Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project Eagle Permit NEPA Documents

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received an application from Lithium Nevada Corporation requesting eagle take coverage under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.  The application requested authorization for incidental disturbance take of one golden eagle breeding territory located in proximity to the proposed Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project in Humboldt County, Nevada.  Project operations and activities may disturb the golden eagles and prevent them from breeding and producing offspring.

The Bureau of Land Management, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing project and eagle take authorization impacts.  As the lead agency developing the EIS, the Bureau of Land Management analyzed environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a cooperating agency on the EIS, analyzed the environmental impacts of Lithium Nevada Corporation’s request for authorization of incidental eagle take.  The Draft and Final EIS, and additional information regarding this project, is available online at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1503166/570

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service signed a Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final EIS.  Please find the ROD below.  The ROD documents our decision on Lithium Nevada Corporation’s application for eagle take coverage.  As described in our ROD, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to issue a permit to Lithium Nevada Corporation for incidental disturbance take of one golden eagle breeding territory in the vicinity of Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Project. We anticipate issuing the permit in April 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Thomas Leeman, USFWS Project Manager

(916) 978-6189

fw8_eaglepermits@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Migratory Bird Program, Pacific Southwest Region

2800 Cottage Way, W-2605

Sacramento, CA 95825