FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Salt Wells Energy ... · This Final Environmental Impact...

Salt Wells Energy ProjectsJuly 2011

U.S. Department of the InteriorBureau of Land Management

Carson City DistrictStillwater Field Office

5665 Morgan Mill RoadCarson City, NV 89701

775-885-6000

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

OEPC Control Number FES 11-12

Publication Number BLM/NV/CC/ES/11-10-1793

It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTCarson City District - Stillwater Field Office

5665 Morgan Mill RoadCarson City, Nevada 89701-1448

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field.html

July 2011

In Reply Refer To:

2800/3200 (NVCOI 00)

Dear Reader:The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office, hascompleted a final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Salt Wells Energy Projects, locatedin the Salt Wells area about 15 miles east of Fallon, in Churchill County, Nevada. The Salt WellsEnergy Projects consist of three separate projects proposed by Sierra Pacific Power Company(SPPC), Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Ormat), and Vulcan Power Company (Vulcan). This Final EISanalyzes the right-of-way application submitted by SPPC and two separate geothermal utilizationplans submitted by Ormat and Vulcan. Cooperating agencies for the EIS include the Department ofNavy, Bureau of Reclamation, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Nevada Department of Minerals,Nevada Department of Wildlife, Churchill County, and the City ofFallon.

Following the Salt Wells Energy Projects Final EIS 30-day availability and comment period, threeseparate Records of Decisions will be issued. The Final EIS is available atwww.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson city field.html or at the BLM Carson City District Office. Pleasesend written comments to: BLM Carson City District, Stillwater Field Office, Attn: Salt WellsEnergy Projects, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NY 89701. Comments may also be sent viaemail at saltwells [email protected].

Public comments submitted for the proposed projects, including names and addresses of those whocommented will be available for public review at the Carson City District BLM office duringregular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal information in yourcomment, you should be aware that your entire comment-including your personal information- maybe publicly available at any time. While you ask us in your comment to withhold personalidentifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Sievers at (775) 885-6000 or at the above address.

Sincerely,

~:>.¥~Teresa J. KnutsonManager,Stillwater Field Office

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FINAL

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

SALT WELLS ENERGY PROJECTS

LEAD AGENCY: US Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Carson City District

Stillwater Field Office

COOPERATING AGENCIES: US Bureau of Reclamation

Churchill County

City of Fallon

Naval Air Station Fallon

State of Nevada, Department of Wildlife

State of Nevada, Division of Minerals

PROJECT LOCATION: Churchill County, Nevada

COMMENTS ON THIS FINAL EIS Ms. Colleen Sievers

SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: EIS Project Manager

Stillwater Field Office

5665 Morgan Mill Road

Carson City, Nevada 89701

(775) 885-6000

[email protected]

PROJECT WEBSITE: http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/carson_city_field/blm_information/nepa/salt_wells_energy.html

ABSTRACT

This Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzes the potential impacts associated with three

separate geothermal energy and transmission projects proposed by Sierra Pacific Power Company,

Ormat Technologies, Inc., and Vulcan Power Company in the Salt Wells area of Nevada. Together the

three projects are referred to as the Salt Wells Energy Projects (Proposed Actions). The Projects Area

is encompassed by the three proposals covers approximately 24,152 acres in the Salt Wells area of

Nevada, including an area just southwest of Fallon to approximately 24 miles southeast of Fallon.

Combined, the three proposals could result in up to five 30- to 60-megawatt geothermal power plants

with up to 71 associated wells (39 for the proposed actions and the remainder previously authorized),

pipelines and associated facilities, and a 22-mile, up to 125-foot-wide right-of-way for a new transmission

line, with substations and switching stations. Six alternatives to the Proposed Actions are analyzed in the

EIS (including the Preferred Alternative). In addition, a No Action Alternative for each of the Proposed

Actions is analyzed.

