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As part of President Biden’s push to increase renewable energy projects on public land, The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Project. Magic Valley LLC, is looking to lease 73,000 acres of BLM land northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho. This will be the biggest wind project in Idaho, and one of the biggest wind projects in the world. If you recreate in southeastern Idaho, it is likely this project is in your backyard. We’ve consulted with local clubs and they have concerns that several well-used roads aren’t included in BLM’s analysis. The proposed project includes up to 400 wind turbines. Many off-road recreationists access this area, and this project could greatly restrict future access if we don’t make our voices heard. The Deadline for commenting on the project is 10/20/2021.
We’ve put together an action alert that identifies some of the key issues BRC members should be aware of. We’re hopeful the BLM can develop alternatives that will minimize impacts to recreation, but they need to hear from us. The tool below makes it easy for you to submit a comment with just a few clicks, and you also have the ability to customize your comment if you have more familiarity with the project and want to express your specific concerns. Of course we’ll be engaging on this issue as an organization as well.
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We have been spending extra time on the Federal Register to keep a close eye on the policy put through the federal government, and this one caught my attention. It’s not often that we pay regard to anything other than environmental policy, but this falls in that category for one reason, it’s hypocritical. It’s impressive to see this policy being put through while a significant energy shift is taking place right now. With major utility companies switching to solar by 2030 and environmental groups pushing to destroy nuclear energy, this policy is wholly contradictory to the narcissistic ecological concerns of the Biden administration.
The Department of Defence is currently asking for public comment concerning the testing of small, portable nuclear reactors that will be used to provide 1-5 megawatts of electricity for use in the United States Armed Forces Remote Operating Bases. The testing will take place at the Idaho National Laboratory Testing Facility and will last a total of 5 years. They intend to test if they safely assemble, run, disassemble, and store the gas-cooled nuclear microreactor.
You can see the project website to learn more about this proposal.
According to The Office of Nuclear Energy, microreactors can produce up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy used for heating, producing electricity, desalinating saltwater, and hydrogen fuel production. On their website, the Department of Energy claims to “support various advanced reactor designs including gas, liquid metal, molten salt, and heat pipe cooled concepts” and lumps microreactors in with renewable energy claiming a seamless integration.
You can find all the documents concerning this project in the Federal Register or on the project website, including a detailed description of the proposed actions. It’s an interesting read. Have a look!
Notice of Availability of Draft Construction and Demonstration of a Prototype Mobile Microreactor Environmental Impact Statement
Comments are due by November 8, 2021.
Document Number: 2021-20546
Notice of availability and public hearings; request for comment.
The DoD, acting through SCO and with the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) serving as a cooperating agency, announces the availability of the Draft Construction and Demonstration of a Prototype Mobile Microreactor Environmental Impact Statement. SCO is also announcing a public comment period and public hearings on the Draft EIS. SCO prepared the Draft EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of alternatives for constructing and operating a prototype mobile microreactor capable of producing 1 to 5 megawatts of electrical power (MWe).
Proposed Action
The Proposed Action in the Draft EIS consists of constructing and demonstrating a prototype mobile microreactor at the INL site that would be capable of producing 1 to 5 MWe. The mobile microreactor is expected to be a small, advanced gas-cooled reactor using high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) tristructural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. TRISO fuel is encapsulated and has been demonstrated to be capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,800 degrees Celsius (°C), allowing for a reactor design that relies primarily on simple passive features and inherent physics to ensure safety.
Mobile microreactor fuel loading, final assembly, and demonstration would be performed at the INL Site using DOE technical expertise and facilities at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) and Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex (CITRC). Reactor fuel would be produced from DOE stockpiles of highly enriched uranium (HEU) located at DOE’s Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that would be converted to an oxide form at the Nuclear Fuel Services (a subsidiary of BWXT) facility in Erwin, Tennessee, and down blended to HALEU and fabricated into TRISO fuel at the BWXT facility in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Demonstration Activities at the INL Site
The Project Pele activities to be performed at the CITRC and MFC facilities on the INL Site, would involve demonstration that the proposed mobile microreactor could produce reliable electric power onto an electrical grid that is separate from the public utility grid and that the mobile microreactor can be safely disassembled and moved. At the end of an approximately 3-year demonstration, current plans are that the mobile microreactor would be shut down and placed into a safe storage mode at the INL Site.
The mobile microreactor would arrive at the INL Site for installation at MFC without reactor fuel. The possible locations to perform the fueling of the mobile microreactor are either the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) or the Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF). Final assembly of the mobile microreactor modules would be performed at the site of the initial startup testing. The initial startup testing of the mobile microreactor could be performed at the Demonstration of Operation Microreactor Experiments (DOME) facilities in the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR II) building.
