In 2003, an EIS for the Toquop Power Project and other permitting requirements were completed for a 1,100-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in Lincoln County. In July 2005 an amended application was received for a coal-fired power plant at the same location. BLM has determined that a new EIS must be completed to evaluate the components of the proposed project that vary from previously permitted technology and facilities. The EIS will evaluate any potential impacts that the proposed 750-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant and associated facilities, to be located near Toquop Wash, in Lincoln County, Nev., would have on human, natural and cultural resources, as well as to determine what measures would be necessary to mitigate or reduce said impacts. These components include the reduction of plant capacity from 1,100 to 750 MW, an expanded site plan for coal and coal-handling facilities, construction of a rail spur for the coal, and the change in technology for a coal-fired facility, including air pollution control technology. The plant would require up to 2,500 acre-feet of water annually and would be supplied by existing water rights purchased via the Lincoln County Water District. The water supply and pipeline were addressed in the previous EIS. The Toquop Energy Project would interconnect with existing 345-kilovolt (kV) and 500kV transmission lines as previously studied. The electric power-generating facility, proposed by Sithe Global Power, LLC, would be located on a 640-acre parcel of land 50 miles south-southwest of Caliente, Nev.

Scoping Meeting Schedule