Responsible Official for EIS Teresa J. Knutson

Stillwater Field Office Manager

July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement i

Salt Wells Energy Projects

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................... ES-1

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Project Objectives and History .................................................................................................... 1-7 1.3 Purpose of and Need for Action ................................................................................................. 1-8 1.4 Geothermal Lease Rights, Limitations, and Stages of Development ................................. 1-10 1.5 BLM Decisions Resulting from This EIS.................................................................................... 1-10 1.6 Reclamation Decisions Resulting from This EIS ..................................................................... 1-11 1.7 Authorizing Actions ...................................................................................................................... 1-11

Conformance Statement .............................................................................................................. 1-11 Relationship to BLM and Non-BLM Policies, Plans, and Programs .................................... 1-14

1.8 Public Involvement ......................................................................................................................... 1-15

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES .................................. 2-1

2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Proposed Actions ............................................................................................................................ 2-1

Sierra Pacific Power Company Proposed Action – Fallon 230-kV Source Project ......... 2-1 Sierra Pacific Power Company - No Action ........................................................................... 2-19 Ormat Technologies Proposed Action– Carson Lake Geothermal Project ................... 2-19 Ormat Technologies – No Action ............................................................................................ 2-34 Vulcan Proposed Action– Salt Wells Geothermal Development Project (Preferred) . 2-34 Vulcan Power Company - No Action ....................................................................................... 2-54

2.3 Alternatives ..................................................................................................................................... 2-54 Sierra Pacific Power Company – Fallon 230-kV Source Project ........................................ 2-54 Ormat Technologies ..................................................................................................................... 2-60 Vulcan Power Company ............................................................................................................... 2-60

2.4 Preferred Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 2-65 Sierra Pacific Power Company – Fallon 230-kV Source Project ........................................ 2-65 Ormat Technologies – Carson Lake Geothermal Project .................................................. 2-66 Vulcan Power Company – Salt Wells Geothermal Development Project ...................... 2-66

2.5 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Analysis ......................................... 2-69 Sierra Pacific Power Company – Fallon 230-kV Source Project ........................................ 2-69 Ormat Technologies – Carson Lake Geothermal Project .................................................. 2-72 Vulcan Power Company – Salt Wells Geothermal Development Project ...................... 2-72

3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1 Scoping and Issues Identification .................................................................................................. 3-1 Setting 3-1 Supplemental Authorities ............................................................................................................... 3-2 Resources or Uses Other Than Supplemental Authorities ................................................... 3-2

3.2 Land Use Authorizations, Airspace, and Access ...................................................................... 3-2 Regional Overview .......................................................................................................................... 3-2 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-11 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-12

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

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ii Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-13 3.3 Air Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 3-13

Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-14 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-16 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-16 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-16

3.4 Minerals/Geology ........................................................................................................................... 3-16 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-16 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-17 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-18 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-21

3.5 Soils ................................................................................................................................................... 3-23 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-23 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-23 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-25 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-35

3.6 Farm Lands (Prime or Unique) ................................................................................................... 3-36 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-36 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-41 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-42 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-42

3.7 Water Quality and Quantity ....................................................................................................... 3-42 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-42 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-73 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-74 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-74

3.8 Floodplains, Wetlands and Riparian Zones ............................................................................. 3-75 Regulatory Background ................................................................................................................ 3-75 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-75 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-76 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-79 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-80

3.9 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................ 3-81 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 3-81 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-82 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-90 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-90 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-91

3.10 Invasive, Nonnative Species ......................................................................................................... 3-92 Regulatory Background ................................................................................................................ 3-92 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 3-93 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-93 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-94 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-94 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-94

3.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................. 3-94 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 3-94


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July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement iii


Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-94 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 3-96 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-96 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 3-96

3.12 Migratory Birds ............................................................................................................................... 3-96 Regulatory Background ................................................................................................................ 3-96 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 3-98 Regional Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3-98 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-105 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-106 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-106

3.13 BLM-Designated Sensitive Species (Animals and Plants) .................................................... 3-107 Regulatory Background .............................................................................................................. 3-107 Methods ......................................................................................................................................... 3-107 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-108 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-114 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-114 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-114

3.14 Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 3-115 Prehistoric Background .............................................................................................................. 3-116 Ethnographic Overview .............................................................................................................. 3-119 Historic Background ................................................................................................................... 3-120 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-125 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-140 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-141 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-142

3.15 Native American Religious Concerns ..................................................................................... 3-144 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-144

3.16 Paleontological Resources ......................................................................................................... 3-147 Regulatory Framework ............................................................................................................... 3-148 Federal Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 3-148 Paleontological Potential ............................................................................................................ 3-149 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-150 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-151 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-151 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-152

3.17 Visual Resources .......................................................................................................................... 3-153 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-153 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-154 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-154 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-155

3.18 Livestock Grazing ........................................................................................................................ 3-155 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-155 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-165 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-165 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-166


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iv Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


3.19 Recreation ..................................................................................................................................... 3-166 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-166 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-168 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-168 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-171

