BMPs), and procedures for geothermal leasing and development. The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has determined that additional site-specific environmental analysis is needed to supplement the 2008 Geothermal Programmatic EIS so the Forest Service can amend the Santa Fe National Forest Plan to include appropriate management of geothermal resources. This will allow the Forest Service to make a decision about concurring with and consenting to the BLM leasing lands in the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) to develop geothermal resources. The SFNF will prepare an EIS to analyze the potential effects of geothermal development on 194,910 acres. The decision will be whether to proceed with geothermal leasing and, if so, under what stipulations. September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 1-1

8 1. Introduction 1.1 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE ACTION The purpose of the action is to determine if certain lands in the SFNF may be made available for geothermal leasing and, if so, to consent to leasing lands and to identify reasonable and necessary conditions to protect surface resources. The need for the action is twofold: (1) to allow the Forest Service to satisfy its respective statutory and policy mandates to respond to requests for the environmentally responsible development of energy resources and (2) to respond to other policy directives calling for clean and renewable energy. The US Geological Survey has identified approximately 194,000 acres of SFNF lands with significant geothermal potential. The BLM has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of this land for geothermal energy production. This action is needed because the SFNF Forest Plan, as amended, does not provide for the following: Allocate areas as open or closed to geothermal leasing Have adequate stipulations or BMPs to apply to geothermal leases to protect sensitive resources Assess the reasonably foreseeable development scenario While the current expressed interest in geothermal leasing does not constitute all 194,000 acres, the entire area plus an additional approximately 900 acres for power transmission will be considered in the analysis in the event of future interest. By incorporating all lands identified as containing significant geothermal potential under one EIS, the SFNF can address future nominations and applications and provide consent, or not, in a timely manner. 1.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANNING AND DECISION AREA The planning area encompasses approximately 194,910 acres, as follows: 26,212 privately owned acres 48 acres owned by state or other government entities 168,650 acres of NFS lands on the Coyote, Cuba, Espanola, and Jemez Ranger Districts of the SFNF (the decision area; see Figure 1-1, Geothermal Leasing Project Surface Administration) The decision area encompasses all NFS lands in the planning area. 1.3 GOAL OF THE EIS The Forest Service, as surface manager of NFS lands, works with the BLM to manage geothermal activities so that impacts on resources are minimized on NFS lands. The BLM is required to obtain concurrence from the Forest Service before issuing a lease on NFS lands (43 CFR, Part [a][2]). Therefore, the 1-2 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

9 1. Introduction Geothermal Leasing Project Surface Administration Coyote Ranger District T23N R1E 84 T23N R2E T23N R3E National Forest Service The geothermal decision area includes Forest Service administered land within the geothermal planning area T23N R4E National Park Service 96 U V Private Pueblo T23N R5E North Unit T22N R2E T22N R1E T22N R4E Bureau of Land Management Department of Defense Espanola Ranger District State Department of Energy State park or wildlife area T21N R1E Geothermal planning area T21N R3E T21N R2E T21N R4E Lease Interest Unit Ranger District T21N R5E Cuba Ranger District V U 565 V U 144 T20N R2E T20N R1E T20N R3E V U 126 V U 144 Middle Unit Espanola Ranger District T19N R2E T19N R3E T19N R1E T19N R4E V U U V T18N R1E JNRA Unit Jemez Ranger District T18N R3E South Unit 0 T17N R3E V U 485 V U 290 September Miles Figure 1-1 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS Source: Forest Service GIS 2015 September 02, 2015 SFNFGeo_intro_landstat_V02.pdf This product is reproduced from geospatial information prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southwest Region Santa Fe National Forest. The Forest Service makes no expressed or implied warranty, including warranty of merchantability and fitness, with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the data or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. The Forest Service reserves the right to correct, update, modify, or replace this geospatial information without notification. For more information, contact Santa Fe National Forest (505)

10 1. Introduction Forest Service is tasked with completing a NEPA analysis and ensuring that decisions are consistent with the SFNF Forest Plan before the BLM is provided with a consent. Based on the environmental analysis and disclosure in the EIS, the Forest Service will amend the SFNF Forest Plan, and then decide whether or not it will consent to BLM issuing leases on NFS lands. A consent determination can specify whether a lease will be subject to controlled surface use or no surface occupancy stipulations and timing limitation stipulations. 1.4 OVERVIEW OF THE SCOPING PROCESS AND SCOPING REPORT The SFNF is involving the public throughout the course of the EIS process. The public will have specific opportunities to comment during three phases of the project: Public scoping before NEPA analysis Public review and comment on the draft EIS Public review and comment on the final EIS This scoping report covers the first of these three stages of public involvement, herein referred to as scoping. Scoping is a public process designed to help the public agency with the responsibility for carrying out or approving a project (the lead agency) to determine the scope of issues and alternatives to be addressed in the EIS. This report documents the results of the public scoping phase of this project. The SFNF will use it to identify and address the key issues and concerns of the public in developing the draft EIS. 1.5 SCOPING ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED The formal public scoping comment period, as required by NEPA, began on May 13 and ended on June 26, Scoping included the following: Notice of Intent (NOI) published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2015 Media outreach, including press releases and a project website ( Scoping letter mailing to those on the project mailing list, including federal, state, and local agencies, Native American tribes, special interest groups, and landowners Public scoping meetings Collaboration and consultation with tribes The SFNF issued a press release on May 13, 2015, announcing its intent to prepare an EIS. The press release included a link to the NOI, which was published that day. On May 26, 2015, the SFNF issued a second press release 1-4 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

11 1. Introduction that included dates, times, and locations for the two scheduled public scoping meetings, as well as information on how written comments could be submitted. On June 8, 2015, a third press release was issued indicating the SFNF had extended the deadline for public comments on the scope of the environmental analysis from June 12 to June 26, 2015, to give the public more time to submit comments on the proposed project Notice of Intent and Media Outreach As defined under NEPA, the scoping period began with the publication of the NOI in the Federal Register on May 13, Included in the NOI entitled Santa Fe National Forest; New Mexico; Geothermal Leasing were the following: A note that the comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by June 12, 2015 (on June 8, 2015, the SFNF issued a news release indicating the scoping period was extended to June 26, 2015) An overview of the proposed action to consider making approximately 139,329 acres of NFS lands available for geothermal leasing Information on the purpose and need for action, the lead and cooperating agencies, the responsible official, and nature of decision to be made Information on how to submit comments SFNF contact information The purpose of the public scoping process The SFNF s May 13, 2015, press release included a link to the NOI, which was published that day. On May 26, 2015, the SFNF issued a second press release which included dates, times, and locations for the two schedule public scoping meetings, as well as information on how written comments could be submitted. On June 8, 2015, it issued a third press release indicating the SFNF had extended the deadline for public comments on the scope of the environmental analysis from June 12 to June 26, This extension was to give the public more time to submit comments on the proposed project. A copy of the NOI and the press releases distributed by the SFNF are included in Appendices A and B. Various media outlets published content covering the SFNF geothermal leasing EIS and scoping period. Table 1-1, Media Coverage, displays the source, title, and publication date of media coverage during the scoping period. September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 1-5