Improvements to the DOME are planned in support of other programs at the INL Site. These improvements to the DOME, while not a part of Project Pele, are necessary for the DOME to be capable of supporting the initial startup testing phase of the mobile microreactor demonstration. Should these improvements not be made in time to support Project Pele schedule, final assembly and startup testing would be performed at CITRC. At either location, final assembly entails connecting the mobile microreactor modules. The modules within the CONEX containers would be attached via cables, conduit, and pipes that would have been transported with the mobile microreactor to the INL Site. During this phase of the demonstration, the mobile microreactor would not be connected to an electrical distribution grid. Startup testing would be performed to verify that the mobile microreactor would perform as designed. The startup and initial testing phase is anticipated to take 6 months to complete.
Disassembly and transport would occur between the startup testing phase and the operational testing phase at CITRC regardless of where startup testing would be performed. In either case, the disassembly and transport would provide proof-of-concept of the mobility of the mobile microreactor. The mobile microreactor would be disassembled at the startup testing site with minimal temporary laydown requirements. The mobile microreactor would be placed in a safe shutdown mode in which decay heat would be removed via the passive heat removal systems. This phase is anticipated to take around 5 weeks to complete.
Mobile Microreactor Activities at CITRC
CITRC is part of the INL’s 61-mile 138-kilovolt (kV) power loop electric test bed and supports critical infrastructure research and testing. CITRC includes a configurable and controllable substation and a 13.8-kV distribution network. Four test pads are located at CITRC within the CITRC distribution grid. Some testing connects multiple test pads using the CITRC microgrid distribution infrastructure. These graveled/paved test pads furnish areas to place test equipment ( e.g., transformers, circuit breakers, switches). Test pads also serve as parking areas for personnel performing setup and testing. Preparation of the CITRC site would be performed over the course of up to 6 months prior to the arrival of the mobile microreactor at the site. Preparation would involve construction of a 200-foot by 200-foot concrete pad about 8 inches thick to create a level surface for the CONEX containers.
Upon arrival at CITRC test pad area B, C, or D, the mobile microreactor would be offloaded from the transports to the new concrete pad at the test pad area and the mobile microreactor modules reconnected. The temporary shielding, consisting of concrete T-walls, steel-reinforced concrete roof panels, concrete wall blocks, steel bladders for water shielding, and HESCO® bags, would be installed. The completed shielding structure would be about 5,000 square feet and up to 30 feet tall around the microreactor module. A limited version of the startup tests performed at DOME (or CITRC) would be performed to verify that no modules were damaged during transport.
At CITRC, the mobile microreactor system would be connected to the CITRC microgrid which is separate and distinct from the INL/commercially supplied electrical grid. Diesel generators and load banks would be attached to the microgrid. The generators and load banks would apply realistic loads and supplies to the microgrid to test the mobile microreactor in a realistic setting. Additional pads would be used to house the load banks and diesel generators to simulate a microgrid (electrical power loads for the mobile microreactor) during testing.
At-power testing, performed according to test procedures yet to be developed, would verify the ability of the mobile microreactor to operate at its rated power level for an extended period under normal, off-normal (but expected), and upset (not expected but anticipated) conditions. Transient tests performed would demonstrate mobile microreactor features, not push it to damage conditions. Transient testing would demonstrate upset conditions that would last at most a couple of days but more likely hours. In addition, the CITRC site would require a mobile office trailer that could contain a restroom, potable water, donning/doffing facilities, equipment storage, charging stations, etc. The mobile microreactor operations phase at CITRC is anticipated to take around 2.5 years to complete. Start Printed Page 53041
Temporary Storage
After operational testing, the mobile microreactor would be disassembled and placed in temporary storage, awaiting eventual disposition. There are two options for temporary storage of the mobile microreactor system (within their CONEX containers) at the INL Site: the RSWF receiving area (MFC-771) and ORSA (MFC-797). A reinforced concrete pad would be constructed at either of the temporary storage locations, and minor upgrades in fencing and instrumentation would be required if stored at ORSA.
Post-Irradiation Examination and Disposition
After the mobile microreactor’s useful life is complete and after a period of temporary storage, all of the materials would be disposed. The mobile microreactor components would be disposed of through the appropriate waste streams. It is anticipated that the mobile microreactor would be deconstructed and parts and/or fuel removed to aggregate like-class wastes. After deconstruction, irradiated materials would be safely stored with other similar DOE-irradiated materials and experiments at MFC, most likely in the HFEF or the RSWF. Ultimate disposal of the irradiated materials that have been declared waste would occur along with similar DOE-owned irradiated materials and experiments currently at MFC.