3.20 National Scenic and Historic Trails ......................................................................................... 3-171 Regulatory Overview .................................................................................................................. 3-171 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-171 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-172 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-172 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-172

3.21 Noise .............................................................................................................................................. 3-172 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-173 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-174 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-175 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-175

3.22 Public Health and Safety ............................................................................................................. 3-175 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-179 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-179 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-179

3.23 Fire Management .......................................................................................................................... 3-179 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-179 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-179 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-179 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-179

3.24 Wastes, Hazardous or Solid ..................................................................................................... 3-179 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-179 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-180 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-180 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-180

3.25 Social and Economic Values ...................................................................................................... 3-180 Regional Overview ...................................................................................................................... 3-180 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 3-184 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-184 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 3-184

3.26 Environmental Justice .................................................................................................................. 3-185

4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ................................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Land Use Authorizations, Airspace, and Access ...................................................................... 4-2

Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 4-2 SPPC Project Area........................................................................................................................... 4-2 Ormat Project Area ........................................................................................................................ 4-6 Vulcan Project Area ........................................................................................................................ 4-7

4.3 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................... 4-8 Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 4-8 SPPC Project Area........................................................................................................................... 4-9


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July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement v


Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-14 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-20

4.4 Minerals/Geology ........................................................................................................................... 4-27 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-27 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-28 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-31 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-32

4.5 Soils ................................................................................................................................................... 4-34 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-34 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-35 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-38 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-40

4.6 Farm Lands (Prime or Unique) ................................................................................................... 4-42 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-43 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-43 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-46 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-48

4.7 Water Quality and Quantity ....................................................................................................... 4-48 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-48 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-50 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-51 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-56

4.8 Floodplains, Wetlands and Riparian Zones ............................................................................. 4-62 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-62 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-62 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-66 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-68

4.9 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................ 4-70 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-70 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-71 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-76 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-78

4.10 Invasive, Nonnative Species ......................................................................................................... 4-80 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-80 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-81 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-85 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-86

4.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................. 4-87 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-87 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-88 Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-93 Vulcan Project Area ...................................................................................................................... 4-95

4.12 Migratory Birds ............................................................................................................................... 4-97 Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 4-97 SPPC Project Area......................................................................................................................... 4-98 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-104 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-107


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vi Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


4.13 BLM-Designated Sensitive Species (Animals and Plants) .................................................... 4-110 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-110 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-111 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-113 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-115

4.14 Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 4-118 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-118 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-119 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-123 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-124

4.15 Native American Religious Concerns ..................................................................................... 4-125 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-125 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-126 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-129 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-130

4.16 Paleontological Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-131 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-131 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-131 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-136 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-139

4.17 Visual Resources .......................................................................................................................... 4-142 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-142 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-144 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-150 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-153

4.18 Livestock Grazing ........................................................................................................................ 4-156 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-156 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-157 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-160 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-162

4.19 Recreation ..................................................................................................................................... 4-163 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-163 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-164 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-167 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-168

4.20 National Scenic and Historic Trails ......................................................................................... 4-170 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-170 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-171 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-173 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-174

4.21 Noise .............................................................................................................................................. 4-176 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-176 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-178 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-183 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-186

4.22 Public Health and Safety ............................................................................................................. 4-187 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-187


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July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement vii


SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-188 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-192 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-193

4.23 Fire Management .......................................................................................................................... 4-194 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-194 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-195 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-197 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-198

4.24 Wastes, Hazardous or Solid ..................................................................................................... 4-199 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-199 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-200 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-203 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-204

4.25 Social and Economic Values ...................................................................................................... 4-206 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-206 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-207 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-212 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-215

4.26 Environmental Justice .................................................................................................................. 4-219 Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 4-219 SPPC Project Area....................................................................................................................... 4-220 Ormat Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-221 Vulcan Project Area .................................................................................................................... 4-221

4.27 The Relationship Between Short-Term Uses of Man’s Environment and

Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity.............................................. 4-221 4.28 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources ................................................ 4-222

5. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS .................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5-1 What is the Process of Assessing Cumulative Impacts? ......................................................... 5-1

5.2 Land Use Authorizations, Airspace, and Access .................................................................... 5-13 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-13 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan actions) ................ 5-13 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-14

5.3 Air Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 5-14 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-14 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-14 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-15

5.4 Minerals/Geology ........................................................................................................................... 5-16 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-16 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-16 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-17

