Milestone Extension: Right-of-Way Authorization (DOI-BLM)

As I mentioned on the FAST-41 call with Jim Cason Thursday, January 23rd, we discussed two weeks ago, January 8th (and previous calls in December) that NextEra had not provided BLM and its contractor (Logan Simpson) the needed information concerning their technology changes to 3.0 MW turbines for Alternative 2.  BLM had expected the information by December 1, 2019 in order to complete the analysis for the Final EIS.  NextEra finally sent the data requested Friday, December 27th.

FAST-41 Missed Date: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Triggered missed date from extending Issuance of Lead Agency Record of Decision within 30 days of its current target date which was 07/03/2020 and extended to 08/14/2020

Milestone Extension: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

March 16th government to government consultation with the Zuni Tribe was canceled due to the coronavirus fears. BLM has asked the Tribe about consulting in via video or conference call under the circumstances but the Tribe wants a face to face meeting.

The Tribe is also a cooperating agency on the project and has been sent all NEPA documents for review and comment.

The NM SHPO is encouraging BLM to work with the Tribe in anticipation of things possibly “opening up”.  The SHPO and BLM are the only required signatories.

FAST-41 Missed Date: Section 106 Review

Triggered missed date from extending Section 106 consultation concluded within 30 days of its current target date which was 02/21/2020 and extended to 06/15/2020

FAST-41 Missed Date: Section 106 Review

Final Required Milestone Date of 01/03/2020 for Section 106 consultation concluded has passed by 5 business days

FAST-41 Missed Date: Endangered Species Act Consultation (DOI-FWS)

Final Required Milestone Date of 11/12/2019 for Conclusion of ESA Consultation has passed by 5 business days

FAST-41 Missed Date: Endangered Species Act Consultation (NOAA-NMFS)

Final Required Milestone Date of 01/24/2020 for Conclusion of ESA Consultation has passed by 5 business days

FAST-41 Missed Date: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Section 305 Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Consultation

Final Required Milestone Date of 10/30/2019 for NOAA Issues any EFH conservation recommendations has passed by 5 business days

FAST-41 Missed Date: Section 106 Review

Final Required Milestone Date of 01/24/2020 for Section 106 consultation concluded has passed by 5 business days

FAST-41 Missed Date: Construction and Operations Plan

Final Required Milestone Date of 04/24/2020 for Issuance of decision for permit/approval has passed by 5 business days