Public comments solicited for Gerlach geothermal project, Nevada

Geothermal plant by Ormat, Steamboat Hills, Nevada (source: ThinkGeoEnergy)

The Black Rock Field Office (BRFO) is soliciting public comment on an Operations Plan proposed by Ormat Nevada Inc., 26 LLC., (Ormat). The BRFO will use the feedback to develop an environmental assessment. The 30-day comment period will end January 10, 2022.

The field office is analyzing the environmental effects of the proposal to construct, operate, and maintain the Gerlach Geothermal Exploration Project in the Gerlach Geothermal Lease Unit located in Washoe County, less than one-mile northwest of Gerlach on the western edge of the Black Rock Playa. Ormat has proposed further exploration of the Gerlach geothermal resource based on results of previous geothermal exploration including the drilling and testing of geothermal wells and access road construction. Principal access to the proposed project would be from NV-447 and County Road 34. During the one-to-two-year exploration phase of the project, up to 210 people will be employed with the potential for more in upcoming phases.

The deployment of renewable energy is crucial in achieving the Biden Administration’s goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, as well as Congress’s direction to permit 25 gigawatts of solar, wind, and geothermal energy production on public lands no later than 2025.

Comments can be submitted to blm_nv_wdo_gerlach_geothermal@blm.gov. Comments can also be mailed to:

Attn: Gerlach Geothermal Exploration Project
C/O BLM Winnemucca District
5100 East Winnemucca Blvd.
Winnemucca, NV 89445

Comments may also be submitted through the project ePlanning site at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2016744/510

More information on how to craft comments can be found on page 20 of the Citizen’s Guide to NEPA, https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/get-involved/citizens-guide-to-nepa-2021.pdf

Source: BLM