Environmental
Evaluation
Boise
District
Bureau of
Land
Management
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CD
REGION X
1200 SIXTH AVENUE SEATTLE WASHINGTON 98101
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ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
BOISE DISTRICT
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Prepared by:
Elbert Moore
Natural Resource Specialist
Report Number: Region X-4
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION X
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
October, 1973
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
I. Introduction 1
Summary of Findings and Recommendations 2
II. Recreation and Public Purposes Uses 9
Solid Waste 9
Sanitary Waste 18
Water Supply 19
III. Natural Resources Management 25
Range Management 25
Pesticides Uses 29
Timber Management 31
Mining 36
Road Construction 40
IV- Other Activities 43
Desert Land Entries 43
Environmental Emergency Procedures 50
Surveillance and Monitoring 51
V. Appendices 57
Appendix A 59
BLM and Idaho Department of Health
Procedure for Establishing a Solid Waste Site
on BLM Land
Appendix B 61
Federal Facility Inventory Form - Solid Waste
Disposal Sites
Appendix C 75
Developed Recreation Sites
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.)
Appendix D
Instructions for Review of Pest Control Programs
Appendix E
Planned Pest Control Program FY 1974
Appendix F
Surveillance Network Stations on or Adjacent
to BLM Land
111
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1. BLM Planning System 5
2. Recreation and Public Purposes Leases for Solid
Waste Disposal Sites 10
3. Recreation Sites - Water Supplies Sampled for
Total Coliforms 21
4. Annual Grazing Statistical Report 26
5. Pending Applications for Desert Land Entries 45
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Location Map of Boise District 3
2. Cycle of R & PP Application 14
3. R & PP Dump Site at Glenns Ferry 53
4. BLM Dump at Cove Recreation Site 53
5. Indiscriminate Dump in Indian Cove 54
6. Wood Stave Reservoir at Silver City 54
7. Overgrazed Area Bruneau Arm 55
8. Road Failure Related to Timber Management 55
9. Mining Activities 56
10. Mining Activities 56
11. Location of Group Desert Land Entries 46
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INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes observations made during a field evalu-
ation of the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The
purpose of the study was to examine the BLM environmental control
programs and to assess their effectiveness in terms of conditions
in the field.
Primary objectives of the evaluation were (a) to gain a better
understanding of environmental conditions, overall operations, and
problems faced by the BLM at the field level, (b) to identify areas
where the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and BLM can work to-
gether to deal with resource management related environmental prob-
lems, (c) to establish EPA contacts at the field level, and (d)
to increase environmental awareness on the part of the land manage-
ment agency field personnel.
The evaluation covered District operations involving air quality,
water supply, water quality, solid waste disposal, pesticides uses}
environmental emergency procedures and surveillance and monitoring.
Five weeks were spent in the District for the evaluation (October -
one week, November - three weeks, and December - one week). It was
not possible nor intended to do a comprehensive study of each District
activity. The field objective was to identify major problems or
potential problems and to attempt to assess in broad terms the im-
plications of their impacts. Discussions and field reviews of some
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activities were conducted with District and Resource Area Manager's
staffs. Some field observations were also made alone.
The Boise District manages the public domain lands in South-
west Idaho (Figure 1). The largest contiguous land area is in Owyhee
County in the southwest corner of the State. The Boise metropolitan
area is located near the center of the District. The District in-
cludes 2,025,000 hectares (five million acres) of public land. The
District is divided into the Bruneau, Cascade, Owyhee and Jarbidge
Resource Areas for management. All District operations are con-
ducted from the Boise office.
The District's resource management programs include timber,
watershed, livestock forage, minerals, recreation, lands and wild-
life. Approximately 402 kilometers (250 miles) of the Snake River
are within the boundaries of the District. Many smaller tributaries
of the Snake River also traverse BLM land.
District and Resource Area Managers responsibilities are to
ensure that the basic resources, land, water and air are managed
according to statutory mandates.
Major environmental problem areas on the District are associated
with solid waste management, mining, desert land entries and water
supplies at recreation sites. Primary problems associated with
these activities are as follows:
1. Solid waste disposal sites administered under the Recreation
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FIGURE I
STATE OF IDAHO
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS
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4
and Public Purposes Act. Widespread indiscriminate dumping on BLM
land.
2. Mining-related problems such as road construction off
claims, large excavations without restoration, exploration without
filing a claim and abandoned mines.
3. Some desert land entries have resulted in increased in-
X
discriminate dumping, water quality problems related to agricul-
tural runoff, and exclusion of land uses occurring on lands in a
natural state such as wildlife habitat.
4. Inadequate surveillance of water supplies, including field
surveys of facilities and monitoring.
District personnel are aware of the major problem areas, but
are constrained in solutions by legal, budgetary and manpower limi-
tations. Legislative revisions are necessary to adequately resolve
mining and desert land entry problems.
The District's environmental control programs are being
strengthened through the following actions:
1. The Management Framework Planning (MFP) process is being
used to develop long range management plans. Maintenance and im-
provement of environmental quality are major considerations in the
MFP process. Resource management decisions are based on the plan-
ning process outlined in Table 1.
2. Significant resource management decisions such as timber
sales and changes in grazing or other land uses are preceded by a
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TABLE 1
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT - PLANNING SYSTEM
Phase Steps
Initial Analysis Divide the District into
planning units.
Resource Analysis Inventory Resources and Existing
Land Uses,. Estimate the maximum
opportunity for each single land
use.
Framework Plan Identify the conflicts between
single use opportunities.
Develop multiple use proposals
by minimizing the conflicts.
Make broad guidance (Framework)
decisions based on the multiple
use proposals.
Activity Plans Prepare detailed action plans
within the framework decision.
