BLM Announces Public Comment Period for Big Pack Natural Gas Development Environmental Assessment

Contact: Stephanie Howard (435) 781-4469

Vernal, Utah—December 18, 2008—The Vernal Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the public comment period for the Big Pack Natural Gas Development Environmental Analysis (EA).  The EA describes the potential impacts of a proposed gas well development plan.  The Big Pack project involves approximately 34,471 acres including parts of Township 11 and 12 South, Range 22 East, Salt Lake Meridian, about 40 miles south of Vernal, Uintah County, Utah.  The public comment period begins on December 22, 2008, and ends on January 20, 2009.

This EA analyzes three alternatives in detail.  They are the Proposed Action Alternative, the No Action Alternative and the Sensitive Resource protection Alternative.  The proposed project includes the construction of 292 well pads, and the drilling of 664 gas wells.  Up to 65 miles of new or upgraded road, 105 miles of pipeline, and one compressor station would be constructed.  Total surface disturbance would be 1,620 acres out of the 34,471 acre project area.  

A compact disk of the document may be obtained from the BLM or the document is available on-line at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/vernal/planning.html.  The public is encouraged to submit comments on this EA.  Comments should be as specific as possible with references to chapters and page numbers.  The most useful comments will contain new technical or scientific information, identify data gaps in the impact analysis or will provide technical or scientific rationale for opinions or preferences.  Please refer to “Big Pack EA” in your correspondence.  Written comments will be accepted by fax, email, or letter.  

Send all comments by close of business January 20, 2009, to:

Bureau of Land Management
Attn:  Stephanie Howard
Vernal Field Office
170 South 500 East
Vernal, UT 84078
Fax: (435) 781-4410
UT_Vernal_Comments@BLM.gov

Before including address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in comments, be aware that the entire comment - including person identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time.  While individuals may request the BLM withhold personal identifying information from public review, BLM cannot guarantee this information will be withheld.  BLM will not consider anonymous comments.  All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety

For further information please contact Stephanie Howard, Environmental Coordinator, at (435) 781-4469.