12 1. Introduction Table 1-1 Media Coverage Media Source Title Date of Publication The New Mexican Forest agency to study geothermal development impacts May 13, 2015 Think GeoEnergy New Mexico looks at impact of geothermal development May 15, 2015 on forest areas The New Mexican Public comments sought on geothermal development May 26, 2015 Jemez Daily Post Public meetings on geothermal energy development in the May 27, 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Jemez Daily Post Boom or Bust for out Sleepy Valley May 28, 2015 Jemez Daily Post Geothermal issue heats up May 31, 2015 KOB Eyewitness Residents want more input on geothermal projects in May 31, 2015 News 4 Santa Fe The New Mexican Meeting looks at tapping the Jemez Mountains for June 1, 2015 geothermal power KRQE News 13 Forest Service eyeing geo-thermal power sites June 2, 2015 Rio Arriba Concerned Leases Sought for Geothermal Energy Development in Rio June 3, 2015 Citizens Arriba County The New Mexican Forest Service extends geothermal comment period June 8, 2015 KUNM Public comment open on geothermal exploration June 10, 2015 Rio Arriba Concerned Public comment period on geothermal energy June 10, 2015 Citizens development extended to June 26, 2015 The New Mexican Our view: Geothermal? Potential heats up June 15, Scoping Letter On May 22, 2015, the SFNF ed a scoping letter and scoping document to federal, state, and local agencies, special interest groups, landowners, and other interested individuals. In addition, on May 26, 2015, the scoping letter and scoping document were mailed to tribal leaders and other personnel as part of the Forest s ongoing consultation with tribes for the geothermal leasing project. The letter also contained language soliciting tribal interest in participating under the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act. Hard copies of the scoping letter were also mailed to individuals with no address on file. The scoping letter provided an overview of the project and included dates and locations of the two public meetings and instructions for submitting written comments. The scoping document provided a more detailed description of the project: leasing background information, purpose and need for the action, decision to be made, preliminary issues, scoping process, analysis process, and figures showing the project area and proposed closures. A copy of the scoping letter is in Appendix C; Appendix D is a copy of the scoping document Scoping Meetings Public scoping meetings were held on June 1 in Cuba, New Mexico, and on June 2 in Santa Fe. SFNF staff were available at the meetings to answer questions from attendees, who were encouraged to submit written comments so that 1-6 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

13 1. Introduction their concerns could be accurately conveyed and formally addressed in the EIS. Comment forms were available at the meetings for attendees to fill out and either submit at the meeting or mail in later Collaboration and Consultation with Tribes The SFNF consults on a government-to-government basis with Native American tribes. This began before the scoping period and is ongoing. The SFNF consulted with the following federally recognized tribes in the region: Canoncito Navajo Chapter House Counselor Navajo Chapter House Crownpoint Navajo Chapter House Jicarilla Apache Nation Kewa Pueblo (Pueblo of Santo Domingo) Mescalero Apache Tribe Ohkay Owingeh Ojo Encino Navajo Chapter House Pueblo of Acoma Pueblo of Cochiti Pueblo of Isleta Pueblo of Jemez Pueblo of Laguna Pueblo of Nambé Pueblo of Picuris Pueblo of Pojoaque Pueblo of San Felipe Pueblo of San Ildefonso Pueblo of Santa Ana Pueblo of Santa Clara Pueblo of Taos Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo of Zia Pueblo of Zuni Pueblo Pintado Navajo Chapter House Ramah Navajo Chapter House September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 1-7

14 1. Introduction Southern Ute Tribe The Hopi Tribe The Navajo Nation Torreon Navajo Chapter House Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Whitehorse Lake Navajo Chapter House In addition to the scoping letter and scoping document that were sent to tribes on May 26, 2015, on October 14, 2014, before the start of the formal scoping period, the SFNF mailed a briefing paper to tribes, which provided an overview of the project and its current status. Additionally, the SFNF held meetings with tribes to present project-related information and answer questions. On May 26, 2015, scoping letters were sent to the above tribes describing the project, giving the date and times of the public meetings, and requesting consultation. On June 15, 2015, the tribes were notified that the scoping period had been extended to June 26, The SFNF requested information on issues or concerns with historic properties in the project area, under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 1-8 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

15 CHAPTER 2 SCOPING RESULTS 2.1 ATTENDANCE AT SCOPING MEETINGS The SFNF hosted two scoping meetings to provide the public with opportunities to become involved, to learn about the project and planning process, to meet the SFNF staff, and to offer comments. The public was notified of the open houses by news release, website, and mailings (see Table 2-1). Table 2-1 Scoping Meetings Information Venue Location Date Number of Attendees Cuba Ranger Station Cuba, New Mexico June 1, Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters Santa Fe, New Mexico June 2, Total Attendees 53 Note: All meetings were from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Scoping meetings began with a brief presentation, followed by a question and answer session, and concluded with an opportunity for attendees to view maps and discuss the project with SFNF personnel. Posters were displayed to help describe the planning process and planning area. Scoping comment forms and handouts describing the project were also available. As shown in Table 2-1, 53 people attended the scoping meetings, excluding SFNF and contractor personnel. 2.2 COMMENT TRACKING Comments were collected during the project scoping period, from May 13 through June 26, Comments were collected in writing through comment forms, letters, and . A total of 223 written submissions were received during the public scoping period, comprising 81 unique submissions, and one form letter. Most written submissions included more than one comment, so the 223 submissions (including form letters) yielded 904 discrete comments. September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-1

16 2. Scoping Results Submissions were received via , US Postal Service mail, and facsimile, or they were submitting in person at a public scoping meeting. A form letter campaign resulted in 142 written submissions. Letters that represented slight variations of the form letter, without significant additional information, were treated as form letters. When significant comments were added to the form letter, they were entered into the comment-tracking database. All written scoping comments received during the scoping period are documented and summarized in this scoping report. The SFNF will continue to accept comments throughout the NEPA process. The SFNF will consider comments received and evaluated when it formulates alternatives and during initial impact evaluations. 2.3 WRITTEN COMMENTS The 223 submissions received included those from the general public, nonprofit organizations, American Indian tribes, businesses, and government agencies. Appendix E is list of commenters and their associated organizations, if applicable. Some commenters submitted multiple comment letters. 2.4 SCOPING COMMENT SUMMARY Method of Comment Collection and Analysis All written submissions received were evaluated and are documented in this scoping report. The SFNF will consider, to the extent possible, all comments received during the EIS process when formulating alternatives for the EIS and during project planning. To ensure that public comments were considered and that none were overlooked, the SFNF developed a comment spreadsheet. Each written submission was logged and comments were numbered Summary of Public Comments by Category While some commenters addressed multiple issues, the SFNF assigned each comment to only one process category for analysis (see Appendix F). All comments received were classified into the following categories for this summary: Resource issue (comments related to a specific resource issue; this category is further defined by a resource code, as discussed below) Issues related to the timing or scope of the proposal or process (includes comments related to the date, location, or timing of scoping efforts and comments related to the purpose and need for the project) 2-2 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

17 2. Scoping Results Issues that have already been addressed through policy or administrative action or issues that the SFNF has already addressed but should be better communicated to those who raised them Issues not related to the scope of this planning analysis Implementation-level issues General issues related to the planning effort, including general statements about multiple resources Recommended studies or reports to review and requests for data Comments related to planning regulations Comments that propose a new alternative or aspects of an alternative Table 2-2 Comments by Process Category Process Category Number of Percent of Comments Comments Comments related to specific resource issues Comments related to the timing or scope of the proposal Issues already addressed but should be better communicated 33 4 Issues not related to the scope of this planning effort 29 3 Implementation level issues 8 1 General issues 81 9 Recommend studies or reports and requests for data 25 3 Comments related to planning regulations 15 2 Comments that propose a new alternative or aspects of an alternative Total % Comments Related to Specific Resource Issues Of the 904 comments received, 257 were related to a specific resource issue. These comments were further categorized by assigning a resource code and are summarized in Section Comments Related to the Timing or Scope of the Proposal Of the 904 comments received, 298 were related to the timing or scope of the proposal or process. Specifics of the comments are as follows: Questioned or commented on the timing of the project or suggested incorporating the proposal into the Forest Plan revision process September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-3