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District interdisciplinary team review of alternatives and assess-
ment of impacts of the proposed action.
3. Grazing allotment plans are being developed on a priority
basis to improve livestock management, and minimize resource dam-
ages associated with grazing.
Summary of the major recommendations are presented below.
These and other recommendations are at the conclusion of the vari-
ous sections.
It is recommended that:
1. BLM assume a leadership role in area-wide solid waste
management planning in Southwest Idaho.
2. Existing solid waste disposal sites be brought into com-
pliance with Federal solid waste guidelines, and a current inven-
tory of unauthorized or trespass dumps be developed, along with a
priority listing of dumps to be closed.
3. One individual be designated to coordinate the water
supply operation, maintenance, sampling, inspection and reporting
programs for recreation and administrative sites.
4. Mining operations which are violating established water
quality standards be identified, and the standards used to regu-
late discharges.
5. The environmental impact statement process be used to
the extent possible to minimize adverse effects of mining
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activities on BLM land, and for all group desert land entries of
more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres).
6. Agencies responsible for administering State and Federal
environmental laws, specifically the Idaho Department of Environ-
mental and Community Services, and the Environmental Protection
Agency be consulted in preparing the environmental analysis record
or impact statements for major projects or actions.
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RECREATION AND PUBLIC PURPOSES USES
Solid Waste
The Recreation and Public Purposes Act authorizes the con-
veyance of public domain lands with certain exceptions and condi-
tions to qualified applicants. Nonprofit organizations may pur-
chase or lease lands for public or quasi - public purposes if they
meet qualifications as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
Nearly 92 percent of the public domain land to which the
Recreation and Public Purposes Act and related laws apply is under
the jurisdiction of the BLM. Public purposes may include public
health and education projects for publicly owned facilities such
as schools, waterworks, sewage plants, and sanitary landfills.
Available land may be leased for twenty-five cents an acre, payable
in advance, with a minimum annual rental of $10.00.
Solid waste disposal is one of the major environmental prob-
lems in the District. Public lands have historically been used
by individuals, groups, and units of government for refuse disposal.
The District issues Recreation and Public Purposes Leases for re-
fuse disposal sites. Recreation and public purposes uses are given
a high priority.
The current inventory (September 14, 1972) of Recreation and
Public Purposes (R & PP) dump sites in the District list twenty-
two sites (Table 2). Some of the leases are old and have expired.
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TA&LE 2
RECREATION AND PUBLIC PURPOSES LEASES FOR DUMPS
Leases
Ada County*
Ada County
Canyon County
*Request for renewal
Leases
City of Idaho City
Ada County
City of Horseshoe
Bruneau
Serial
No.
1-016849
1-1990
1-3588
of the lease
Cascade
Serial
No.
1-2949
1-3215
1-2201
Resource Area
Lease
Date
12/16/66
9/1/68
2/15/72
Resource Area
Lease
Date
4/8/70
10/26/71
4/10/69
R & PP Dumps ites - Sept.
Renewal
12/16/71
9/1/73
2/15/77
Period
5 years
5 years
20 years
R & PP Dumpsites - Sept.
Renewal
4/8/75
10/26/76
4/10/74
Period
15 years
20 years
5 years
14, 1972
Location
T. 1 N., R. 1 W
Section 3, Lot 1
T. 1 N., R. 1 W.
Section 3, SEHNE
T. 1 S.,- R. 1 W.
Section 18, S^sNE
14, 1972
Location
T. 6 N., R. 5 E.
Section 27, W£W
T. 4 N., R. 2 E.
Section 7, NEW
T. 7 N., R. 2 E.
42.58 acres
40.00 acres
80.00 acres
20.00 acres
40.00 acres
Bend
lot 1, Sec. 33, described as
follows: Beginning at the NW
corner of Sec. 33 T. 7 N., R. 2 E.,
B.M., thence south 77°43' east,
1530 feet to the true point of
beginning; thence south 88°43'
east, 500 feet; thence south 0°04'
west, 1000 ft.; thence N.88°43' W.,
500 ft.; thence N.0°04' E., 1000 ft.
to the true point of beginning
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Canyon County2
1-015448
7/12/66 7/12/71
5 years T. 3 N., R. 4 W., B.M.
Ada County
Applications
Gem County
Canyon County
Canyon County
1-010658
1-5814
1-3886
1-4601
5/25/61 5/25/76 20 years
(New Application) 25 years
(Need Environmental Analysis Re-
cord (already classified) 20 yrs.
(New Application) 25 years
Section 8, V^Ek
T. 4 N., R. 2 E
Section 7, NWJ^E^
T. 6 N., R. 3 W., B.M.
Section 9, NWJsNWH, SW^NM^,
NVUsSw\
T. 6 N., R. 5 W.
Section 27, SW^NE^
T. 5 N., R. 3 W., B.M.
Section 12, SWHjSWJi
80.00 acres
40.00 acres
120.00 acres
40.00 acres
40.00 acres
1 . Request to assign dump to Idaho County
2. Request for 25 year renewal
Leases
Twin Falls County ^
p
City of Glenns Ferry^
Twin Falls County
J.O.C. Club
Village of Hagerman
Jarbidge
Serial
No.
1-016679
1-017447
1-015899
1-08210
1-010729
Resource Area R & PP Dumps ites - Sept.
