BLM signs decision record for White Pine Waterpower hydrogeologic evaluation testing

ELY, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management today signed the decision record for the hydrogeologic evaluation testing in White Pine County. The Bureau found no significant environmental impact to moving forward with the White Pine Pumped Storage hydrogeologic evaluation test. If approved with a right-of-way grant, this would allow the company to develop informed proposals for future energy developments.

The environmental assessment analyzed White Pine Waterpower, LLC’s proposal to drill two test and three monitoring wells. The wells would track groundwater response to pumping and estimate discharge and optimal pumping rates, hydrogeologic parameters, hydraulic boundaries, and approximate operating conditions for proposed production wells. Testing would take about nine days at each well, after which the company would reclaim the area.

The final environmental assessment, FONSI and decision record are available online at the BLM National NEPA Register.

For more information, contact Melanie Peterson, BLM Bristlecone field manager, at 775-289-1896 or m1peters@blm.gov.