Bureau of Land Management's Decision Record and Environmental

Jersey Valley Geothermal Development Project
Environmental Assessment: NV063-EAO8-091
However, bats may forage within the riparian areas of the Jersey Valley Unit. As there are no
surface disturbing activities proposed within any riparian area, there will be no direct impacts to
riparian vegetation and there should be no impacts to bat species. Additionally, geothermal lease
stipulations (see Appendix A), direct that adverse impacts to springs are not allowed, therefore
indirect impacts to the associated riparian vegetation are not anticipated. Mitigation requiring
hydrologic monitoring has been recommended (see Section 3.9.2). Lights used for drilling at
night and power plant operations may attract and concentrate moths and other insects on which
the bats may feed, which could be a beneficial effect.
Ferruginous hawk, prairie falcon and golden eagle
Impacts to ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons, and golden eagles include potential electrocution
through direct strikes to transmission lines when flying or when attempting to perch on
transmission lines poles. To reduce potential impacts to raptors and deter raptors from the Project
vicinity, Ormat has proposed an environmental protection measure (see Section 2.1.11).
An additional mitigation measure (see below in Migratory Birds section) has been
recommended, which should reduce potential impacts to nesting birds.
Migratory Birds
Construction of the proposed Project (regardless of the season constructed) would result in the
direct loss of potential migratory bird habitat until reclaimed. Project construction is temporary
and short-term. Migratory birds would adjust and relocate to abundant similar habitat in the
vicinity and beyond.
Project-generated construction and drilling noise (estimated at an average 83 decibels (dBA) at a
distance of 50 feet) could also keep some migratory birds away from areas generating this noise
(typically areas of new surface disturbance). Other indirect effects could result from general
human activity, which could displace individuals or reduce breeding success of species that are
sensitive to human activity.
The indirect impacts would be temporary and short-term for the proposed construction and
drilling operations, but would continue over the life of the Project for power plant operations.
Migratory birds would be able to re-occupy the disturbed areas upon completion of the Project
and site reclamation. There should be negligible residual impacts to migratory birds.
To avoid the potential for direct destruction of a nest during surface disturbing activities, the
following mitigation is proposed.
Mitigation Measure:
Initial ground disturbing activities would not be conducted during the migratory bird
nesting season (April 1-August 15) unless necessary, and then only after inventories for
migratory birds and nests were conducted by a qualified biologist acceptable to the BLM.
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