Lease
Date Renewal Period
5/18/66 5/18/71 5 years
1/11/67 1/11/72 5 years
5/18/66 5/18/76 5 years
8/29/60 8/29/70 20 years
12/7/62 12/7/72 20 years
14, 1972
Location
T. 14 S., R. 14 E., B.M.
Section 19, WJsNEyWsSE^'
T. 5 S., R. 10 E., B.M.
Section 21 , NW^SW^
T. 12 S., R. 13 E., B.M.
Section 11, NVPsNEJsNWH
T. 5 S., R. 8 E., B.M.
*^or "M nn 9fi UUNFlcNFL-
OCV* L> 1 V/l 1 t-\J 5 WSIlU^ylLTi
T. 8 S., R. 13 E., B.M.
Section 11, W^NEyWH; , EJjNV
5.00 acres
40.00 acres
10.00 acres
20.00 acres
I^NWH 40 acres
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Applications
Owyhee County
Owyhee County
1-4892 New case. No approval T. 6 S., R. 6 E., B.M.
from Health Dept. 20 years Section 19,
1-5058 New case. No approval
from Health Dept. 20 years
T. 6 S., R. 7 E., B.M.
Section 5,
1. Request for renewal of lease
2. Request for renewal of lease
3. Compliance check due 10/1/70. Want to close out and rehabilitate due to new freeway.
May need to establish a new site.
Owyhee Resource Area R & PP Dumps ites - Sept. 14, 1972
Leases
Owyhee County
Applications
Owyhee County
Owyhee County
Owyhee County
Period
Location
20 years T. 2 N., R. 5 W., B.M.
Section 17,
Serial Lease
No. Date Renewal
1-2846 5/11/70 5/11/75
1-3732 Classified, lease not issued. Needs T. 2 N., R. 4 W., B.M.
additional work, no approval from Section 21,
Health Dept. 20 year's
1-3817 New case. Need development T. 2 S., R. 2 W., B.M.
plan and land report. No Section 34, NEJsSWJz;
approval from Health Dept. 20 years
1-3731 New case. No approval T. 1 S., R. 3 W., B.M.
from Health Dept. 25 years Section 13,
20.00 acres
20.00 acres
80.00 acres
80.00 acres
40.00 acres
40.00 acres
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The District has received several applications for renewal for con-
tinued use of some sites. Most of the renewal requests lack the
minimum information required by the BLM to initiate a land classi-
fication action. Lack of action on some inadequate applications
has resulted in de facto approval for continued use.
The BLM regulations related to approval of sites for solid
waste disposal were revised in May, 1972 (Instruction Memorandum
72-181). The revised procedures were issued to define the minimum
standards for disposal sites under the R & PP Act. The memorandum
provides interim guidance for new or renewal leases until the Fed-
eral guidelines implementing Section 209 of the Resource Recovery
Act, as amended, are finalized by the EPA. All applications for
new or renewal of leases will be submitted to the Regional Offices
of the EPA for review prior to issuance.
The State Department of Environmental and Community Services
and the BLM have developed a procedure for establishing solid
waste sites on BLM land (Appendix A). The procedure for classifi-
cation of public land for sanitary landfills is given in Figure 2.
Eight of the twenty-two R & PP dump sites were reviewed on a
random basis. Federal facility inventory forms were completed for
sites observed (Appendix B). None of the sites are sanitary land-
fills; two sites receive periodic coverage. Burning, odors, vectors,
and blights on the landscape are problems at most of the sites. The
sites at Glenns Ferry and Hammett (Appendices B-6 and B-7) were the
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Figure 2.
Cycle of an R & PP Application
for Solid Waste Disposal Site
Step 1 (a) Application is filed in State Office.
(b) Posted to records.
(c) Sent to L & M for pre-adjudication.
Step 2 (a) In pre-adjudication if deficiencies are noted
. in application, a notice is sent to applicant.
(b) A report from Idaho State Department of Environ-
mental and Community Services is requested.
Step 3 Case is referred to District Office for classifica-
tion and recommendations.
Step 4 (a) District Office writes Field Report which
includes environmental consideration.
(b) Issues proposed classification.
(c) Issues initial classification decision.
Step 5 Case file is referred back to State Office.
Step 6 State Office reviews case to see that all reports
have been submitted. If all is in order, a copy
of pertinent data is submitted to Environmental
Protection Agency for their review and recommenda-
tions.
Step 7 If Environmental Protection Agency issues a favor-
able report, lease is prepared for signature of
applicant with stipulations attached and sent for
signature and first year's rental.
Step 8 Upon receipt of above, lease is issued.
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worst R & PP sites observed, considering quantity of refuse and po-
tential pollution. The sites are shown in Figure 3. BLM
operated dumps at Silver City and Cove Recreation Site were observed
(Appendices B-4 and B-ll). Both dumps are used to dispose of refuse
from BLM recreation sites.
The dump at Silver City is also used by residents of the City.*
The present site replaced one that had leachate and aesthetic prob-
lems. The soil at the present site is lithic and paralithic and
cover material for the site is not locally available. The physio-
graphy of the area limits suitable sites for sanitary landfills.
The site at Cove Recreation Site is less than 0.41 hectares
(1 acre), and is used primarily as a convenience in maintenance at
the campground. It is less than 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the
modified landfill at Bruneau. The site is shown in Figure 4. With
scheduled coverage and disposal, the Bruneau site would meet the
proposed Federal guidelines for a sanitary landfill. The site could
be used for disposal of refuse from Cove Recreation Site.
Indiscriminate or trespass dumping is a serious problem in the
District. Several dumps with quantities of refuse ranging from less
than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) to several tons were observed (Appen-
dix B-8). The large and somewhat isolated land areas of some of the
District and the limitations of BLM personnel to frequently monitor
activities on public land have contributed to the wide-spread use of
*The modified landfill at Kuna will be used for Silver City with
recent agreement.
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public land for indiscriminate dumping. Many of the indiscriminate
dumps are in areas where desert land entries have been allowed.