5.5 Soils ................................................................................................................................................... 5-17 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-17 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-17 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-18


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viii Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


5.6 Farm Lands (Prime or Unique) ................................................................................................... 5-19 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-19 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-19 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-19

5.7 Water Quality and Quantity ....................................................................................................... 5-20 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-20 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-20 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-20

5.8 Floodplains, Wetlands, and Riparian Zones ............................................................................ 5-23 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-23 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-23 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-23

5.9 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................ 5-23 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-23 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-24 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-24

5.10 Invasive, Nonnative Species ......................................................................................................... 5-25 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-25 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-25 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-25

5.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................. 5-26 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-26 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-26 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-26

5.12 Migratory Birds ............................................................................................................................... 5-27 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-27 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-27 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-27

5.13 BLM-Designated Sensitive Species (Animals and Plants) ...................................................... 5-27 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-27 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-27 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-28

5.14 Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................ 5-28 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-28 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-28 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-29

5.15 Native American Religious Concerns ....................................................................................... 5-29 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-29 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-29 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-29

5.16 Paleontological Resources ........................................................................................................... 5-29 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-29 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-29 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-30

5.17 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................ 5-30 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-30 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-30


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July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement ix


Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-31 5.18 Livestock Grazing .......................................................................................................................... 5-31

Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-31 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-31 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-32

5.19 Recreation ....................................................................................................................................... 5-33 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-33 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-34

5.20 National Scenic and Historic Trails ........................................................................................... 5-34 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-34 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-34 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-34

5.21 Noise ................................................................................................................................................ 5-35 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-35 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-35 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-35

5.22 Public Health and Safety ............................................................................................................... 5-36 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-36 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-36 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-36

5.23 Fire Management ............................................................................................................................ 5-36 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-36 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-36 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-37

5.24 Wastes, Hazardous or Solid ....................................................................................................... 5-37 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-37 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-37 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-37

5.25 Social and Economic Values ........................................................................................................ 5-38 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-38 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-38 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-39

5.26 Environmental Justice .................................................................................................................... 5-40 Region of Influence ........................................................................................................................ 5-40 Impacts from the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan Actions) ............... 5-40 Cumulative Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 5-40

6. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 6-1

7. CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND PREPARATION ................................................. 7-1

8. GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................ 8-1

July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement x


FIGURES Page

1-1 Salt Wells Energy Projects Area .............................................................................................................. 1-3 1-2 Transmission Line Alternatives ................................................................................................................ 1-5 2-1 Sierra Pacific Power Company Proposed Action, South.................................................................... 2-3 2-2 Sierra Pacific Power Company Proposed Action, North................................................................... 2-5 2-3 H-Frame Tangent Structure Typical Drawing ....................................................................................... 2-9 2-4 Three-Pole Dead-End Heavy Angle Structure Typical Drawing .................................................... 2-10 2-5 Steel Single-Pole Self-Supporting Angle Structure ............................................................................. 2-11 2-6 Single-Pole Staggered Tangent Structure Typical Drawing .............................................................. 2-12 2-7 Ormat Proposed and Alternative Project Facilities ........................................................................... 2-21 2-8 Land Status of Ormat Project Area ...................................................................................................... 2-23 2-9 Vulcan Power Company’s Proposed Action and Alternative Project Components ................. 2-37 2-10 Land Status of Vulcan Project Area ....................................................................................................... 2-41 2-11 Vulcan Proposed Power Plant and Substation 1 ................................................................................ 2-43 2-12 Vulcan Proposed Power Plants and Substation 2 and 3 ................................................................... 2-44 2-13 Vulcan Proposed Power Plant and Substation 4 ................................................................................ 2-45 2-14 Vulcan Proposed Power Plant and Substation 5 ................................................................................ 2-46 2-15 Sierra Pacific Power Company Alternative 1 ...................................................................................... 2-55 2-16 Sierra Pacific Power Company Alternative 2 ...................................................................................... 2-57 2-17 Sierra Pacific Power Company Alternative 3 (Preferred) ................................................................ 2-61 2-18 Sierra Pacific Power Company Macari Fiber Optic Alternative ..................................................... 2-63 2-19 Preferred Alternatives .............................................................................................................................. 2-67 2-20 Diagram of the Macari Lane at Beach Street ...................................................................................... 2-71 3-1 Land Use Authorizations, Airspace and Access ................................................................................... 3-7 3-2 Geologic Resources and Authorized Leases ....................................................................................... 3-19 3-3 Soil Wind Erodibility Group, SPPC Northern .................................................................................... 3-27 3-4 Soil Wind Erodibility Group, SPPC Central ........................................................................................ 3-29 3-5 Soil Wind Erodibility Group, SPPC Southern ..................................................................................... 3-31 3-6 Soil Wind Erodibility Group, Ormat ..................................................................................................... 3-33 3-7 Soil Wind Erodibility Group, Vulcan ..................................................................................................... 3-37 3-8 Farmlands ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-39 3-9 Prime Farmlands ......................................................................................................................................... 3-43 3-10 Springs, Seeps, and Surface Water Features ....................................................................................... 3-45 3-11 Groundwater Flow in Basin Fill Aquifer ............................................................................................... 3-51 3-12 Conceptual Hydrologic Block Model Diagram ................................................................................... 3-56 3-13 Cross Section and Well Locations ........................................................................................................ 3-59 3-14 Hydrogeologic Cross-Section A-A’ ....................................................................................................... 3-61 3-15 Hydrogeologic Cross-Section B-B’ ........................................................................................................ 3-62 3-16 Geothermal Gradients for Selected Boreholes .................................................................................. 3-69 3-17 Wetlands and Water Bodies ................................................................................................................... 3-77 3-18 Habitat Types, Overall View ................................................................................................................... 3-83 3-19 Habitat Types, Northern View ............................................................................................................... 3-85 3-20 Habitat Types, Southern View ................................................................................................................ 3-87 3-21 Cultural and Visual Resources ............................................................................................................. 3-123 3-22 Grazing ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-157 3-23 Recreation ................................................................................................................................................ 3-169 5-1 Salt Wells Energy Projects, Cumulative Actions .................................................................................. 5-7 5-2 Salt Wells Energy Projects, Ormat Cumulative Actions .................................................................... 5-9 5-3 Salt Wells Energy Projects, Vulcan Cumulative Actions .................................................................. 5-11