18 2. Scoping Results Questioned or commented on the scope of the proposal, including the size of the area under consideration Questioned the purpose and need for the project or discussed the commercial viability of past geothermal explorations in the region Issues Already Addressed but Should Be Better Communicated, or Issues Resolved through Policy or Administration Thirty-three of the comments received were about issues already addressed but that should be better communicated or about issues resolved through policy or administration. These included questions concerning remediation issues and those concerning the ability of the BLM to place additional stipulations and conditionals of approval on surface use of SFNF land. Noted concerns about notification methods, location, or timing of scoping meetings and deadlines for submitting comments Suggested consultation with other agencies or expressed concern about the timing and scope of consultation with other agencies Stated that scoping maps were unclear Issues not Related to the Scope of Planning and Analysis Twenty-nine of the 904 comments received were not related to the scoping of planning and analysis for the EIS. These included comments that were beyond the scope of this project or that were unrelated. Implementation-level issues Eight of the comments received were about implementation-level issues. These included comments concerning inspection and monitoring of operations, sitespecific developments and mitigation, energy sales, or other project-level decisions. General Comments Related to this Planning and Analysis Eighty-one of the comments were general and related to the planning and analysis for the EIS, as follows: General statements or questions concerning multiple resources General statements or questions regarding the scope of the project General comments in favor of or against geothermal leasing Recommended Studies or Reports to Review and Requests for Data Twenty-five of the commenters recommended studies or reports to review and requests for data, as follows: Recommended reports, studies, presentations, or other writings to review during the analysis process 2-4 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

19 2. Scoping Results Provided the names of geothermal experts in the region, as well as other resource experts Provided maps showing resources within the planning area Offered suggestions and resources for seismic monitoring Comments Related to Planning Regulations Fifteen of the comments were related to planning regulations. They cited specific laws, regulations, or policy that the SFNF should consider when preparing the EIS. Commenters cited authorities under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the 2012 National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and guidance, and other forest service directives and secretarial and executive orders. Comments that Propose a New Alternative or Aspect of an Alternative Of the 904 comments received, 158 proposed a new alternative or aspect of an alternative. These comments called for analyzing specific stipulations, areas that should be closed or withdrawn from leasing, or changes to the planning area boundaries Summary of Public Comments by Resource The SFNF further categorized comments by resource topics for analysis. Table 2-3 shows the number and proportion of comments received by resource category. A total of 258 resource comments were received. A summary of the comments by resource category is provided in this section; the actual comments by resource category are found in Appendix F. Table 2-3 Comments by Process Category Resource Issue Number of Percent of Resource Comments Comments Land use, recreation, and special designations (including 21 8 inventoried roadless areas) Geologic resources Energy and mineral resources 10 4 Water resources and quality Air quality and related values 9 4 Vegetation 2 1 Fish and wildlife 16 6 Threatened and endangered species and special status species 15 6 Livestock grazing 2 1 Cultural resources 4 2 Tribal interests and traditional cultural properties 21 8 Visual resources 4 2 September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-5

20 2. Scoping Results Table 2-3 Comments by Process Category Resource Issue Number of Percent of Resource Comments Comments Social interests, economics, and environmental justice 20 8 Health and safety 2 1 Noise 1 Less than 1 Transportation and access 18 7 Climate change 3 1 Fire 7 3 National Park Service values 8 3 Total % Land Use, Recreation, and Special Designations (Including Inventoried Roadless Areas) The SFNF received 21 comments on land use, recreation, and special designations, including inventoried roadless areas (IRAs). Comments were focused on impacts on recreational areas and impacts on IRAs. Comments on recreation included concerns of impacts on hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing. There were also concerns about impacts on hot springs, the Jemez Corridor National Recreation Area, national parks, national monuments, state parks, and state hatcheries. Comments regarding IRAs included recommendations that these areas be closed to leasing or be excluded from the area of analysis and concerns about impacts on other sensitive resources in IRAs. Commenters noted that, as part of the ongoing forest plan revision process, lands in the project area may be identified as IRAs in the future, in addition to the existing IRAs. There were additional concerns about impacts on adjacent wilderness areas, IRAs, and Areas of Environmental Concern (ACECs). Geologic Resources There were 40 comments on geologic resources. Many of these included concerns about seismic hazards, such as earthquakes and subsidence risk, and impacts on other resources that may result from induced seismicity. There were also concerns regarding geologic formations containing Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. Commenters suggested the analysis should consider previous geothermal exploration projects in the region and analyze impacts of fracking. Commenters also noted that seismic events may present heightened risks due to the proximity of the Abiquiu Dam and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Mitigation recommendations included the following: 2-6 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

21 2. Scoping Results Using existing seismicity data from the US Geological Survey and New Mexico seismic networks Future seismic monitoring Additional fault mapping Reducing reinjection pressures to a minimum Maintaining reservoir pressures to minimize steam formation and heat-flow increases Maintaining integrity of drill casing and use of proper drilling techniques Using binary systems or recharging groundwater with treated wastewater Energy and Mineral Resources The SFNF received ten comments on energy and mineral resources. These included recommendations that the forest service analyze three types of geothermal developments: conventional hydrothermal, direct use, and engineering geothermal systems (hot dry rock). There were comments saying the EIS should address the results of prior exploration in the area and whether sufficient production wells were ever previously found in the area. One commenter recommended that the EIS include a map of all known geothermal and oil and gas drilling in the focus area. Water Resources and Quality Fifty-four comments were on water resources and quality. Concerns about water resources were primarily focused on impacts on water quality and impacts on water quantity. Comments on water quality included concerns of water contamination/alteration from naturally radioactive elements in geologic formations and heavy metals, minerals, sedimentation, thermal fluids, and other pollutants. Comments on impacts on water quantity related to water sourcing and availability, water rights and allocations, water depletions, subterranean water flow changes, and aquifer depressions. Additional concerns were about impacts on the Abiquiu Reservoir and dam and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Habitat Stamp Program water projects. Recommendations included the following: Increased buffer sizes around water bodies Analysis of megawatt produced versus acre-feet of water needed for production September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-7

22 2. Scoping Results Avoidance of work within floodplains Identification of materials and chemicals injected into geothermal drill holes Analysis of proposed water sources, disposal of wastewater, and open versus closed loop systems Maintaining integrity of drill casing and use of proper drilling techniques Air Quality and Air Quality Related Values There were nine comments received on air quality and related values. Commenters noted the geothermal developments have the potential to generate toxic gases, greenhouse gases, and other emissions. There were also concerns about heavy metal deposition from water droplet evaporation. Commenters recommended the EIS should analyze different types of geothermal systems and their impacts on air quality, as well as indirect and cumulative impacts on wildlife and human health, particularly on tribes. One commenter suggested there should be a condition on leases to minimize odor impacts. Vegetation The SFNF received two comments on vegetation. One commenter noted that infrastructure development can remove vegetation, which can increase the rate of soil loss from erosion. One commenter noted that previous geothermal exploration in the region resulted in impacts on vegetation, such as invasive weed growth and spread and damage to mature trees. Fish and Wildlife Sixteen comments were on fish and wildlife. Commenters said the analysis should evaluate impacts on fish and wildlife associated with water depletions, changes in water quality, and displacement. Commenters also noted the analysis should include impacts on coldwater fisheries, wildlife corridors, critical wildlife habitat areas, and fish hatcheries. Comments also included concerns about adequacy of existing fish and wildlife protection stipulations and the need for updated assessments and stipulations. There were also concerns regarding changes in ground temperature and subsequent effects on wildlife. There were also questions on the long-term effects on wildlife and terrestrial and aquatic habitats after energy extraction has terminated and on the reclamation of geothermal infrastructure. Threatened and Endangered Species and Special Status Species There were fifteen comments on threatened and endangered species and special status species. Included were detailed concerns about impacts on specific species in the analysis area, including Mexican spotted owl, Jemez Mountain 2-8 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