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COMMENTS NEEDED
on Los Angeles City Council Website
Please take action today to preserve
rodeo, animal exhibitions, and cultural events
in
Southern California
We have been writing about the proposed rodeo and animal exhibition ban in the City of Los Angeles which has been ongoing since the beginning of 2021.
The LA City Attorney was tasked to write the ordinance based on language used in a Pittsburgh ban which contains over reaching and dangerous language. Specifically the Pittsburgh ordinance reads, “any (sic) event in which animals are induced or encouraged to perform through the use of any practice or technique;”.
This language is extremely alarming and everyone who owns and competes with animals should take notice.
Should this legislation move forward all animal activities are at risk. Dog shows, horse shows, including reined cow horse, reining, breed shows, barrel races, hunter jumper and dressage shows would fall under this language as well.
Livestock shows and 4-H and FFA exhibitions would also be included as well as educational exhibitions. Training is exactly what the Pittsburgh ordinance was attacking when they used the words, “practice or technique.”
Animal Extremists Have Now Set Their Sights on the Santa Barbara Spanish Days Fiesta and Rodeo
As we have warned,
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The BLM Arizona Strip Field Office is seeking public comment for a proposed change in rules that will limit dispersed camping to 14 days in the Virgin River Recreation Area.
According to the BLM:
This action is necessary because an increasing number of users of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area have established long-term residency under the pretext of recreational camping. Public concern about the effects of this long-term occupancy requires the BLM to address this issue. The proliferation of residential use interferes with legitimate recreational use of public lands and creates other health and safety concerns including hygiene and sanitation issues (i.e., no access to showers or waste dump stations; accumulation of miscellaneous equipment and housewares and the occasional long-term presence of dogs and their associated waste). In addition, this action would reduce damages to natural resources that occur from trash dumping, accumulation or abandonment of equipment or vehicles, loss of vegetation, and contamination of nearby waters.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/15/2021-12279/notice-of-proposed-supplementary-rule-for-public-lands-at-virgin-river-canyon-recreation-area-in?utm_source=federalregister.gov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list
Upon reviewing the need for this rule change it appears that this management area has a special rule that exempts it from the 14 day camping limit that is typical in other BLM lands that allow open, dispersed camping.
We have been researching this issue to determine what would be the best approach for ensuring that this area remains open to dispersed camping use. If this is an area you enjoy using, you can share your comment by August 16.
Click Here to Find the Comment Submission Page
Also, with overlanding, boondocking, vanlifing, and dispersed camping exploding in popularity, we want to know what you think about the 14-day camping rules in general. Do you think this is good policy? Do you think there should be areas where people can camp longer? Is 14 days too long? Let us know in the comments below (but be sure to share your feedback with the BLM as well).
PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
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We have been tracking the progress of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal in the U.S. Senate. This is a $1.5 trillion dollar spending package that impacts a wide range of issues. There are two amendments to this bill that our members and supporters need to be watching.
RTP Funding
We ask that you support an amendment to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal to increase the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding by the same percentage increase that the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is increased each year.
A long-delayed report from the Federal Highway Administration was just released analyzing the amount of federal gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational activity confirms that the total is nearly $300 million annually. This is more than three times the current funding of the Recreational Trails Program. We believe this new information should inform funding levels for RTP in the infrastructure bill currently being considered by the Senate.
Many of our members are other organizations who regularly apply for RTP grant projects to maintain OHV trails. These projects almost always include extensive volunteer efforts from our members and allies. This work contributes to the goodwill that we are able to create with federal and state land managers to ensure that all recreation users have strong voice in public land management decisions.
Because Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) funds fall well short of providing rural counties with extensive federal land with adequate financial resources to manage county administration, RTP funds are an important funding source for helping counties maintain their roads, trails, and recreation infrastructure.
We encourage you to contact your Senators and request that they support this amendment.
Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program
We are also strongly opposed to SEC. 40801. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROAD AND TRAIL REMEDIATION PROGRAM of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. As we read this section it would amend the Forest Roads and Trails Act to create a new program called the Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program. We are concerned that this provision would force closure of any roads and trails that don’t currently appear on a USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). We regularly participate in the administrative processes to inform the creation of MVUMs, and these processes are incredibly fluid and ongoing across the entire USFS system and over a timespan measured in decades. It is often the case that MVUMs miss important roads and trails, and they require updating. The creation of these maps should be open and fluid and strongly informed by local coordinating agencies and stakeholders.