Entryrnen use the adjoining public land for refuse disposal. In many
areas every family or two will begin dumping in an area. Several of
these type dumps were observed in the Bruneau Arm area adjacent to
the Snake River and in the Murphy area (Appendix B-14).
The largest and most serious potential polluting indiscriminate
dumps were observed in Indian Cove in northeast Owyhee County and
north of Middleton in northeast Canyon County. The Indian Cove
dump (Appendix B-8) is in a seasonally dry draw. Dumping began
approximately 2 kilometers (1 mile) up the draw and has progressed
toward the county road. The site is shown in Figure 5. All types
of refuse are disposed of in the area, including several pesticide
containers. Spring runoff water moves through the area to the
Snake River, approximately 3 kilometers (2 miles) away.
The indiscriminate dump north of Middleton extends approximately
1 kilometer (Appendix B-13) up a seasonally dry draw to a railroad
fill. Dumping apparently began at the head of the draw and progressed
toward the county road. Dumping is currently adjacent to the road.
Leaching, burning, vectors and aesthetics are problems with all the
dumps.
The lack of cooperation from Recreation and Public Purposes
Lessees and local units of government in solid waste management has
discouraged the District from vigorously pursuing a solution to the
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problem. The magnitude and severity of the solid waste problems
are recognized but there appears to be a feeling of inability to
solve the large scale problem. A status quo situation is there-
fore perpetuated.
Recommendations
Solid waste disposal is one of the major environmental prob-
lems in the District. Specific recommendations for improved solid
waste management are:
1. BLM take more of a leadership role in area wide solid waste
management planning in Southwest Idaho. An additional effort to-
ward a regional solid waste program should be actively pursued with
local governments.
2. Conduct solid waste management planning on a District basis
to bring solid waste disposal sites into compliance with proposed
Federal guidelines.
3. A current inventory of unauthorized or trespass dumps should
be developed along with a priority listing of dumps to be closed.
Resources to close the dumps on a priority basis should be budgeted,
and a firm schedule for accomplishment developed.
4. Corrective actions for the Indian Cove and Middleton Area
trespass dumps should be taken immediately, including posting as a
minimum.
5. Alternative methods of solid waste disposal, such as trans-
fer stations, should be evaluated immediately for BLM operated open
dumps at Cove Recreation Site and Silver City.
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Sanitary Waste
There are three developed and one partially developed recreation
sites managed by the District. The partially developed site is at
Silver City. Recreation sites locations are shown in Appendix C.
Two administrative sites to provide quarters for summer lodging are
maintained. The District headquarters in the City of Boise is on the
municipal sewerage system. Vault toilets are used at the recreation
and administrative sites. Vault pumpings are done by contract to
commercial operators. Operators are selected on a random basis from
the telephone directory. It is assumed that vault pumpings are dis-
posed of in the municipal sewage treatment plant at Boise. The ven-
dors' final disposition of pumpings, however, has not been questioned.
Most recreation site toilets were observed. In addition to water
pollution potential, the facilities were checked for structural con-
ditions, odor problems, and evidence of rodent activities. A sum-
mary of observations at campgrounds is in Appendix C.
All of the observed facilities were in good structural condition.
Odor problems were evident at toilets in the middle of Beggs Recreation
Site and in the Silver City facilities provided by the BLM. Rodent
activity or damage related to toilets was minor at observed sites.
Vaults at Beggs and Silver City needed pumping at the time of
observations.* Delaying pumpings until the beginning of the next
season of use will increase the infiltration potential of vault
*The site at Beggs has been closed; it was not used enough to justify
operation.
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contents and may allow transport during spring runoff.
Recommendations
1. The District's operations personnel should ensure that
pumpings from vaults are adequately disposed of in sewage treatment
plants or sludge digesters, by vendors contracted to do pumpings.
A regulation or contract stipulation to this effect should be
developed.
2. Vault pumpings should be scheduled to minimize potential
ground and surface water pollution from overflow. Full or near-full
vaults should be pumped at the conclusion of season of use or be-
fore spring runoff.
Water Supplies
Developed water supplies are available at the three improved
recreation sites in the District. The two District administrative
sites also have developed supplies. The community water supply at
Silver City is used (not encouraged by BLM) by recreation users in
the area.
The recreation sites and the Silver City area were observed.
A reconnaissance level evaluation of water supplies was made of the
sites. A summary of the observations is shown in Appendix C. Water
samples were taken at two of the sites and at Silver City for total
coliform bacteriological analyses. Fhe Millipore Portable Water
Test Kit was used for the bacteriological analyses for total coliform,
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Results of the analyses are given in Table 3. The only positive
test occurred in the community supply at Silver City.
Silver City. The present water system serves only part of the
community. The remainder is served by individual wells or springs.
The source of the community supply is a natural spring. The collec-
tion facilities at the spring are not adequate to provide for the
sanitary protection of the water obtained.— The systems storage
is provided by a 94,635 liters (25,000 gallons) ground level wood
stave reservoir which is in poor condition (Figure 6). All of the
existing distribution pipelines are in extremely poor condition.-/
Administrative Sites. The two District administrative sites
at Mud Flats in Southwest Owyhee County and Crane Creek in South-
east Washington County have developed water supplies. The supplies
are from wells with a distribution system at Mud Flats. The systems
are used periodically during the field season when employees use the
sites for temporary quarters. Both sites were inaccessible because
of weather during the field evaluation.
Bacteriological data for all sites sampled during 1972 (June -
September) were reviewed in the District files. All samples were
analyzed by the Idaho Department of Health. Data reviewed indicated
1. Samples for bacteriological tests were not collected before
some seasonally operated sites were opened (Cove initial sampling
7/12/72, Beggs and Steck 6/13/72).