23 2. Scoping Results salamander, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, Jemez woodland snail, and Rio Grande cutthroat trout. A list of additional species that could be affected by geothermal exploration and development was also provided. Some commenters recommended mitigation measures be implemented, such as trenching stipulations and a comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategy for all listed species. Other general concerns were on recreational and livestock displacement into or near species habitats and impacts on water quality and quantity that could affect special status fish species. One commenter requested a biological assessment be prepared and made available on the project website. Livestock Grazing Two of the comments were on livestock grazing. One commenter noted that impacts from geothermal leasing on grazing allotments should be analyzed and pasture layout and proximity to range improvements should be considered. The commenter encouraged consultation and coordination with permittees and landowners. One of the commenters said surface disturbance creates an opportunity for noxious and invasive plant species to become established, which could affect grazing allotment permittees, and that a weed control program should be developed. Cultural Resources The SFNF received four comments on cultural resources. One commenter said the leasing area contains extensive and intensive archaeological resources that would be destroyed by geothermal development. Another commenter said the Rio Chama watershed holds cultural values important to Native American and Hispano residents. One commenter recommended that all National Registereligible prehistoric properties be identified and avoided by geothermal leasing, and areas of high site densities be excluded from leasing. One comment noted that the boundaries of archeological sites within the Valles Caldera likely extend across to the analysis area. Tribal Interests and Traditional Cultural Properties Twenty-one comments related to tribal interests and traditional cultural properties were received. Most were submitted by tribes, but others were submitted by individuals not affiliated with a tribe. Comments included concerns about the impacts on traditional cultural properties and other areas of cultural importance to tribes. While some commenters provided specific details of traditional cultural sites, others noted that specific locations and uses cannot be discussed with outsiders. Comments stated geothermal energy development would impact ceremonial and religions practices and sacred sites. Commenters also stated opposition to geothermal leasing. September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-9

24 2. Scoping Results Several tribes requested continued consultation with the SFNF. After the close of the scoping period, additional comments were received by the Pueblos Council of Governors, requesting geothermal leasing closures and designation of the Jemez Mountains as a Traditional Cultural Property. Visual Resources There were four comments on visual resources. Three commenters were concerned with the visual impacts of power transmission lines. One comment was about the visual impacts of geothermal power plants, including the visibility of water vapor. Social Interests, Economics, and Environmental Justice The SFNF received twenty comments on social interests, economics, and environmental justice. Commenters stated that there could be impacts on tourism and local businesses, such as hot springs. Commenters noted that more public services may be required, which the community may not be able to provide on a short notice; they said that the effects on community resources should be analyzed. Commenters expressed concerns that jobs would not be given to New Mexican residents or that economic instability could result from hirings followed by layoffs. Other concerns included lowered property values. A disparate impact study concerning environmental justice communities was also requested. Health and Safety There were two comments on health and safety. One comments was concerned with the chemical additions to hydraulic fracturing fluids and the health effects of these chemicals. One comment stated that geothermal exploration and development could have health and safety effects though increased traffic, effects on access roads, and impacts on air quality. Noise The SFNF received one comment on noise. The commenter stated that a geothermal energy plant, as well as traffic to and from the plant, may result in noise pollution. Transportation and Access Eighteen comments were on transportation and access. They included concerns about increased traffic, damage to highways, damage to buildings from vehicle vibrations, reduced public access, trespass, general impacts associated with new road construction, and increased demand for other transportation corridors. Commenters also questioned if vehicles associated with geothermal exploration and development would be subject to motor vehicle use restrictions Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

25 2. Scoping Results Climate Change Three comments were received on climate change. One commenter questioned how a steam plant could affect weather. Other comments were concerning greenhouse gas emissions and microclimatic effects (e.g., increased fog, clouds, or rainfall). Fire The SFNF received seven comments on fire. The commenters were concerned about the risk of wildfire associated with geothermal developments, such as transmission lines and super-heated pipelines. Commenters also recommended reducing the risk of wildfire by the following means: Using underground lines or aboveground insulated lines Establishing wide power line easements with clear guidelines for vegetation management Requiring compliance with SFNF, county, and state fire restrictions National Park Service Values There were eight comments on NPS values. Most were submitted by the NPS, but others were submitted by individuals not affiliated with the NPS. They included components of other issues and resources, such as geologic resources, and water quality; however, the commenters focused specifically on NPS lands or values. Commenters noted that geothermal drilling and production operations could adversely affect natural, cultural, and sensory resource values of the Bandelier National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve. Commenters identified potential impacts in the context of NPS lands, as follows: Water contamination Thermal features Ground subsidence Induced seismicity Microclimatic effects Hydrothermal eruptions Fish and wildlife, including special status species Sensory resources Public access Cultural landscapes Noxious weeds Air quality- and quantity-related values Socioeconomic effects September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-11

26 2. Scoping Results Health and safety of park visitors Climate change Increased risk of fire in the parks In addition, the NPS requested to serve as a cooperating agency on the project. 2.5 ISSUES IDENTIFIED NEPA requires federal agencies to focus analysis and documentation on the issues related to a proposed action. Issues are points of discussion, debate, or dispute about the effects of implementing the proposed action. An issue may also address whether the project would achieve the desired outcomes (the purpose and need). Other issues are decision criteria from the responsible official or legal requirements, such as those of the Endangered Species Act. Issues are used to develop alternatives and mitigation measures that reduce unwanted effects and to evaluate and compare the effects of the different alternatives. The following is a preliminary list of issues for the SFNF to consider during development of the draft EIS. They are based on the comments received during the public scoping process. This scoping report does not make any decision, nor does it change current management. Issues related to the timing and scope of the proposal will be evaluated in the purpose and need section of the EIS; those related to resources or resource uses will be evaluated in the affected environment and environmental consequences sections of the EIS. Additional issues may come to light at any time. Timing and Scope of the Proposal Issue Is the timing and scope of the proposal appropriate considering 1) the size of the planning area relative to expression of interest area and 2) the ongoing forest plan revision process? Issue Considering previous geothermal exploration in the region, how viable is commercial geothermal development in the planning area? Issue Are there other agencies besides the BLM that should serve as cooperating agencies on this project? Land Use, Recreation, and Special Designations (Including IRAs) Issue How would geothermal leasing impact IRAs and sensitive resources in IRAs? Issue How would geothermal leasing impact adjacent wilderness areas, lands with wilderness characteristics, IRAs, and ACECs or other special designations? 2-12 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

27 2. Scoping Results Issue How would geothermal leasing affect recreation in the planning area? How would geothermal leasing affect the Jemez Corridor National Recreation Area and other nearby recreation areas managed by other federal or state agencies? Geologic Resources Issue What are the impacts on geologic resources from geothermal developments? Could there be increased risk for induced seismicity or other geologic hazards as a result of geothermal leasing? If so, what are the indirect effects of geologic hazards, considering the proximity of the Abiquiu Dam and Los Alamos National Laboratory? Issue Is baseline seismic monitoring or additional fault mapping required to determine the risks of induced seismicity or other geologic hazards associated with geothermal exploration or development? Water Resources and Quality Issue How would geothermal leasing affect surface and subsurface water quantity? Would geothermal leasing change or reduce water allocations for other uses? What are the short- and long-term effects on the regional aquifer? Issue How would geothermal leasing affect water quality, and what size buffers are necessary to protect surface waters? How might these effects differ, depending on the type of geothermal system? Issue How would geothermal leasing affect the Abiquiu Reservoir and dam and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Habitat Stamp Program water projects? Air Quality and Air Quality Related Values Issue How would gases and emissions from geothermal leasing be monitored and controlled, and how would residual waste accumulations from air emission management be disposed of? Issue What are the effects of odors from geothermal leasing, and how would these affect receptors in the planning area? Vegetation Issue How would vegetation loss from geothermal leasing affect soil erosion? Issue How would noxious and invasive weeds be managed in geothermal leasing areas? Fish and Wildlife Issue What are the short- and long-term effects of geothermal leasing on coldwater fisheries, wildlife corridors, critical wildlife habitat areas, fish September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-13

