The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pahrump Field Office is seeking public input on issues to address in the development of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Abengoa Solar Inc.’s proposal to develop the Lathrop Wells Solar Facility in Amargosa Valley, Nye County, Nev.

Three public meetings are scheduled in southern Nev. on August 10, 11, and 12, in Beatty, Amargosa Valley, and Pahrump from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.:

• Tuesday, August 10: Beatty Community Center Hall, 100 S. A Avenue, Beatty;
• Wednesday, August 11: Amargosa Valley Community Center, 821 E. Amargosa Farm Road, Amargosa Valley;
• Thursday, August 12: Pahrump Library, 701 East Street, Pahrump;
• Tuesday, August 17: BLM Southern Nevada District Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas.

The scoping meetings will be held in an open house format.

During the first half hour, the public will be able to view displays describing the area and elements of the project and ask questions followed by a public comment session.

The project is identified as NVN–0865171 Lathrop Wells Solar Facility.

The BLM published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register Thursday, July 15, opening a 60-day public comment period ending Sept. 12.

Comments received during scoping assists in the preparation of an EIS to evaluate any potential impacts occurring from the construction and operation of the project.

These public meetings are the first step in the EIS process.

The solar-generating facility would be located on approximately 5,336 acres of public lands in the Amargosa Valley.

The proposed project would produce approximately 250 megawatts (MW) from a parabolic-trough, dry-cooled solar power plant with the option to expand the facility by adding a second 250-MW unit.

Additionally, the proposal includes up to 20 MW of photovoltaic solar power.

Comments may be submitted in writing to: BLM Las Vegas Field Office, Attention: Gregory Helseth, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130-2301; by email: lwse_EIS@blm.gov; or fax 702-515-5023 (Attn: Greg

Helseth).