I/Idaho Water Resource Board, Comprehensive Rural'Water and Sewerage
Study. Owyhee County Idaho, 1972.
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TABLE 3
RECREATION SITES - WATER SUPPLIES SAMPLED
FOR TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
10/31/72 - 11/3/72
Results (total coliforms)
Recreation Site or Area 100 ml sample*
Cove Negative
Steck Negative
Silver City Positive
(potable supply - Perkeys) (3 colonies)
*Two samples were taken at each site
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2. Positive tests were reported for the Mud Flat administrative
site 6/2, 6/20 and 6/23. Chlorox was flushed through the distribution
system following the 6/23 sample analysis. The one subsequent test
(7/12/72) was negative. No further test results were on file.
3. Samples were not taken on a regular scheduled basis for
some supplies. No record of samples for Cove were available for June
and August, 1972. '
4. Several sample records had no collection date.
5. Several samples were over 48 hours old when received in the
laboratory for analyses, including all June, July, August and September
samples from Beggs and Steck sites. Samples were analyzed with all
negative results.
Standard Methods-/ recommends the time elapsing between collection
and examination of individual potable water supplies sent to a
laboratory should in no case exceed 30 hours.
Chemical analyses are not done periodically on water supplies.
Chemical analysis data during initial development of water supplies
were not readily available in the files. The Public Health Service
(PHS) Drinking Water Standards state that, under normal circumstances,
chemical analyses need be made only semiannually; the frequency should
be increased or decreased when warranted by conditions affecting the
water supply at the system.
2/APHA, AWWA and WPCF, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater. 13th Edition.197TIp. 659.
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Recommendations
Water supply sampling, inspection and reporting programs for
recreation sites should be strengthened. Actions suggested to im-
plement this include:
1. Transfer control for District water supplies from Resource
Area personnel to a District water supply specialist. The specialist's
duties could include:
a. Making sure bacteriological samples are collected in
accordance with specified frequencies.
b. Making sure water samples are taken in accordance
with Standard Methods for Examination of Water, specifically as it
relates to time elapsing between collection and examination of in-
dividual potable water supplies.
c. Follow-up action on any unsatisfactory sample.
d. Initiating a routine chemical analysis program for
parameters included in the PHS Drinking Water Standards on all re-
creation sites. Since there is no data base for chemical analysis
of water supplies, supplies should be analyzed once per year for
one or two years to establish a data base. A complete analysis
every three years (unless specific problems develop) afterwards
would be adequate for District supplies.
e. Conducting annual and follow-up sanitary surveys on
all drinking water systems, including those found unsatisfactory
during season of use.
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2. Water supply facilities at administrative sites such as
Mud Flats and Crane Creek, that are apparently physically deficient
should be reviewed for compliance with Public Health Service Drink-
ing Water Standards for location, construction, protection and
maintenance before continued bacteriological sampling.
3. Conducting periodic training sessions for other employees
involved with water supplies.
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NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Range Management
Range management related activities are a major part of the
District's program. Grazing and range improvements are common in
all parts of the District. BLM lands are administered under the
authority and provisions of the Taylor Grazing Act of June 28, 1934,
and the 0 & C Act of August 28, 1937 (BLM Circular No. 2313) as
amended and supplemented. Regulations are specified for grazing
administration, awarding of grazing privileges, management prac-
tices, supervision and inspection, advisory boards and records and
administrative procedures. Regulations are specified for areas
inside and outside of grazing districts.
Grazed areas, general range conditions and the overall range
management prografn were reviewed. Specific range management pro-
grams as seedings and herbicide uses were also reviewed.
An annual license for grazing privileges is required, unless
a term permit is issued. The total number of livestock of all
classes licensed on the District as of April 26, 1972 were 273,224,
with an Animal Unit Month (AUM) forage requirement of 528,364. The
annual grazing statistical report for 1971 is in Table 4.
There are approximately 150 allotments in the District. Allot-
ment management plans have been completed for thirty of the allot-
ments. These plans are the available mechanisms to ensure that
grazing and livestock use considerations are compatible with other
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TABLE 4
ANNUAL GRAZING REPORT, BOISE DISTRICT,
March 1, 1971 to February 28, 1972
Livestock and
Range Data
Authorized Nonuse
Authorized Active Use
Crossing Permi
ts
Total Licensed
Obligation
Exchange of Use
Total Authorized Use
Cattle and Horses
Number
4,223
116,535
108
116,643
4,856
121,499
AUM's
67,218
415,958
49
416,007
27,066
443,073
Sheep and Goats
Number
2,000
138,645
10,500
149,145
2,580
151,725
AUM's
28,007
76,739
1,004
77,743
7,548
85,291
Total livestock of all
classes licensed 273,224
Total AUM's of forage
required of licensed livestock 528,364
Estimated Grazing Capacity in AUM's
AUM's of Range Available For:
Livestock
518,660
Big Game
45,000
Type of Operators
Regular
Crossing
Total
Number of Exchange
of Use Licenses
Number of Term Permits
Cattle and
Horses
512
1
513
101
139
Sheep and
Goats
41
7
48
12
6
Total
Number
553
8
561
113
145
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27
resource uses. The allotment management plans are programs of
action designed to reach specific range management objectives. The
completed plans cover approximately one-third of the District
(607,500 hectares approximately 1.5 million acres). The AUM assess-
ment for District grazing privileges is 0.66 cents per AUM for each
grazing allotment for cattle and sheep, and twice that amount for
horses.
Several areas of varying grazing intensities were observed.
The most commonly observed problems were areas subjected to over-
grazing, as shown in Figure 7. The magnitude and severity of the
overgrazing as it relates to environmental management was difficult
to ascertain in a reconnaissance evaluation. Sediment production
from overgrazing is a problem in many areas.
