BLM Pinedale Issues Decision on the Jonah Year-Round Development Project

The BLM’s Pinedale Field Office has approved the BLM Mitigation Alternative to allow Jonah Energy LLC and LINN Operating, Inc. to conduct year-round development for a 5-year period in the northern portion of the Jonah Infill Development Project Area (JIDPA). Development in the JIDPA was analyzed in an EIS and approved in a Record of Decision (ROD) issued in 2006.

The EA analyzes the development of natural gas well pads, access roads, and pipeline corridors situated approximately 21 miles south of Boulder, Wyoming. The decision approves an exception to existing time limitations on development related to wildlife including Greater Sage-Grouse and Pronghorn.

The decision maintains the number of wells approved in 2006 at 245; however, as result of the decision the number of well pads that will be developed drops from 245 to 24 and the total acreage disturbed drops from 1,315 acres to 232 acres. These reductions are well within the number of wells and disturbance thresholds previously analyzed in the 2006 JIDPA Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The decision does not approve drilling. Other actions, like Applications to Drill (APDs), Right-of-Ways (ROW) grants, or Sundry Notices, will still have to be submitted and approved.

The EA, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Decision Record are available for review at the 1625 West Pine St., Pinedale, WY or online.

For more information, please contact Brian Roberts at 307-367-5351.

Download BLM Pinedale Issues Decision on the Jonah Year-Round Development Project press release.

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2014, the BLM generated $5.2 billion in receipts from public lands.