Environmental Quality and Protection

 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its cooperative government and nongovernmental conservation partners, mitigate hazards to protect public health and safety, and restore watersheds for resources, recreation, fish, wildlife and domestic animals, and return lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources. Extractive industry activities of the past, including both underground and surface mining and oil and gas drilling, have left degraded watersheds on public lands throughout (State). Unreclaimed sites pose an environmental threat to groundwater, surface water and soil as well as create a risk to the health and safety of public land users. Mitigation measures are implemented through core programs such as: 1).Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, which addresses physical safety hazards and water quality through restoration of abandoned hardrock mines. 2). Orphan Well Program, which remediates oil and gas wells improperly abandoned, and seeks to plug them in accordance with state regulations and rules; 3). Educational outreach about the potential dangers posed to the public and recreationists from AML and orphaned well sites. This program continues to advance the Department of the Interiors priorities to address the climate crisis, restore balance on public lands and waters, advance environmental justice, and invest in a clean energy future. The BLMs AML Program and Orphan Well Project support these priorities by focusing efforts in the following areas: ?1) environmental compliance, and the identification, inventory, cleanup and remediation of legacy contaminated sites and features; 2) immediate response to releases of hazardous substances, wastes and materials onto public lands; 3) mitigation of priority AML and Orphan Well contaminated and physical safety sites and features; 4) improving all BLM environmental programs via an environmental management system including environmental audits;? and, 5) providing program training and awareness. Through these focused efforts, BLM will also strengthen Environmental Justice (EJ) actions to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement of EJ and disadvantaged communities/stakeholders during the CERCLA and RCRA planning and cleanup processes. The AML Program and Orphan Well Project will contribute to the conversation and restoration of approximately 30% of our lands and waters by the year 2030 by reducing the contamination levels. Additionally, this will help ensure that public land users are not at risk from the dangers of legacy mining and oil and gas activities. This program will support projects funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act PL 117-58, Section 40804(b) Ecosystem Restoration and anticipate to receive additional funding under Title VII - Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation.

Active 15.236 Bureau of Land Management, Department of The Interior B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Ongoing Utah and Colorado Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP), reclaiming abandoned mine openings and lands affected by past mining activities. In addition, the State of Utah, AMRP’s mandate only allows them to address physical safety hazards at non-coal mine openings. BLM can supplement AMRP funding to allow them to address the environmental problems, if they exist at the opening, at the same time that they are addressing the physical safety hazard. Ongoing project in Utah and Colorado Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP), reclaiming abandoned mine openings and lands affected by past mining activities. In addition, the State of Utah, AMRP’s mandate only allows them to address physical safety hazards at non-coal mine openings. BLM can supplement AMRP funding to allow them to address the environmental problems, if they exist at the opening, at thesame time that they are addressing the physical safety hazard. BLM can supplement AMRP funding to allow them to address the environmental problems, if they exist at the opening, at the same time that they are addressing the physical safety hazard.
Fiscal Year 2017 Ongoing project in Utah and Colorado Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program (AMRP), reclaiming abandoned mine openings and lands affected by past mining activities. In addition, the State of Utah, AMRP’s mandate only allows them to address physical safety hazards at non-coal mine openings. BLM can supplement AMRP funding to allow them to address the environmental problems, if they exist at the opening, at the same time that they are addressing the physical safety hazard. BLM can supplement AMRP funding to allow them to address the environmental problems, if they exist at the opening, at the same time that they are addressing the physical safety hazard.
Fiscal Year 2018 No Current Data Available.
Fiscal Year 2019 No Current Data Available.
Fiscal Year 2020 In FY2020, the BLM 1644 Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) program successfully utilized grants and agreements with state agencies, NGOs, other Federal Agencies, etc., to complete the following types of AML program-specific work: AML physical safety site inventory; AML physical safety closure; AML environmental cleanup; Threatened & Endangered species surveys; Cultural surveys and Wildlife and Bat surveys and counts Studies. Because of the remoteness of most BLM AML sites, work is often combined. For instance, the survey work for plants and wildlife can be done at the same time. Accomplishments for FY2020 for AML program-specific work were as follows: Wildlife, Bat, and Threatened & Endangered Species Surveys / 145; AML site surveys / 365; AML site studies / 12 AML physical safety closures / 135; AML environmental cleanups / 5.