Soils in the District are dominantly developed from lacustrine
sediments, alluvium and loess over basalt, rhyolite and granite.
The most common soil textures are silt loam, loam, and fine sandy
loam. With exposed areas of mineral soils as shown in Figure 7,
associated with overgrazing, soil erosion and sedimentation suscep-
tibility is increased.
The 14,580 hectares (36,000 acres) Echo Springs range seeding
in the Bruneau area was observed. The area was plowed and seeded
to crested wheat grass in 1967 and 1968. Large area seedings for
increased grazing capacity restricts multiple use land management
options. Several areas in the seeding project had been overgrazed
with large areas of exposed mineral soil.
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The impact of grazing on water quality has not been documented
on the District. River and creek valleys are heavily used in grazed
areas because of proximity to water. The BLM has recognized the
need for information on water quality changes related to various
land management practices including grazing.
The BLM, in cooperation with the Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) Reynolds Creek Experimental Watersheds Studies, began studies
in October, 1972 on water quality characteristics of range land
watersheds. Characteristics of range land watersheds under natural
conditions and various practices of range management will be studied.
The study is designed to provide needed information for range manage-
ment decisions related to water quality. The study is scheduled for
completion in June 1975.
Recommendations
To minimize pollution potential from grazing, the following
actions are recommended:
1. Continue present planning and management program at an
accelerated pace.
2. Through establishment and operation of permanent monitoring
stations, document base-line water quality for District waterways.
3. Relate base-line water quality data to various intensities
of grazing as a guide to identification of problem areas.
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29
4. Assess problems related to grazing, and on a priority basis,
identify springs, water bodies, etc., that should be fenced or other-
wise protected.
Pesticides Uses
The BLM pesticides program was amended in October, 1972 with
Instructional Memorandum - 72-413. The instructions were issued
to relate the Bureau's program to the Federal Environmental Pesticide
Control Act of 1972 (PL-92-516) and to clarify BLM internal procedures
for review of all pesticide projects.
BLM policy requires review by a National Technical Pesticide
Screening Committee of all pest control requests. The committee
makes recommendations for revisions or rejections of requests for
pesticide uses. The procedure for annual review of pest control
programs by the Technical Committee are in Appendix D.
There has been no pest control program on the District since
1967. Two projects are planned for Fiscal Year 1974. The areas
proposed for treatment are located 48 kilometers (30 miles) south
of Glenns Ferry, Idaho (East Devil Creek Spray Project) and 32 kilo-
meters (20 miles) southwest of Marsing, Idaho (King Spray and Seed
Project). Both areas are open range with dense stands of big sage-
brush (Artemisa tridentata). Treatment is proposed on a block
pattern basis. The East Devil Creek project is 2,430 hectares
(6,000 acres) and the King Spray project is 608 hectares (1,500
* >
acres).
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The herbicide 2, 4-D is proposed for application, at a rate of 1
kilogram (2 pounds) active ingredient per 0.41 hectares (acre).
The formulation proposed is 3 kilograms per 4 liters (6 pounds per
gallon) of water emulsion with aerial application by helicopter.
General information about the proposed projects is in Appendix E.
An Environmental Analysis Record and possibly an Environmental Im-
pact Statement will be prepared before the proposed pest control
program is implemented.
The National Instructional Memorandum recognizes the require-
ments of PL-92-516, Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act
of 1972. The law requires certification for all persons handling,
applying, or monitoring pesticides or pesticide projects. BLM
monitoring responsibilities are also defined. The BLM is responsible
for monitoring any application of pesticide on National Resource
Land, and for ensuring compliance with all State and Federal laws,
equipment standards, chemical formulations and application procedures,
Recommendations
1. Prepare an environmental impact statement on pesticide
projects, particularly East Devil Creek and King Spray and seed
projects, which may have a significant environmental impact.*
2. BLM personnel used in the District's pesticide program
for monitoring and inspection of applications should be certified
pesticide public operators, under the State certification program.
*Projects were cancelled.
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31
3. Require contractors used for pesticide applications on
BLM land to define methods and locations for disposal of pesticide
residues and containers.
4. Plans for handling accidental spills involving pesticides
should be included in contingency planning.
Timber Management
General Description
The northern part of the Cascade Resource Area north of Boise
in the Idaho Batholith is the major area of commercial timber managed
by the District. Small areas of commercial timber are also in parts
of Elmore and Owyhee Counties. The timber management program is
relatively small with timber harvesting varying from two to eight
million board feet annually. The number of timber sales varies
from two or three to seven or eight per logging season (May to
December) depending upon areas cruised, adequacy of inventory in-
formation of potential sale areas and salvage sales. The estimated
hectares of commercial timber are 24,300 (60,000 acres). The im-
portant species are Douglas fir, grand fir, ponderosa pine, western
larch, alpine fir, lodge pole pine and Englemann spruce.
Field Observations
Recently completed and proposed timber sale areas were reviewed.
The Packer John No. 1 sale area was observed: 4.5 million board
.*
feet were harvested in 1970. The area was selectively logged.
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Damage to residual stand was a problem on the sale. Log decking in
and near some intermittent streams was also a problem. Both prob-
lems appeared to have been minimized by firm contract administration.
A road failure related to runoff was observed on a spur road. Water
was allowed to run over the road bed, resulting in erosion. The
area is shown in Figure 8.
The Packer John No. 2 proposed sale area was also reviewed.
The sale area covers approximately 169 hectares (418 acres). Approxi-
mately four million board feet will be harvested from the area. The
4 kilometers (2 miles) of road construction related to the sale were
observed. Weather conditions (road partially snow covered) prevented
a detailed observation of the road. The road is in soils that are
generally unstable (coarse loamy surface), however, because of the
relatively gentle gradient, stability problems were minimized.
