BLM Seeks Public Comment on Draft Abandoned Mine Lands Environmental Assessment

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) California Desert District Office (CDD) has released a Draft Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Remediation and Closure Process Programmatic Environmental Assessment for public review and comment.

The purpose of the AML remediation and closure program is to:

• Establish a comprehensive process for remediation and closure of AML features presenting public health and safety concerns;
• Determine the appropriate site-specific remediation and closure techniques for each AML feature;
• Address previously identified public safety hazards associated with AML features; and
• Ensure that proposed remediation and closure techniques are implemented in such away as to minimize potential environmental and cultural resource impacts.

The increased incidence of injuries and deaths associated with abandoned mines results in an increased need for the BLM to address closure and remediation of these features on public lands.

The public comment period closes on November 23, 2010. Public comments generated by the scoping process will be incorporated into the draft EA. A final decision on the proposed action will occur after review of all public comments.

The draft EA is available for review at any BLM Desert District field office and on-line at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/cdd/abandonedmineland.html

Comments will be accepted through November 23, 2010 by: 1) mail - ATTN: Sterling White, 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553; 2) FAX - (951) 697-5299; or 3) e-mail: sterling_white@blm.gov.