Fiscal Year 2021 BLM will partner with organizations to accomplish the following types of activities: Identify and prioritize abandoned mines and orphaned wells that most affect at-risk resources and functioning ecosystems; Prioritize orphaned well site physical safety closure projects in a manner that is centrally focused on achieving cost-savings; Develop methods to reclaim and restore sites impacted by past mining and/or drilling; Reclaim abandoned mine lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources; Reduce inventory of unreclaimed abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Reduce liabilities by eliminating or reducing risks posed by abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Reduce environmental degradation caused by abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Establish partnerships, where possible, with States, local governments, Tribes, and voluntary environmental and citizen groups to pool resources and expertise to address abandoned mines; Integrate abandoned mine land support into land use planning efforts; Apply the "polluter pays" principle applied to achieve cost avoidance/cost recovery for funding AML projects wherever possible; Assure that remediation actions are effective and that lessons learned through post-project monitoring and study benefit risk- and pollution-reducing efforts; Educate the public about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and the actions the BLM takes to address those dangers; Provide public outreach and education to interested stakeholders about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and orphan wells.
Fiscal Year 2022 BLM anticipates to accomplish the same types of activities as in FY21 and support DOI priorities by Identify and prioritize abandoned mines and orphaned wells that most affect at-risk resources and functioning ecosystems; Prioritize orphaned well site physical safety closure projects in a manner that is centrally focused on achieving cost-savings; Develop methods to reclaim and restore sites impacted by past mining and/or drilling; Reclaim abandoned mine lands to productive uses including, but not limited to, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and preservation of historical/cultural resources; Reduce inventory of unreclaimed abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Reduce liabilities by eliminating or reducing risks posed by abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Reduce environmental degradation caused by abandoned mines and orphaned wells; Establish partnerships, where possible, with States, local governments, Tribes, and voluntary environmental and citizen groups to pool resources and expertise to address abandoned mines; Integrate abandoned mine land support into land use planning efforts; Apply the "polluter pays" principle applied to achieve cost avoidance/cost recovery for funding AML projects wherever possible; Assure that remediation actions are effective and that lessons learned through post-project monitoring and study benefit risk- and pollution-reducing efforts; Educate the public about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and the actions the BLM takes to address those dangers; Provide public outreach and education to interested stakeholders about the potential dangers posed by abandoned mines and orphan wells.
Fiscal Year 2023 Data is not available. Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976, 43 U.S.C. 1737(b)
Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements, 16 U.S.C. 1011, Public Law 104-208, Section 124, as amended Public Law 105-277, Section 135; and Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, Public Law 110-161, Division F, Section 125
FLPMA: Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements involving the management, protection, development, and sale of public lands. Anyone/General public. Not applicable. Not applicable. Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact statement is required for this listing. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. A Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form 424A, Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs, Standard Form 424B, Assurances for Non-Construction Programs, and a written proposal, budget spreadsheet, a budget narrative/breakdown, and any other requirements specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity Notice and must be submitted through www.grants.gov. State plan is not required for this application. All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. State and District Office level and funding recommendations are made through the State's annual work plan. Final budget approvals rest with the State Director. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Most awards are anticipated within 90 days or less after the announcement closes. Further information will be available for each project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement. Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Bureau of Land Management will provide all applicants with information on why their proposal was not selected for award. Not applicable. First Level Screening -Basic Eligibility. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Must meet the requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov, screening may include, but is not limited to: Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; Submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents. B. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation is stated in each Notice of Funding Opportunity noticed post on www.grants.gov Third Level Review Pre-Award Clearance and Approvals. BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory or other requirements. Partnership projects are limited to public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management located mostly in the Western United States and Alaska unless other specific legislative authority exists. Hazmat and Abandoned Mine Land projects will support: inventory and site assessments; mitigation, remediation, and restoration activities; and maintenance and monitoring of actions taken. Funded projects will protect public health, safety and environmental resources by eliminating contamination and hazards and restoring natural resources. The Soil, Water and Air Program Support: soil survey and interpretation, ecological site determination, soil erosion control, and sustaining soil productivity; acquisition of water rights and inventory of water resources to assure availability of water to meet management objectives; monitoring and improvement of quality, and implementation of appropriate best management practices; Colorado River Basin salinity control activities; and air resource management including air quality, visibility, noise, climate, and climate change issues. Performance Reports: Shall submit at the minimum an annual Performance Report in accordance with the 2 CFR, Part 200.328 within 90 days after the anniversary date or as indicated in the Notice of Award. Upon completion of the agreement, recipients shall submit a final report no later than 120 calendar day after the award end date Not applicable. All recipients of Federal awards shall maintain project records in accordance with 2 CFR 200.333 Retention requirements for records. Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities must not impose any other record retention requirements upon non-Federal entities, except as noted in 2 CFR 200.333. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. No specific restrictions for most projects, however, most projects are awarded for a one to five year period and funded on a year-by-year basis and funds are expended during a particular fiscal year. No commitment will be made to fund projects beyond one year. New and continuing projects will be re-evaluated each year based on performance, merit, and funding availability. Frequency of recipient of payments will be determined for each awarded assistance agreement at time of award. See Catalog Appendix IV for addresses of Bureau of Land Management State Offices. Division of Wildlife, Aquatics & Environmental Protection
760 Horizon Drive, Suite 324
Grand Junction, CO 81506 US
fquamen@blm.gov
Phone: 2028231019 http://www.blm.gov/ 14-1109-0-1-302 (Cooperative Agreements (Discretionary Grants)) FY 22$294,197.00; FY 23 est $300,000.00; FY 24 est $300,000.00; FY 21$4,452,015.00; FY 20$2,403,010.00; FY 19$7,502,214.00; FY 18$5,321,592.00; FY 17$7,172,688.00; FY 16$10,814,674.00; - Past partnership projects have ranged from $1,000 to 1,762,000. Average amount is $62,700 or less. Information about the Bureau of Land Management environmental quality and protection programs can be found at www.blm.gov, including: the Cooperative Conservation Based Strategic Plan for the Abandoned Mine Lands Programs, Abandoned Mine Land Program Policy Bureau of Land Manual 3720 and Handbook H-3720-1, Hazard Management and Resource Restoration Manual 1703, and CERCLA Response Actions Handbook H-1703-1. Manuals providing basic program policy guidance for the Soil, Water and Air Program are found in Bureau of Land Management Manual 7000 series and may be obtained at www.blm.gov. Fiscal Year 2016 Data is not available BLM Utah Establishment Of Utah Air Quality Modeling Center; BLM CA Mojave Desert Area Hydrologic Reconnaissance; BLM-ES Study Of Air Emissions And Effects Of Best Management; NM Statewide Orphan Well Reclamation Program; WY DEQ Abandoned Mine Site Reclamation; CO Lake Fork Monitoring; NV CESU Perry Canyon Creek Acid Mine Drainage Remediation; CA Ukiah AML; CA Mojave Desert Hydro.
Fiscal Year 2017 BLM Utah Establishment Of Utah Air Quality Modeling Center; BLM CA Mojave Desert Area Hydrologic Reconnaissance; BLM-ES Study Of Air Emissions And Effects Of Best Management; NM Statewide Orphan Well Reclamation Program; WY DEQ Abandoned Mine Site Reclamation; CO Lake Fork Monitoring; NV CESU Perry Canyon Creek Acid Mine Drainage Remediation; CA Ukiah AML; CA Mojave Desert Hydro.
Fiscal Year 2018 Utah Establishment of Utah Air Quality Modeling Center Utah VFO Reclamation of Lands Impacted by Energy Exploration and Extraction Activities: Uinta Basin, Utah Utah Air Quality Modeling and Monitoring Support for Rural Areas Study of air emissions and effects of best management practices at oil and gas sites in the Northern Appalachian Basin WY DEQ Abandoned Mine Site Reclamation
Fiscal Year 2019 WY Air Quality Assessment and Outreach Program; Biological Assistance for Abandoned Mine Adit/Shaft Closures in the Western United States; Utah Statewide Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project; Utah Air Quality Modeling and Monitoring Support for Rural Areas; Nevada Abandoned Mine Lands Program/Abandoned Mine Safety Program; Montana Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring
Fiscal Year 2020 CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project; WY State of Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Coordination; CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project - Gunnison Field Office; CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project; NM Orphaned Wells Plugging and Mitigation Program; and CA Abandoned Mine Lands Inventory and physical Safety Hazard Closure
Fiscal Year 2021 CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project; WY State of Wyoming Abandoned Mine Land Coordination; CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project - Gunnison Field Office; CO Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Project; NM Orphaned Wells Plugging and Mitigation Program; and CA Abandoned Mine Lands Inventory and physical Safety Hazard Closure
Fiscal Year 2022 Projects to be funded will support 1 of the 3 activities 1. Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, which addresses physical safety hazards and water quality through restoration of abandoned hardrock mines. 2. Orphan Well Program, which remediates oil and gas wells improperly abandoned, and seeks to plug them in accordance with state regulations and rules; or 3. Educational outreach about the potential dangers posed to the public and recreationists from AML and orphaned well sites.
Fiscal Year 2023 Data is not available.