28 2. Scoping Results hatcheries, and other important or sensitive fish and wildlife habitats in the planning area? Threatened and Endangered Species and Special Status Species Issue What are the effects of geothermal leasing on the Mexican spotted owl, Jemez Mountain salamander, New Mexico meadow jumping mouse, Jemez woodland snail, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and other threatened and endangered or special status species in the planning area? What stipulations and mitigation measures are necessary to protect these species? Issue Would geothermal leasing displace other resource uses on the forest, such as recreation and livestock grazing, into or near threatened and endangered species or special status species habitats? Livestock Grazing Issue How would geothermal leasing affect grazing allotments and grazing forage? Cultural Resources Issue How would cultural resources be affected by geothermal leasing, and how would these effects be managed? Tribal Interests and Traditional Cultural Properties Issue How would traditional cultural properties and tribal interests be affected by geothermal leasing, including those in confidential locations, and how would those effects be managed? What are the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of other resource impacts on tribal interests? Visual Resources Issue What are the visual impacts associated with geothermal leasing, including construction of transmission lines and water vapor from geothermal plants? Social Interests, Economics and Environmental Justice Issue How would geothermal leasing affect tourism, local businesses, property values, and community services? Issue Would geothermal leasing result in disparate impacts on communities, tribes, or other populations? Health and Safety Issue What are the health and safety risks of geothermal leasing? How would geothermal leasing affect drinking water, considering the regional geology? Noise Issue What are the impacts of increased noise in the planning area? 2-14 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

29 2. Scoping Results Transportation and Access Issue How would increased traffic affect residents, visitors, and other forest users? What would the impacts be on road conditions and adjacent buildings as a result of increased traffic? Issue How would geothermal leasing affect public access to the SFNF? Climate Change Issue How would the SFNF address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions from geothermal leasing? Issue Would geothermal leasing affect regional weather conditions? Fire Issue What stipulations and mitigation measures are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire associated with geothermal energy transmission? National Park Service Values Issue How would geothermal leasing affect the natural, cultural, and sensory resource values of the Bandelier National Monument and Valles Caldera National Preserve, and what stipulations and mitigation measures are necessary to protect these values? September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 2-15

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31 CHAPTER 3 FUTURE STEPS 3.1 SUMMARY OF FUTURE STEPS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES In considering public comments, the SFNF will develop a range of preliminary reasonable alternatives that it will evaluate to determine which alternatives should be studied in detail in the EIS. Once the alternatives have been developed, the studies and level of detail to be addressed for each of the issues will be determined. Data and information will be compiled from existing sources, and, in some cases, new data may be collected. Then the impacts that could result from implementing any of the alternatives will be analyzed, and measures to mitigate those impacts will be identified. The findings will be documented in a draft EIS, which will be made available for public review. Currently it is scheduled for publication in late March The availability of the draft EIS will be announced in the Federal Register and will be advertised in the local and regional media. Public comments will be accepted for a minimum of 45 days, during which public meetings or hearings will be held to receive comments on the adequacy of the draft EIS. The SFNF will review the comments and prepare responses to each. The document may or may not be modified based on public comments. In any case, all comments and responses will be incorporated into the final EIS. The final EIS will also be made available for the public to review for a period of 45 days, expected in December The availability of the final EIS will be announced in the Federal Register and will be advertised in local and regional media. Following the 45-day period, the SFNF will issue a ROD. September 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS 3-1

32 3. Future Steps 3.2 CONTACT INFORMATION The public is invited and encouraged to participate throughout the development of the EIS. Some ways to participate are as follows: Reviewing the progress of the EIS at the project website ( which will be updated with information, documents, and announcements throughout the preparation of the EIS Requesting to be added to or to remain on the official project mailing list in order to receive future mailings and information Anyone wishing to be added to or removed from the distribution list or requesting further information may 3-2 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing EIS September 2015

33 Appendix A Notice of Intent

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35 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2015 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to both FSIS, at the addresses provided above, and the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC Responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at: Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to discrimination any person in the United States under any program or activity conducted by the USDA. How To File a Complaint of Discrimination To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at docs/2012/complain_combined_6_8_ 12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you or your authorized representative. Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC , Fax: (202) program.intake@usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), should contact USDA s TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). Done at Washington, DC, on: May 8, Alfred V. Almanza, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc Filed ; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410 DM P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest; New Mexico; Geothermal Leasing AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. SUMMARY: The Santa Fe National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement to analyze the potential effects of geothermal development on 194,910 acres. The decision will be whether to proceed with geothermal leasing and, if so, under what stipulations. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by June 12, The draft environmental impact statement is expected in January, 2016 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in October, ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Geothermal EIS Project, Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM Comments may also be sent via to commentssouthwestern-santafe@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Gore, Forest Geologist, via at ldgore@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf VerDate Sep<11> :27 May 12, 2015 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) lands for exploration and development for geothermal energy production. The SFNF must decide whether these lands are available for leasing by the BLM and, if so, under what stipulations for protection of surface resources. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified approximately 194,000 acres of SFNF lands with significant geothermal potential. While the current expressed interest is for only a portion of this area, the entire area plus an additional approximately 900 acres for power transmission will be considered in the analysis in the event of future similar interest. Proposed Action Approximately 139,329 acres of the SFNF lands within the project area would be allocated as open to geothermal leasing subject to existing laws, regulations, formal orders and stipulations attached to the lease form, and the terms and conditions of the standard lease form. Stipulations proposed include: no surface occupancy; controlled surface use; and timing limitations. Lead and Cooperating Agencies The Forest Service, Santa Fe National Forest, is the lead agency and the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, is a cooperating agency in this analysis. Responsible Official The responsible official is the Forest Supervisor of the Santa Fe National Forest. Nature of Decision To Be Made The decision will be whether to implement the action as proposed, implement an alternative which allows leasing under different stipulations or conditions, or not to implement the action. If the decision is to authorize leasing, that decision with associated stipulations and conditions will become an amendment to the Santa Fe National Forest Plan or will become a part of the Revised Forest Plan. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the

