Bureau of Land Management's Decision Record and Environmental

Jersey Valley Geothermal Development Project
Environmental Assessment: NV063-EAO8-091
survey conducted in 2008 (see Section 3.5) also included an inventory for noxious weeds,
invasive and non-native species.
Two State of Nevada noxious weed species were observed within the Jersey Valley Unit Area.
Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) was observed associated with the spring in Section 28. The patch
was discontinuous and linear, infesting the wetted perimeter of the spring outflow. The entire
area of infestation was less than one-half acre (GBE 2008). Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima)
was observed in two locations in Section 28. There was a large single tree near the spring in
Section 28. The spring outflow enters into an incised channel with scattered patches of young
salt cedar saplings (GBE 2008). This channel extends outside of the survey boundary.
Along the transmission line corridor, no State of Nevada noxious weeds were observed however
3 species considered to be invasive or nonnative were observed; cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum),
Russian thistle (Salsola iberica) and halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) (GBE 2008).
Personnel from the Battle Mountain District-Mount Lewis Field Office (MLFO) have conducted
noxious weed inventories throughout the Jersey Valley Unit Area and along the roadsides
associated with the transmission line corridor. A search of the GIS (Graphic Information System)
database indicates that within the Jersey Valley Unit Area tamarisk, a State of Nevada noxious
weed, is present through many of the ephemeral washes draining Jersey Canyon, consistent with
the GBE 2008 findings. In the past 2 years the MLFO has made an effort to control the tamarisk
in these washes through chemical and mechanical control methods. Continued treatment of these
infested washes is planned for subsequent years. The other State of Nevada noxious weed found
within the Jersey Valley Unit Area is hoary cress. Hoary cress can be found growing along
roadsides where disturbance is constant and wetted areas within the Jersey Valley Unit Area. In
addition to the invasive plants identified by GBE 2008 there are documented records of bull
thistle and curly dock within the Jersey Valley Unit Area.
It should be noted that hoary cress and Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens), another State of
Nevada noxious weed, has been identified on private property where spring water may be
obtained for the project, see Section 2.1.7. Any proposed mitigation measures should also be
followed when exiting these areas.
Along sections of the transmission line corridor there are documented infestations of tamarisk,
hoary cress, musk thistle and Russian knapweed have been identified.
3.6.2 Environmental Consequences
3.6.2.1 Proposed Action
The proposed Project could contribute to the spread of noxious weeds, invasive and nonnative
species within the Jersey Valley Unit Area and the transmission line corridor through the
proposed surface disturbing activities and the number of construction and drilling vehicles
involved.
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