The East Garden Valley proposed sale area was reviewed with
the District Resource Team prior to preparation of an environmental
analysis record. Approximately three million board feet are pro-
posed to be harvested. The volume is spread over approximately
907 hectares (2,240 acres). The intent of the Team review was to
have an interdisciplinary approach to resource evaluation prior
to the proposed action.
At the time of the evaluation, the Paddy Creek area was being
cruised for advertisement in the fall of 1972. Approximately 3/4
million board feet may be harvested from the area. The area will
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33
be selectively logged. Field considerations during cruising including
leave tree selection, buffer strips along creeks and dry draws and
skid trail selection appeared adequate.
General Observations
Brush and slash disposal on BLM timber sales are done by the
Idaho Department of Public Lands (IDPL), or by contractors under
IDPL supervision. Operators are required to deposit a trust fund
per thousand feet of timber harvested for slash disposal. Burning
is the major mechanism used for volume reduction, lopping and
scattering is also used. A report on meteorological conditions is
used before and during burning operations to predict smoke dispersion
characteristics.
The average annual amount of slash generated in the District
during Fiscal Years 1969 to 1972 was approximately 15,000 metric
tons. An estimated five percent or 750 metric tons of slash gener-
ated were burned annually during fiscal years 1969 to 1972. The
remaining slash was lopped and scattered and left in the forest for
natural decomposition.
Burning woody materials affects air quality through the emis-
sion of hydrocarbons, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Be-
cause of the broad variety of fuel constituents and burning methods
involved, accurate emission inventories for sources of air pollution
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34
are difficult to obtain. Consequently, the lack of an adequate
emission inventory or other suitable data makes it difficult to
assess the impacts of slash burning on the atmospheric environment.
The most obvious concern about forest residue burning is the
reduction in visibility due to smoke generation, and the potential
for regional transfer of the smoke into an area encountering air
pollution episodes'.
The timber sale contracts for the most part have adequate
stipulations to ensure environmental protection. The major exception
is in procedures for dealing with resource damages that occur after
the sales have been completed, such as road failures. Road failures
are common in soils developed in the Idaho Batholith. The soils
are high in volcanic ash and are mixed with and underlain by
granite.
The environmental impacts of timber harvesting are difficult
to assess at the reconnaissance level. The Management Framework
Planning Process appears to be the area available to adequately assess
environmental impacts and evaluate alternatives to BLM actions. The
BLM Planning System is shown in Table 1. With the small size of
the timber program and the potential long term effects of timber
management activities on other resource uses, the MFP is necessary
to minimize impacts from timber harvesting.
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35
Recommendations
Timber management activities may have significant long term
environmental impacts although the program is relatively small in
the District.
Actions which may be used in reducing degradation from timber
management activities are:
1. Develop Management Framework Plans for areas of timber
management on a high priority basis, and prepare environmental im-
pact statements on plans.
2. Until Management Framework Plans are developed for timber
management areas, prepare an environmental impact statement on the
timber sales planned for a two or three year period. Include in
this statement areas to be cut., methods of cutting, placement of
roads, slash disposal, and general soil characteristics necessary
to evaluate the impacts of timber harvesting. Develop procedures
for predicting in the planning phase, effects from individual tim-
ber sales, including whether these activities will comply with
water and air quality standards. If deviations are expected, list
the magnitude and the anticipated duration.
3. Develop a program to monitor air and water quality affected
by logging, for compliance with Federal, State and local air and
water pollution laws and regulations, and for comparison with effects
predicted in number (2) above.
4. Based on potential damages associated with proposed logging
and road building operations, determine extent of contract administration
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36
necessary to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Log-
ging and road construction should be limited in accordance with the
extent adequate administration can be provided.
5. Procedures should be developed to respond immediately,
upon the occurrence of road failures and similar damages, to mini-
mize continued resource damages, and to gain information for use
in prevention of such failures in the future.
Mining
The problems associated with types of mining and exploration,
mine drainage, and abandoned mines were observed. Mining-related
activities such as road construction and past mining activities
were also evaluated.
The BLM administers the general mining laws of 1872, as
amended which authorize location, entry and patent of mineral lands
in or reserved from, the public domain.
There are approximately 2,500 unpatented mining claims in the
District. In addition to known claims there are hundreds of old
claims of unknown validity or status scattered throughout the
District. The BLM retains surface rights on all unpatented mining
claims. Geological surveys and past mining history indicated areas
of gold, silver and monazite in the Boise Basin, Boise Front,
Marshall Mountain and Silver City areas. The most concentrated
mineralized area is in the Silver City vicinity. The area received
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37
its name from early (1863 to 1875) mineral discoveries of ore
extremely rich in silver.
Although there are no active mines in the Boise District where
minerals are being extracted for commercial processing, there are
several claims where extensive exploratory prospecting work is in
progress. The Owyhee Mountains southwest of Boise is the major
area of current activities.
The exploration in the Silver City area was observed with a
State (Department of Public Lands and Inspector of Mines) and
Boise District, BLM Team to evaluate resource damage and determine
if any State or Federal laws were being violated. D-7 caterpillars
were being used for excavating trenches which were approximately
two to three meters deep and ninety meters long. Several trenches
were excavated in the Florida and DeLamar Mountain areas as shown
in Figures 9 and 10. There are no available plans for restoration
of the areas or minimizing the environmental impacts from the ex-
ploratory excavations.