36 27286 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 92 / Wednesday, May 13, 2015 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES development of the environmental impact statement. Two public meetings will be held to discuss the proposed action and solicit public input. One meeting will be held in Santa Fe, NM and one in the Cuba, NM area. Time and location of these meetings will be announced and posted on the forest s Web site at: santafe/alerts-notices. The complete Proposed Action, with accompanying maps and descriptions of proposed stipulations, will also be posted at that Web site at: projects/santafe/landmanagement/ projects. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer s concerns and contentions. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered, however. Dated: May 4, Maria T. Garcia, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc Filed ; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B ] Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) 83 Huntsville, Alabama; Notification of Proposed Production Activity, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc., (Motor Vehicle Engines and Transmissions), Huntsville, Alabama Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. (TMMAL), an operator of FTZ 83, submitted a notification of proposed production activity to the FTZ Board for its facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. The notification conforming to the requirements of the regulations of the FTZ Board (15 CFR ) was received on April 14, A separate request for subzone designation at the TMMAL facilities will be submitted and processed under Section of the FTZ Board s regulations. The facilities are used for the production of spark-ignition engines, transmissions and related components for passenger motor vehicles. Pursuant to 15 CFR (b), FTZ activity would be limited to the specific foreign-status materials and components and specific finished products described in the submitted notification (as described below) and subsequently authorized by the FTZ Board. Production under FTZ procedures could exempt TMMAL from customs duty payments on the foreign status components used in export production. On its domestic sales, TMMAL would be able to choose the duty rate during customs entry procedures that applies to passenger motor vehicle engines, transmissions and related components (2.5%) for the foreign status inputs noted below. Customs duties also could possibly be deferred or reduced on foreign status production equipment. The components sourced from abroad include: Plastic labels; plastic oil filler caps/clamps/oil seal rings; steel fittings/ plugs/screws/bolts/pins/spring washers/ hose clips; drain cock assemblies; valve levers; bearings (tapered roller, thrust, races, crank); flywheel subassemblies; pulleys; sprockets; key guides; washers (crankshaft); oil pressure switches; crank position sensors; and, wiring harnesses (duty rate ranges from 2.6 to 8.5%). Public comment is invited from interested parties. Submissions shall be addressed to the FTZ Board s Executive Secretary at the address below. The closing period for their receipt is June 22, A copy of the notification will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Executive Secretary, Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Room 21013, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC , and in the Reading Room section of the FTZ Board s Web site, which is accessible via For further information, contact Pierre Duy at Pierre.Duy@trade.gov or (202) Dated: April 29, Andrew McGilvray, Executive Secretary. [FR Doc Filed ; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510 DS P VerDate Sep<11> :27 May 12, 2015 Jkt PO Frm Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM 13MYN1 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Meeting of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board AGENCY: International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of an open meeting. SUMMARY: The United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (Board) will hold an open meeting on Monday, June 1, The Board was re-chartered in August 2013, to advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the travel and tourism industry. During this meeting, the Board will deliberate and potentially adopt a letter to the Secretary outlining the Board s priority recommendations. Board members will also hear an update from the working group formed to provide advice on the achievement of the national goal of improving the international arrivals and entry process for travelers to the United States. The agenda may change to accommodate Board business. The final agenda will be posted on the Department of Commerce Web site for the Board at trade.gov/ttab, at least one week in advance of the meeting. DATES: Monday, June 1, 2015, tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. and open for public comments. The exact start and end times may change to accommodate participants schedules; please check the Web site for the final agenda one week in advance of the meeting. The deadline for members of the public to register, including requests to make comments during the meetings and for auxiliary aids, or to submit written comments for dissemination prior to the meeting, is 5 p.m. EDT on May 25, ADDRESSES: Orange County Convention Center, 9899 International Drive, Orlando, Florida Guests are requested to register one week in advance by sending an to Niara.Phillips@trade.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Niara Phillips, the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Room 4043, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230, telephone: , niara.phillips@ trade.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The Board advises the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the U.S. travel and tourism industry.

37 Appendix B Press Releases

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39 6/25/2015 Santa Fe News & Events United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest Forest Service Home About the Agency Contact the National Office Search Site Map Santa Fe Home Go Santa Fe National Forest To Conduct Environmental Analysis on Geothermal Energy Development Release Date: May 13, 2015 Contact(s): Julie Anne Overton: (505) Alerts & Warnings Fire Affected Trails in the Pecos Wilderness Forest Closures and Restrictions Be Bear Aware Special Places Recreation Santa Fe National Forest To Conduct Environmental Analysis on Geothermal Energy Development View All Forest Alerts Alerts & Notices Passes & Permits Maps & Publications Land & Resources Management Learning Center Working Together About the Forest News & Events Contact Information Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM Phone: (505) Fax: (505) Fire Info Hotline: (877) 971 FIRE (3473) Forest Map SANTA FE, NM May 13, 2015 For Immediate Release. The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) today announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to determine the potential effects of geothermal energy development on land within Forest boundaries. The Notice of Intent (NOI) was published in today s Federal Register. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified approximately 195,000 acres within the boundaries of the SFNF with significant geothermal potential. To date, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of SFNF land for geothermal exploration and development. The BLM manages the subsurface resources on all federal land. The EIS, which will assess both the physical and social impacts of any proposed development, is a required first step in the Forest Service s decision making process on whether to open SFNF lands to geothermal leasing. Public input gathered during both the scoping and comment periods will become part of the project record and inform the Forest s final decision. Two meetings will be scheduled soon, one in Santa Fe and the second in the Cuba, NM, area. The SFNF will notify the public of the meeting times and locations when arrangements are finalized. Of the project area identified by USGS, approximately 30,000 acres, including the Jemez National Recreation Area and the East Fork of the Jemez River, which has been events/?cid=stelprd /2

40 6/25/2015 Santa Fe News & Events Ranger District Information Contact Us designated a federal Wild and Scenic River, are closed to leasing by statute. The Forest Service also has discretionary authority to prohibit leasing to protect special resources. In the proposed project area, that would include the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway, the Jemez Historic Site National Landmark and the Monument Canyon Research Natural Area, as well as SFNF administrative sites in the area. The EIS will also help the Forest Service determine appropriate limitations on exploration and development needed to protect other land uses and surface resources in areas open to leasing. That would include critical habitat for endangered species, water resources, cultural and archeological sites, and developed recreational facilities. The SFNF has contracted with Environmental Management and Planning Solutions, Inc. (EMPSi) to perform the analysis for the EIS. EMPSi, a consulting firm focused on environmental compliance and permitting for complex projects, has worked on several Forest Service and BLM projects, including geothermal proposals. The Forest has also hired DMG Four Corners Research, Inc. to conduct an ethnographic survey of the Jemez Mountain area as part of the social impact assessment required under NEPA. The SFNF expects to complete a draft EIS by January 2016 and a final EIS by October Additional information on the NOI is available on the Schedule of Proposed Actions, and information on public meetings and other venues for public input will be posted on the SFNF website under Alerts and Notices. # # # USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Forest Service Home USDA.gov recreation.gov USA.gov Whitehouse.gov Plug Ins FOIA Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Important Notices Information Quality events/?cid=stelprd /2

41 6/25/2015 Santa Fe News & Events United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest Forest Service Home About the Agency Contact the National Office Search Site Map Santa Fe Home Special Places Recreation Alerts & Notices Passes & Permits Maps & Publications Land & Resources Management Learning Center Working Together About the Forest News & Events Contact Information Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM Phone: (505) Fax: (505) Fire Info Hotline: (877) 971 FIRE (3473) Forest Map Go Public Meetings on Geothermal Energy Development Scheduled for June 1 and 2; Public Comments Accepted through June 12 Release Date: May 26, 2015 Contact(s): Julie Anne Overton: (505) Public Meetings on Geothermal Energy Development Scheduled for June 1 and 2; Public Comments Accepted through June 12 SANTA FE, NM May 26, 2015 For Immediate Release. The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has scheduled two public meetings to solicit input on the potential effects of geothermal energy development on land within Forest boundaries. Interested individuals are invited to learn more about the geothermal leasing proposal by attending the public scoping meetings scheduled on the following dates: Monday, June 1, 2015 Tuesday, June 2, :00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Cuba Ranger Station Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 04b County Road Forest Lane Cuba, NM Santa Fe, NM The U.S. Geological Survey has identified approximately 195,000 acres within the boundaries of the SFNF with significant geothermal potential, and the Bureau of Land Management has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of SFNF land for geothermal exploration and development. The Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed geothermal leasing project as part of the decision making process on whether to open SFNF lands to geothermal leasing. The EIS will include issues raised at the public meetings and in public comments received through June 12, Alerts & Warnings Fire Affected Trails in the Pecos Wilderness Forest Closures and Restrictions Be Bear Aware View All Forest Alerts events/?cid=stelprd /2

