Environmental statements; notice of intent: Zin Wilderness Area, NM; oil and gas development,

[Federal Register: January 27, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 17)]

[Notices]

[Page 3911]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr27ja98-92]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NM-070-08-1210-04]

Notice of Intent To Prepare and Environmental Impact Statement on Oil and Gas Development Within the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area; Invitation for Public Participation and Call for Information

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, invitation for public involvement, and call for information on oil and gas minerals and other resources.

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Farmington District Office is initiating preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on proposed oil and gas development of three existing leases within the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. The public is invited to participate in this planning effort with the identification of additional issues and planning criteria.

This notice is also to solicit oil and gas mineral and other resource information and indications of interest and need. Mineral extraction companies, environmental organizations, state, Tribal, and local governments, and the general public are encouraged to submit information to the BLM to assist in the determinations of oil and gas development potential and possible conflicts with other resources.

The planning document will be prepared by an interdisciplinary team of specialists within the Farmington District Office. Two public scoping meetings will be held: in Farmington, New Mexico on February 24, 1998 in the San Juan College Henderson Fine Arts Building, room 9012 at 7:00 p.m.; and in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 25, 1998 in the BLM New Mexico State Office, 1474 Rodeo Road, at 7:00 p.m. Public hearings will be announced after the completion of a Draft EIS.

DATES: Comments relating to the identification issues and planning criteria, and responses to this call for oil and gas mineral and other resource information will be accepted through the close of business March 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments and requests to be included on the mailing list should be sent to: Lee Otteni, District Manager; Bureau of Land Management, Farmington District Office; 1235 La Plata Highway, Suite A, Farmington, New Mexico 87401. Proprietary data should be identified as such to ensure confidentiality.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher V. Barns at the address above, or call 505-599-6338.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The existing leases are found in the Hunter Wash portion of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area on 2,630.93 acres of the following public lands:

T. 24 N., R. 12 W., NMPM,

Sec. 3, lots 8, 9, 16, 17;

Sec. 4, lots 5 to 20, inclusive;

Sec. 8, lots 1, 2, 7 to 16, inclusive;

Sec. 9, lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13;

Sec. 17, lots 1 to 16, inclusive; and

Sec. 18, lots 13 to 20, inclusive.

The issues anticipated to be addressed by this EIS include the conflicting mandates of protecting wilderness resources and values while honoring valid existing oil and gas rights.

The proposed planning criteria include:

1. All proposed actions and alternatives considered must comply with current laws and federal regulations.

2. The EIS will weigh long-term benefits and detriments against short-term benefits and detriments.

3. This planning process will provide for public involvement including early notice and frequent opportunity for interested citizens and groups to participate in and comment on the preparation of plans and related guidance.

Dated: January 21, 1998. M.J. Chavez, State Director.

[FR Doc. 98-1882Filed1-26-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-FB-M