July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement xi


TABLES Page

1-1 Potential Required Permits and Regulatory Responsibilities .................................................................. 1-12 1-2 Issues and Concerns Raised During the Salt Wells Energy Projects EIS Scoping Process ............. 1-16 2-1 Proposed Fallon 230-kV Source Project Facilities ....................................................................................... 2-2 2-2 Carson Lake Geothermal Development Proposed Project Facilities ................................................... 2-25 2-3 Proposed Well Pads ......................................................................................................................................... 2-30 2-4 Vulcan Salt Wells Proposed Project Facilities ............................................................................................ 2-35 2-5 Vulcan’s Proposed Salt Wells Project Estimated Water Consumption ............................................... 2-39 2-6 Proposed Well Pad Sites ................................................................................................................................. 2-51 2-7 Required Project Plans ..................................................................................................................................... 2-66 3-1 Supplemental Authorities .................................................................................................................................. 3-3 3-2 Resources or Uses Other Than Supplemental Authorities ...................................................................... 3-4 3-3 Land Ownership and Management in Churchill County ............................................................................ 3-5 3-4 ROW Distance on Private Land and Federally Administered Land ...................................................... 3-11 3-5 Locatable Mineral Resources in the SPPC Project Area .......................................................................... 3-18 3-6 Locatable Mineral Resources in the Ormat Project Area ....................................................................... 3-21 3-7 Locatable Mineral Resources in the Vulcan Project Area ....................................................................... 3-22 3-8 Acres of Potential Prime Farmland – SPPC Survey Area ........................................................................ 3-41 3-9 Acres of Potential Prime Farmland – Ormat Proposed Action ............................................................. 3-42 3-10 Summary of Water Quality Data for the Carson River ........................................................................ 3-50 3-11 Thermal Seep and Spring Water Quality Data ........................................................................................ 3-53 3-12 Attributes and Locations of Springs and Seeps ........................................................................................ 3-54 3-13 Groundwater Quality Data for Shallow Basin-Fill Aquifer .................................................................... 3-58 3-14 Groundwater Quality Data for Shallow Piezometers Near Wetland Areas .................................... 3-63 3-15 Groundwater Quality Data for Geothermal Sources ............................................................................ 3-64 3-16 Groundwater Quality Data for Selected Wells Within and Near the Salt Wells Energy

