News Release

For Release:  August 1, 2008                                                               
Contact:  Stephen Razo 951-697-5217; email: srazo@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-08-60

BLM Announces Record of Decision for Truckhaven Geothermal Project

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for geothermal leasing and subsequent exploration and development in the Truckhaven area in western Imperial County.

The Truckhaven Geothermal Leasing Area is located north of State Route 78 and west and south of County Highway S-22.  According to El Centro Field Manager Vicki Wood, the main issues addressed in the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) are geothermal resource leasing, recreation, and special status species.  Of three alternatives analyzed in the FEIS, the proposed action will offer all BLM managed lands within this area for lease, subject to certain stipulations and mitigation measures to be applied at the leasing stage.

Public comments on the draft EIS received were incorporated into the FEIS through corrections, clarifying text, and the addition of new data used in the analysis of impacts.   The FEIS analyzes the impacts of long-range decisions for the use and management of geothermal resources in the planning area and management of other resources and uses potentially affected by geothermal resource management decisions. The 30-day appeal period begins upon posting of the ROD notice of availability in the Federal Register.
 
A copy of the ROD has been sent to affected federal, state and local government agencies and interested parties.  The document is available electronically at http://www.ca.blm.gov/elcentro. Copies of the ROD are available for public inspection at the following BLM locations: California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834, Sacramento, CA  95825; El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA  92243; California Desert District, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Largos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553

Additional  information can be obtained from John Dalton, Truckhaven Geothermal Leasing Area EIS project manager, at (951) 697-5231, BLM California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA  92553; john_dalton@ca.blm.gov.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553- (951) 697-5217