The inclusion of this provision is enough to compromise the integrity of the entire package for those who depend on access to National Forests for their livelihood and recreation. The USFS currently faces significant challenges in fighting increasing numbers of large wildfires. An adaptable road system is necessary to provide a safe operating environment for our wildland firefighters. It is necessary to provide reasonable access to private property owners, grazing permittees, and owners of mineral rights. Outdoor recreation use is exploding on public lands, and arbitrarily closing countless miles of roads through statutory action will reduce opportunities for all forms of outdoor recreation with the impacts most acutely felt by motorized recreation and dispersed camping communities.
We support the amendment offered by Senator Lee to strike this provision from the final bill.
We encourage you to contact your Senators and request that they support Senator Lee’s amendment to strike the Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program from the Infrastructure Bill.
Here is the problematic language that should alarm all users of USFS roads, trails, and transportation networks:
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BlueRibbon Coalition/ShareTrails
As part of the ongoing travel management process in Utah where access to over 10,000 miles of roads and trails are at stake, The BLM is currently requesting scoping comments for the Book Cliffs Area in Uintah County. This is some of Utah’s wildest country with herds of elk, deer, bison, and bighorn sheep drawing hunters from around the world to the area. It is also used by bear hunters and cougar hunters. It is also popular for shed collecting. Like many of Utah’s counties, Uintah County and the town of Vernal have started promoting the off-road recreation opportunities of the area, and organized groups are starting to discover this area that has been accessed by hunters for years. This area receives heavy use from the oil and gas industries. It is also an area with significant potential for free, open dispersed camping. The area also has a rich history of supporting grazing uses.
With almost 2,000 miles of routes being analyzed, this is an area with extraordinary amounts of access to cater to the numerous users who use this landscape. As part of the 10,000+ Project, BlueRibbon Coalition encourages all of its members to make a public comment to preserve access to this area.
The Deadline for Submitting Comments is July 23. Here is the link to the BLM planning page where you can make a comment: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/79313/570
The best comments will provide unique feedback from those with experience in the area. If this is an area where you enjoy using public land, we encourage you to share you feedback with the BLM.
Users can also add their voice to give weight to several of the issues we will be raising our public comment. Here are some of the issues we will be highlighting:
This area receives heavy use from multiple user groups. BLM should keep open as many routes as possible to prevent overcrowding.Many of the routes that travel through side canyons and spurs and to scenic lookouts or pulloffs from main routes have high recreation value as dispersed camping sites. BLM should not be making decisions based on lands included included in pie-in-the-sky legislative proposals that have never been passed into law.BLM should not be closing county R.S. 2477 roads in this area. If R.S. 2477 routes are reclaiming, BLM should work with Uintah County to maintain the roads for public use.This area has high recreation value for hunting, off-road exploring, shed hunting, rock hounding, wildlife viewing, photography, and camping.Roads that travel through and into wilderness study areas should be kept open. Wilderness is supposed to be land that is untrammeled by man, so an area with that includes roads in it shouldn’t even qualify as a wilderness study area. Without the process called “cherry-stemming,” where the roads that cross wilderness designations aren’t counted as part of the contiguous land area, these areas wouldn’t even be eligible for wilderness consideration. Because these roads complicate the potential for wilderness designation, wilderness advocates will be pressuring BLM to close roads in this area. BLM should consider removing these lands from wilderness inventories before they consider closing any of the roads in these areas.
Also, the best comments will also identify specific routes, camping spots, and areas where you like to recreate. You can describe these briefly in your comment, or you can make route specific comments on the BLM’s interactive map:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/EPLCommentMap/?itemId=5df1b974bd494a1e85b6e7245077003a
This video demonstrates the process for making a comment about a specific route:
It’s not required to make route specific comments, but if you’re familiar with the area, and you have on-the-ground knowledge of this area, this is the point in the process where it is important for you to share your feedback.
PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 10 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
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If you’ve spent some time in the offroad community in Arizona, then you might have heard his name. If you haven’t, then you should save his number. He is an honest, caring man who goes above and beyond to make sure everyone comes home safely. He has rescued hundreds and possibly thousands of 4×4 enthusiasts across this state. He is that guy who gets it done when others say it’s impossible. He not only cares about your safety, but he also cares about your vehicle. Continue reading
PLEASE BECOME A SUPPORTING MEMBER TODAY.
It is now more important than ever for motorized users to defend motorized access. For just 10 cents a day you can become part of the solution. Your support will help us meet our goals and continue to challenge the radical green agenda.
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