Projects Area .................................................................................................................................................... 3-65 3-17 Vegetation Communities in the SPPC Survey Area ................................................................................ 3-91 3-18 Vegetation Communities in the Ormat Project Area ............................................................................ 3-91 3-19 Vegetation Communities in the Vulcan Project Area ............................................................................ 3-92 3-20 Habitat Types in the Project Area .............................................................................................................. 3-95 3-21 BLM-Designated Sensitive Bird Species, USFWS Bird Species of Conservation Concern

and Game Birds Below Desired Condition (per IM 2008-050) Potentially Occurring in

the Projects Area ......................................................................................................................................... 3-100 3-22 BLM-Designated Sensitive Species Potentially Occurring in the Projects Area ............................ 3-109 3-23 Salt Wells Energy Projects Archaeological Site Summary .................................................................. 3-127 3-24 Salt Wells Energy Projects Area Architectural Summary .................................................................. 3-137 3-25 BLM Grazing Allotments and Reclamation Pastures Within the Salt Wells Project Areas ....... 3-156 3-26 Bass Flat Allotment Actual Use Data ...................................................................................................... 3-159 3-27 Rock Springs Allotment Actual Use Data .............................................................................................. 3-161 3-28 Salt Wells Grazing Allotment Actual Use Data .................................................................................... 3-163 3-29 Magnetic Fields and Household Appliances ........................................................................................... 3-177 3-30 Full-time and Part-time Employment by Industry ................................................................................. 3-182 3-31 Minority Population Characteristics ........................................................................................................ 3-185 4-1 Screening Level Analysis of SPPC Construction Emissions (tons) ........................................................ 4-10 4-2 Screening Level Analysis of Ormat Construction Emissions (tons per construction phase) .......... 4-15 4-3 Ormat Production Well Drilling Emissions Per Well .............................................................................. 4-17 4-4 Screening Level Analysis of Vulcan Construction Emissions (tons per construction phase) .......... 4-21 4-5 Vulcan Production Well Drilling Emissions Per Well ............................................................................... 4-23

TABLES (continued) Page

xii Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


4-6 Potential Prime Farmlands Impacted Acreage SPPC Survey Area ......................................................... 4-44 4-7 Comparison of Perennial Wetland Impacts by SPPC Alternative ......................................................... 4-63 4-8 Comparison of Wetland Impacts by Ormat Alternative ......................................................................... 4-67 4-9 Comparison of Wetland Impacts by Vulcan Alternative ......................................................................... 4-68 4-10 Comparison of Temporary Disturbance to Vegetation by SPPC Alternative1 ................................ 4-72 4-11 Comparison of Permanent Disturbance to Vegetation by SPPC Alternative1 ................................. 4-73 4-12 Comparison of Vegetation Disturbance by Ormat Alternative1 ......................................................... 4-77 4-13 Comparison of Vegetation Disturbance by Vulcan Alternative1 ......................................................... 4-79 4-14 Temporary and Permanent Impact Acreages for Each Proposed Project ........................................ 4-81 4-15 Approximate Acreage of Disturbance of Grazing Allotments or Pastures on Public Lands

Under the SPPC Proposed Action and Alternatives ........................................................................... 4-158 4-16 Approximate Acreage of Disturbance of Grazing Allotments or Pastures on Public Lands

Under the Ormat Proposed Action and Alternative* ......................................................................... 4-161 4-17 Approximate Acreage of Disturbance of Grazing Allotments or Pastures on Public Lands

Under the Vulcan Proposed Action and Alternative ........................................................................... 4-162 4-18 Projected Noise Contributions at Residence from Project Phases ................................................. 4-184 4-19 Number of Parcels and Total Acreage (not managed by BLM) Potentially Requiring

Easement Acquisition by Zoning Category¹ .......................................................................................... 4-209 4-20 Temporary Construction Staffing - Direct Employment .................................................................... 4-217 4-21 Permanent Staffing - Direct Employment ............................................................................................... 4-218 5-1 Past, Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ....................................................................... 5-3 5-2 Ormat Carson Lake/Salt Wells Previously Permitted Well Pads ............................................................ 5-6 5-3 Vulcan Power Permitted Salt Wells Well Pad Sites .................................................................................... 5-6 5-4 Potential Direct and Indirect Impacts on Water Quality and Quantity ............................................... 5-21 5-5 Impacts on Vegetation Communities Associated with the Whole of the Actions ............................ 5-24 5-6 Approximate Acreage of Disturbance of Grazing Allotments or Pastures on Public Lands

