BLM seeks comment on draft EIS for large wind project in Idaho

January 19 (Renewables Now) - The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has invited public comment on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for a large wind farm project of up to 400 turbines in the western US state of Idaho.

The Lava Ridge Wind Project, with an estimated capacity of 1,000 MW or more, is proposed by Magic Valley Energy LLC, an affiliate of LS Power. It would be located on about 84,000 acres (34,000 ha) of federal, state and private land in Jerome, Lincoln and Minidoka counties.

The BLM is seeking input on the range of alternatives and the impact analysis in the draft EIS during a 60-day public comment period.

“The public's input at this point in the environmental impact statement process is critical to a thorough analysis–particularly considering such important issues as impacts to Tribes, the Minidoka National Historic site, greater sage-grouse and livestock grazing,” said BLM Twin Falls district manager Mike Courtney.