42 6/25/2015 Santa Fe News & Events Ranger District Information Contact Us Written comments may be sent via to comments via facsimile to , or via postal service to: Geothermal EIS Project Santa Fe National Forest 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM The public meetings will include a brief presentation on the proposed geothermal leasing project and will give the public an opportunity to view maps and discuss the proposed action with Forest Service personnel. Additional information on the geothermal leasing proposal and project documents are posted on the Schedule of Proposed Actions, and information on the public meetings is posted on the SFNF website under Alerts and Notices. # # # USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Forest Service Home USDA.gov recreation.gov USA.gov Whitehouse.gov Plug Ins FOIA Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Important Notices Information Quality events/?cid=stelprd /2

43 8/5/2015 Santa Fe News & Events United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest Forest Service Home About the Agency Contact the National Office Search Site Map Santa Fe Home Special Places Recreation Alerts & Notices Passes & Permits Maps & Publications Land & Resources Management Learning Center Working Together About the Forest News & Events Contact Information Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM Phone: (505) Fax: (505) Fire Info Hotline: (877) 971 FIRE (3473) Forest Map Go Scoping Period on Geothermal Energy Development Extended to June 26 Release Date: Jun 9, 2015 Scoping Period on Geothermal Energy Development Extended to June 26 SANTA FE, NM June 8, 2015 For Immediate Release. The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has extended the deadline for public comments on the scope of the environmental analysis on the potential impact of geothermal energy development on Forest Service land from June 12 to June 26, The two week extension is in response to requests received at public scoping meetings on June 1 and 2 to give the public more time to submit comments on the proposed project. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified approximately 195,000 acres within the boundaries of the SFNF with significant geothermal potential, and the Bureau of Land Management has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of SFNF land for geothermal exploration and development. The Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed geothermal leasing project as part of the decision making process on whether to open certain SFNF lands to geothermal leasing. The EIS will include issues raised at the public meetings and in public comments received through June 26. Written comments may be sent via to comments southwesternsantafe@fs.fed.us, via facsimile to , or via postal service to: Geothermal EIS Project Santa Fe National Forest 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM Additional information on the geothermal leasing proposal and project documents are posted on the Schedule of Proposed Actions and on the SFNF website under Alerts and Notices. Alerts & Warnings Fire Affected Trails in the Pecos Wilderness Forest Closures and Restrictions Be Bear Aware View All Forest Alerts events/?cid=stelprd /2

44 8/5/2015 Santa Fe News & Events Ranger District Information Contact Us # # # USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Forest Service Home USDA.gov recreation.gov USA.gov Whitehouse.gov Plug Ins FOIA Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Important Notices Information Quality events/?cid=stelprd /2

45 Appendix C Scoping Letter

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47

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49 I CP)A United States Forest Santa Fe NationalForest Supervisor's Office Department of Service 11 Forest Lane Agriculture Santa Fe, NM FAX: File Code: 1920; 2820; 2360 Date: May 26, 2015 Dear Tribal Official: The Santa Fe National Forest is hosting public meetings to collect public comments on the proposed Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project, which will evaluate the suitability of geothermal leasing on 194,910 acres on the Coyote, Cuba, Espanola, and Jemez Ranger Districts in New Mexico. The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the potential effects of geothermal development. The Forest Service will decide what lands are available for leasing by the BLM and, if so, under what stipulations for protection of surface resources. You are receiving this letter because we are soliciting comments from tribal communities on this project as we begin the scoping process. A result of scoping will be the identification of issues raised by the public. These issues will be used to focus the analysis of the EIS and generate additional action alternatives if needed. These alternatives will be analyzed within the EIS in addition to the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. Tribal communities are invited to submit comments through June 12, In addition to consulting with your community as part of scoping for the National Environmental Policy Act we are also asking if there are issues or concerns with historic properties in the project area under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If your community wishes to participate as a consulting party under 36 CFR 800.2(c)(2){ii) please notify Larry Gore, Project Manager ( ; lgore@fs.fed.us). or J. Michael Bremer, Forest Heritage Program Lead ( ; mbremer@fs.fed.us). Two public meetings will be held to discuss the proposed action and solicit public input. One meeting will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico and one in the Cuba, New Mexico area. Interested parties are invited to learn more about the leasing project proposal by attending any of the two upcoming Public Scoping Meetings. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM and will include a brief presentation and an opportunity to view maps and discuss the proposed action with Forest Service personnel. The dates and locations are as follows: Monday June 1, 2015 Tuesday, June 2, 2015 Cuba Ranger Station Santa Fe National Forest Santa Fe National Forest 04b County Road 11 Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Cuba, NM Santa Fe, NM (575) (505) Caring for the Land and Serving People Primed on Recycled pajwr \9

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51 Appendix D Scoping Document

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53 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwest Region Scoping Document Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project USDA Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest Santa Fe, New Mexico May 2015

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55 Table of Contents 1. Comments Welcome Location Leasing Background Information Purpose Of and Need for Action The Proposed Action Decision to be Made Preliminary Issues Scoping Process Analysis Process Contact... 6 Figures Figure 1: Geothermal Leasing EIS Project Area... 7 Figure 2: Non-Discretionary and Discretionary Closures... 8

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57 1. Comments Welcome The Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) welcomes your comments on the Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project, which will address geothermal leasing on certain National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Santa Fe National Forest. The Programmatic EIS (PEIS) for Geothermal Leasing in the Western United States (2008) analyzed the effect of allocating lands for geothermal leasing exploration and development in the Western United States. The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service) has determined that additional site-specific environmental analysis is needed to supplement the PEIS in order for the Forest Service to make a decision about providing concurrence/consent 1 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to lease lands in the Santa Fe National Forest for the purpose of developing geothermal resources. The SFNF will prepare an environmental impact statement to analyze the potential effects of geothermal development on 194,910 acres. The decision will be whether to proceed with geothermal leasing and, if so, under what stipulations. The Forest Service is now seeking public comments specific to the scope of the analysis of the proposed Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project. Comments concerning the range of issues, impacts, and alternatives that should be evaluated in the environmental analysis must be received by June 12, The draft environmental impact statement is expected in January 2016, and the final environmental impact statement is expected in October Location The project area is approximately 194,910 acres, of which approximately 26,212 acres are privately owned, approximately 48 acres are owned by state or other government entities, and approximately 168,650 acres are NFS lands. This includes lands on the Coyote, Cuba, Espanola, and Jemez Rangers Districts of the SFNF (Figure 1: Geothermal Leasing EIS Project Area). 3. Leasing Background Information The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law , August 8, 2005) establishes a goal for the Secretary of the Interior to approve 10,000 megawatts of electricity from non-hydropower renewable energy projects located on public lands. This includes solar, wind, and geothermal. Further, Secretarial Order 3285A1, amended February 22, 2010, establishes the development of environmentally responsible renewable energy as a Department of the Interior priority. The BLM is the Department of the Interior agency that issues geothermal leases. The Forest Service provides consent to the BLM for leases that have been nominated but does not issue geothermal leases. The Forest Service has obligations under Section 225 of the Energy Policy Act to facilitate the development and production of geothermal energy. Geothermal phases that may occur on National Forest System lands are sequential and can include 1) the applicant acquiring a lease, 2) exploring through geophysical techniques and exploratory wells, 3) developing the field through additional wells if an economic discovery is made, and 4) establishing 1 For purpose of this document, the words consent and concurrence have the same meaning. Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project 1

