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BLM posted EA and authorized phased approach for Snowy River Harbor; county briefed
Summary
A BLM representative told the commission the agency issued a finding of no significant impact and approved only a road right-of-way as part of a phased approach to the Snowy River Harbor project; documents are available on ePlanning.
The Bureau of Land Management has posted the final environmental assessment and decision record for the Snowy River Harbor project on ePlanning and issued a finding of no significant impact, a BLM representative told the Carter County Commission on July 31.
Speaker 6 said the agency analyzed the full proposed project but chose a phased approach and is currently authorizing a right-of-way for an existing two-track road off Lone Street rather than authorizing construction of the full proposal. The decision record and FONSI are available on ePlanning for public review.
Why it matters: Speaker 6 said the phased approach responds to public concerns about water and large wells; the drilling of an exploratory well would require state oversight and action by the Montana Oil and Gas Commission if the well moves forward. BLM noted the state would lead any drilling effort to gather geological and total dissolved solids (TDS) information.
Next steps and context: Speaker 6 encouraged commissioners and staff to download the final EA, the decision record and the FONSI from ePlanning to review the stipulations and map associated with the right-of-way. The county will monitor Denbury's next steps and any state permitting that would be required for drilling activity.
