Nevada Division of Environmental Protection approves Jerritt Canyon Mine’s plan to restart milling operations

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) has announced the completion of initial environmental compliance requirements at Queenstake Resources’ Jerritt Canyon Mine, a major producer of gold in northern Elko County. This determination will allow Jerritt Canyon Mine’s milling and ore processing operations to restart.

“Queenstake Resources has met all requirements to restart. There are requirements to continue operation and we’ll be working with Queenstake to ensure those are met in the near future,” said NDEP Administrator Leo Drozdoff.

The NDEP has worked with mine personnel continuously during the past six months. Air and water issues have been resolved to a level that will allow Jerritt Canyon Mine to begin processing ore. The restart will allow Queenstake Resources to rehire workers, generate revenue and continue required environmental work at the site.

Public Hearing on CO2 Emissions Set for March 25

White Pine Energy Center Power Plant
Public Hearing on CO2 Emissions Set for March 25

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), Bureau of Air Pollution Control, will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Ely, Nevada, following an agency determination on CO2 “Greenhouse Gas” Emissions.

The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Bristlecone Convention Center, Bristlecone Room, 150 Sixth Street, Ely, Nevada.

LS Power intends to move forward with this project. However, in light of an Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) ruling on CO2 emissions, NDEP is inviting the public to comment on the agency’s determination. Public comment has already been closed on our technical review of the White Pine Energy Center and at this time we are limiting public comment solely to the agency’s determination on CO2 as it relates to the Clean Air Act. The Agency position remains the same that there are currently no federal or state clean air standards or regulations that govern carbon dioxide emissions or other greenhouse gas emissions for power plants.

Since NDEP’s original determination there have been a number of actions, including the EAB ruling regarding Deseret Power that reaffirms our position that greenhouse gases are not subject to state or federal air quality standards. However, NDEP is presenting the basis for our determination to the public through this public hearing.

According to Michael Elges, bureau chief for Air Pollution Control, “We understand this is an ever evolving issue. LS Power has elected to move forward with their project, in response to that action NDEP prepared an agency determination pursuant to greenhouse gases. And we are accepting comments solely on our determination.”

Two-Day Burn Project in Little Valley

Nevada Division of Forestry winter fuels treatment project in the Sierras.

Click here for a slideshow.

During a two-day burn in Little Valley, just west of Washoe Valley, the Nevada Division of Forestry conducted a controlled burn of wood piles from previously thinned forest lands. The NDF helicopter inserted two 12 person crews one day and 130 piles were burned. On day two the helicopter inserted three 12 person crews and 250 piles were burned. A total of 380 piles burned, an effort which helps enhance forest health in the Sierras.

Arborist training offered in Reno January 13-15

RENO, Nev. — The Nevada Shade Tree Council, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the City of Reno are sponsoring an arborist training series to improve tree care skills and prepare those interested in taking the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Examination.

The series is in three 8-hour sessions, January 13-15, 2009, and will be held at the City of Reno Horsemen’s Park at 2800 Pioneer Road in Reno. The $75.00 registration fee and application are due no later than January, 8.

A registration form can be downloaded at www.forestry.nv.gov or by request to the Nevada Division of Forestry at 775-684-2506.

An ISA Certified Arborist Examination will be held on February 17 with the Nevada Landscape Association Conference. Contact ISA at www.isa-arbor.com for information on the exam.