58 Scoping Document production through a plant, gathering pipelines, and a distribution network. Leasing regulations state that a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis will be carried out at each phase. Issuing leases does not authorize ground-disturbing activities. Future proposals for exploration, development, or production operations would be subject to the appropriate NEPA review before activities are approved for each phase. Consistent with the rights conferred by the lease, future development proposals may be conditioned to minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources. 4. Purpose Of and Need for Action The BLM has received expressions of interest in leasing approximately 46,000 acres of Santa Fe National Forest lands for exploration and development for geothermal energy production. The Forest Service must decide whether these lands are available for leasing by the BLM and, if so, under what stipulations for protection of surface resources. The US Geological Survey has identified approximately 194,000 acres of SFNF lands with significant geothermal potential. While the current expressed interest is for only a portion of this area, the entire area plus an additional approximately 900 acres for power transmission will be considered in the analysis in the event of future similar interest. 5. The Proposed Action The Forest Service has determined that certain lands within the project area are excluded from geothermal leasing on the basis of existing laws, regulations (see 43 CFR ), and Executive Orders. These nondiscretionary closures include the following lands: Wilderness Areas (none in the project area) Jemez National Recreation Area (approximately 28,850 acres) East Fork of the Jemez River Designated Wild River under the Wild and Scenic River Act, including a corridor 0.25 mile from the high water mark on either side of the river (approximately 1,162 acres within the Jemez National Recreation Area) In addition to nondiscretionary closures, the Forest Service has the administrative authority to issue discretionary closures to protect special resource values. About 29,321 acres of NFS lands would be closed (by law, regulations, or other authority) to geothermal leasing within the project area. This represents about 17 percent of the NFS lands in the project area. Figure 1 shows the location of the project area, and Figure 2 shows the no-leasing areas. Approximately 139,329 acres of the SFNF lands within the project area would be allocated as open to geothermal leasing subject to existing laws, regulations, formal orders, and stipulations attached to the lease form, and the terms and conditions of the standard lease form. Stipulations proposed include no surface occupancy, controlled surface use, and timing limitations. Lease stipulations are major or moderate constraints applied to a new geothermal lease. A lease stipulation is a condition of lease issuance that provides a level of protection for other resource values or land uses by restricting lease operation during certain times or at certain locations or by mitigating unacceptable impacts, to an extent greater than the standard lease terms or conditions. A stipulation is an 2 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project

59 Scoping Document enforceable term of the lease contract, supersedes any inconsistent provisions of the standard lease form, and is attached to and made a part of the lease. Lease stipulations further implement the Forest Service and BLM s regulatory authority to protect resources or resource values. No Surface Occupancy (NSO) stipulations are considered a major constraint as they do not allow for surface development. For example, a lessee of a NSO area must develop any surface infrastructure outside the NSO area and would need to use advanced technology, such as directional drilling, to access the geothermal resource under the NSO area. An NSO is appropriate when the standard terms and conditions, conditional surface use stipulations and timing limitations, and best management practices for permit approval are determined to be insufficient to achieve the resource protection objectives. In areas where an NSO stipulation is deemed overly restrictive, but where standard lease terms and permit-level decisions are deemed insufficient to protect the resources, the Forest Service would apply controlled surface use (CSU) stipulations or timing limitation (TL) stipulations to leases. A CSU allows the Forest Service to require any future activity or development be modified or relocated from the proposed location if necessary to achieve resource protection. The project applicant will be required to submit a plan to meet the resource management objectives through special design, construction, operation, mitigation, or reclamation measures, and/or relocation. Unless the plan is approved, no surface occupancy would be allowed on the lease. In general, timing limitations are used to protect resources that are sensitive to disturbance during certain periods. Such stipulations are generally applicable to specific areas, seasons, and resources. They are commonly applied to wildlife activities and habitat, such as winter range for deer and elk, nesting habitat for raptors and migratory birds, and wildlife breeding areas. Timing limitations would be applied by the authorizing officer as appropriate for the specific lease areas. The Forest Service s first priority is to mitigate impacts onsite during the exploration, drilling, utilization, or reclamation and abandonment of geothermal resources. The Forest Service will require project-specific mitigation measures, referred to as best management practices, to be used during any surface-disturbing activity. When the Forest Service determines that impacts cannot be mitigated to an acceptable level onsite, it may be necessary to deny the permit, ask the applicant to modify the proposal, or mitigate remaining impacts offsite. Best management practices may be incorporated into the permit application by the lessee or may be included in the approved use authorization by the BLM as conditions of approval. Conditions of approval are not lease stipulations, but they are site-specific and enforceable requirements to minimize, mitigate, or prevent impacts on resource values from an intended operation. Conditions of approval can limit or amend the specific actions proposed by the operator. Mitigation measures, including lease stipulations and conditions of approval, as well as the general operation of geothermal developments, would be monitored by the lessee and the appropriate federal agency to ensure their continued effectiveness through all phases of development. Using adaptive management strategies, where mitigation measures are determined to be ineffective at meeting the desired resource conditions, the BLM and Forest Service would take steps to determine the cause and require the operator to take corrective action. This information would also be used to inform future geothermal leasing and development. Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project 3

60 Scoping Document 6. Decision to be Made The decision will be whether to implement the action as proposed, implement an alternative which allows leasing under different stipulations or conditions, or not to implement the action. If the decision is to authorize leasing, that decision with associated stipulations and conditions will become an amendment to the Santa Fe National Forest Plan or will become a part of the Revised Forest Plan. 7. Preliminary Issues The following preliminary issues for analysis have been identified for the Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project based on Forest Service experience with similar projects. The project has the potential to impact the following resources if development of leases occurs. The potential impacts would come from ground disturbance associated with the future exploration and development of geothermal resources. Land use, recreation, and special designations (including inventoried roadless areas) Geologic Resources Energy and mineral resources Paleontological resources Soil resources Water resources and quality (both surface and ground) Air quality and air quality related values Vegetation Fish and wildlife Threatened and endangered species and special status species Livestock grazing Cultural resources Tribal interest and traditional cultural resources National scenic and historic trails Visual resources Social interest, economics, and environmental justice Health and safety Noise Access Climate change Other issues may be identified during the scoping process. 4 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project

61 Scoping Document 8. Scoping Process Two public meetings will be held to discuss the proposed action and solicit public input. One meeting will be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico and one in the Cuba, New Mexico area. Interested individuals are invited to learn more about the leasing project proposal by attending any of the two upcoming Public Scoping Meetings. The meetings are scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM and will include a brief presentation and an opportunity to view maps and discuss the proposed action with Forest Service personnel. The dates and locations are as follows: Monday, June 1, 2015 Cuba Ranger Station Santa Fe National Forest 04b County Road 11 Cuba, NM (575) Tuesday, June 2, 2015 Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM (505) Geothermal leasing EIS documents and other information will be posted at: It is important that interested parties provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the scoping period and should clearly articulate the reviewer s input on the range of issues, impacts, and alternatives that should be evaluated in the environmental analysis process. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will also be accepted and considered. Send written comments to: Geothermal EIS Project, Santa Fe National Forest 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM Comments may also be sent via to comments-southwestern-santafe@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by June 12, Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project 5

62 Scoping Document 9. Analysis Process A tentative timeline has been developed for completion of this EIS. Key steps are outlined below: EIS Timeline and Key Steps Activity Approximate Dates Begin Scoping May 13, 2015 Notice of Intent published in Federal Register May 13, day public scoping period May 13, 2015 to June 12, 2015 Draft EIS prepared January day public comment period January 2016 to February 2016 Final EIS and Draft ROD October day objection period starts October 2016 Final ROD signed November Contact For further information, contact Larry Gore, Forest Geologist, at: address: ldgore@fs.fed.us 6 Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project

63 Figure 1: Geothermal Leasing EIS Project Area Santa Fe National Forest Geothermal Leasing Project 7