Under the Whole of the Actions (SPPC, Ormat, and Vulcan)............................................................... 5-32 5-7 Approximate Cumulative Acreage of Disturbance of Grazing Allotments or Pastures on

Public Lands ........................................................................................................................................................ 5-33 7-1 Comments by Type ............................................................................................................................................ 7-3 7-2 Comments by Commenter Affiliation ............................................................................................................ 7-3 7-3 Comment by Category ...................................................................................................................................... 7-3

July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement xiii


APPENDICES

A Typical Geothermal Resource Development and Transmission Tools

B Lease Stipulations and Conditions of Approval

C Interagency Agreement Between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land

Management

D Programmatic Agreement for the Salt Wells Energy Projects

E Environmental Protection Measures and Best Management Practices

F Land Use Authorizations in the Salt Wells Energy Projects Area

G Soils

H Supplemental Biological Resources

J Visual Simulations

K Comment Responses

xiv Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011

Salt Wells Energy Project

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Full Phrase

ac-ft acre-foot

amsl above mean sea level

APE area of potential effect

APZ Accident Potential Zone

AUM Animal Unit Month

bgs below ground surface

BLM United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

BMP best management practice

BOPE blow-out prevention equipment

BP before present

°C degrees Celsius

Ca calcium

CAA Clean Air Act

CCDO United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,

Carson City District Office

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CH4 methane

Cl chlorine

cm centimeter

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CRMP Consolidated Resource Management Plan

CWA Clean Water Act

dB decibel

dBA A-weighted decibel

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

DNA determination of NEPA adequacy

DOD United States Department of Defense

DOI United States Department of the Interior

EA environmental assessment

EIS environmental impact statement

EMF electric and magnetic field

EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

EPAct Energy Policy Act of 2005

ESA Endangered Species Act

°F degrees Fahrenheit

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976

FPPA Farmlands Protection Policy Act

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (continued) Full Phrase

July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement xv


GDP geothermal drilling permit

GHz gigahertz

gpm gallons per minute

HCO3 bicarbonate

H2S hydrogen sulfide

HSU Hydrostratigraphic Unit

Hz Hertz

IBA Important Bird Area

IM Instruction Memorandum

K potassium

KOP Key Observation Point

kV kilovolt

Kw Whole Soil Erodibility Factor

LAeq equivalent average sound level

MCM Thousand Circular Mils

Mg magnesium

mg/L milligrams per liter

MOU memorandum of understanding

MW megawatt

Na sodium

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NAERC North American Electric Reliability Company

NAGPRA Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

NAS Naval Air Station

NDEP Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

NDOM Nevada Division of Minerals

NDOT Nevada Department of Transportation

NDOW Nevada Department of Wildlife

NDWR Nevada Division of Water Resources

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NVLC Nevada Lands Conservancy

NNHP Nevada Natural Heritage Program

NNL National Natural Landmark

N2O nitrous oxide

NO2 nitrogen dioxide

NOI notice of intent

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

O3 ozone


xvi Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011


OHV off-highway vehicle

Ormat Ormat Technologies Inc.

Pb lead

PEIS programmatic environmental impact statement

PFYC Potential Fossil Yield Classification

PG professional geologist

PM2.5 Particulate matter much smaller than 2.5 microns in effective diameter

PM10 Particulate matter much smaller than 10 microns in effective diameter

POD Plan of Development

POU Plan of Utilization

PRPA Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

PUD planned unit development

Reclamation United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

RFD reasonably foreseeable development

ROI region of influence

RMP resource management plan

ROD record of decision

ROW right-of-way

SC Specific Conductance

SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition

SFO United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,

Carson City District Office, Stillwater Field Office

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SiO2 silica

SO2 sulfur dioxide

SO4 sulfate

SPCC Spill Prevention Contingency and Countermeasure

SPPC Sierra Pacific Power Company

SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

SWReGAP Southwest Regional Gap Analysis

TCID Truckee-Carson Irrigation District

TCP Traditional Cultural Property

TDS total dissolved solids

TSS total suspended solids

µS microSiemens

US United States

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers

USC United States Code

USFS United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

USFWS United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS United States Geological Survey


July 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement xvii


VORRA Valley Off-Road Racing Association

VRM Visual Resource Management

Vulcan Vulcan Power Company

WEG Wind Erodibility Group

Table of Contents

xviii Final Environmental Impact Statement July 2011



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