99-19295. Information Collection; Request for Comments; AmerAlia, Inc. Proposed Sodium Solution Mine

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 28, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 40891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19295]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management


Information Collection; Request for Comments; AmerAlia, Inc. 
Proposed Sodium Solution Mine

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, USDI.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1978, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intends to complete an 
Environmental Assessment for AmerAlia, Inc.'s proposed experimental 
pilot plant nahcolite solution mine. Information will be collected to 
determine the level of environmental analysis necessary to fulfill 
BLM's mandate for the environmental protection of lands under their 
jurisdiction. Copies of this mine plan are available from AmerAlia, 
Inc., P.O. Box 1330, Rifle, CO 81650, Telephone [phone].

DATES: Comments must be received by close of business on or before 
September 3, 1999.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to Larry M. Shults, Natural 
Resource Specialist, Bureau of Land Management, White River Field 
Office, 73544 Highway 64, Meeker, CO 81641, faxed to [phone], or 
sent via e-mail to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry M. Shults at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    AmerAlia, Inc., phase one experimental mine plan involves the 
construction and operation of an experimental pilot plant nahcolite 
solution mine and associated surface facilities to produce up to 50,000 
tons per year (tpy) of sodium bicarbonate for up to a 5 year period. 
Multiple wells may be used to solution mine the nahcolite. The mining 
plan being considered involves initially solution mining from alternate 
production wells. The objectives of the pilot plant are to develop the 
methods of solution mining and to develop the surface process. If 
successful, the project could proceed to the commercial phase two 
operation.

Comment Is Invited

    The White River Field Office invites comments on the proposed 
experimental test mine to determine (a) what environmental issues are 
considered important by the commentor; (b) if an environmental 
assessment contains sufficient detail for a project of this scope; (c) 
if an environmental impact statement is necessary for the proposed 
project.

Use of Comment

    All comments, including name and address when provided, will become 
a matter of public record. Comments received in response to this notice 
will be summarized and used to determine the level of environmental 
analysis to be conducted on this project.
John J. Mehlhoff,
Resource Area Manager, White River Field Office.
[FR Doc. 99-19295 Filed 7-27-99; 8:45 am]
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