The Evaluation Team concluded that soil resource damage was
major. Adverse aesthetic impact was also evident. The excavations
were primarily on patented land; the BLM's authority to regulate
activities was limited. An access road was constructed by the
Mining Company in the Silver City area. Soils in the road bed and
cuts were coa.rse loamy and highly susceptible to erosion, with
slopes from 15 to 25 percent. Minimum erosion protection construction
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measures such as outsloping, water bars and culverts were not used.
Sediment transport was evident during field observations.
A recent 1972 Idaho State law, Senate Bill No. 1152, requires
restoration of excavated areas related to mining. The law is ad-
ministered by the State Department of Public Lands. There were
some questions on the applicability of the State law since it
applies only to areas of at least two contiguous acres. Although
the individual excavated trenches were less than two acres, the total
acreage was greater than two acres. No action is being taken by
the Department of Public Lands pending an interpretation of this
point by the State Attorney General. The problems related to the
excavations were discussed with the mining company. The Evaluation
Team requested cooperation in minimizing adverse impacts from their
activities.
The National Environmental Policy Act 102(2)(c) impact state-
ment process is not being used by the BLM in Idaho for such mining
related activities as patenting of claims and constructing roads.
The impact statement process should be useful in evaluating mining
activities.
The Silver City area is honeycombed with shafts and abandoned
mines. Mine drainage from some of these areas is a problem. Studies
by Idaho Fish and Game Department—' indicated mercury contamination
in Jordan Creek, which is bordered by Silver City and DeLamar.
-/S. Gebhards, F. Shields and S. O'Neal; Mercury Levels in Idaho
Fishes and Aquatic Environments. Idaho Fish and Game Department
and Department of Health, 1971.
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Fish collected from streams and Antelope Reservoir, which receives
water from Jordan Creek, contained much higher mercury residues than
those collected from streams above the reservoir.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972
(PL 92-500), Section 402 contains regulations for controlling dis-
charges into surface waters. All inactive, active and future mines
having a point source discharge into surface waters must obtain a
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. Effluent
limitations regulations for mining operations are being developed
by EPA.
Recommendations
Unauthorized or trespass activities as road construction off
claims by prospectors, exploration without filing a claim, and
abandoned mines are problems. Actions which may be used in re-
ducing impacts from mining activities are:
1. Use environmental impact statement process to cover or
assess mining related activities on BLM land.
2. Include the cost of environmental protection as a mining
cost in evaluating the validity of a mineral discovery.
3. Develop an inventory of abandoned mines; identify those
mines having-a pollution potential; needed corrective actions and
the entity responsible for corrections.
4. Established water quality standards should be used to
regulate mining related discharges to water bodies.
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5. There is a major need for revision of the current national
mining laws to give the BLM and other land management agencies
additional regulatory authorities for mining-related activities
on the lands they manage.
Road Construction
General Description
There are approximately 2,414 kilometers (1,500 miles) of
roads on the District's Transportation Plan. Approximately 483
kilometers (300 miles) of roads are maintained. There are two
major types of system roads constructed on the District, the
single lane road with a width from four to five meters (12 to 16
feet) and the double lane road with a width greater than six meters
(20 feet) with a gravel or bituminous surface. The remainder of
the roads were constructed for a specific project or used on a
temporary basis.
Road construction is done according to provisions of the
Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges
on Federal Highway Projects, FP-69, by the U.S. Department of
Transportation. Road construction special provisions supplement
FP-69 are also used. Section 110 of the special provisions
specify water pollution and soil erosion control measures to be
included in construction contracts. Contract language appeared
adequate to minimize environmental impacts from road construction.
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41
Field Observations
The Deep Creek road was observed from the Idaho and Oregon
boundary in western Owyhee County to the end of the improved road
near the base of the Owyhee Mountains, a distance of approximately
21 kilometers (13 miles). Construction began in 1969 on the road
to connect the north central part of the District in the Grandview
area to the south western part near the Idaho and Oregon boundary.
The length of road to be constructed is 64 kilometers (40 miles).
The construction is approximately three-fourths completed. Con-
struction has been done seasonally since 1969. Five additional
miles will be constructed in Fiscal Year 1974. The road is a single
lane gravel road with a five meter (16 feet) bed. It is being
constructed for access and administration of the area.
The major problems associated with the portion of the road
observed were: lack of outsloping in places, allowing water to
accumulate, and transport sediment. Road cuts in the vicinity of
the South Fork of the Owyhee River were left unprotected or not
mulched or seeded. The areas will be sediment sources for the
adjacent river during runoff. The soils in the road cut are high
in silt and clay with a high erosion potential on the steep slopes
(greater than 25 percent). Rutting from excessive traffic during
saturated condition was also a problem on the road.
Erosion and water pollution control measures as mulching, seeding,
-*
outsloping and water diversion were needed in many areas to minimize
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42
erosion. Construction and healing of road banks, fills, etc. be-
fore resource damage occurs is the major problem with the Deep
Creek road construction.
Several other roads were observed on the District, many having
a limited adverse environmental impact. Road stability and erosion
problems are the primary environmental problems associated with
road construction.
Recommendations
Construction and healing of road banks, fills, etc. before
resource damage occurs is a problem, particularly in medium and
fine textured soils. Actions which may be used to reduce degrada-
tion from road construction are:
1. Schedule construction to allow such resource protection
measures as seedings and" mulching to be completed before runoff
creates erosion and sedimentation problems.
2. Revise design standards for the Deep Creek road to decrease
the distance runoff water is permitted to travel before diversion.
Apply the revision to continued construction of the road as well
as to previously constructed segments where needed.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
Desert Land Entries
The BLM administers the Desert Land Laws related to public
land. The Bureau's basic authority is the Desert Land Act of
March 3, 1877 as amended. The purpose of the laws is to permit
the reclamation by irrigation of arid public land through individual
effort and private capital.
Before an application is approved or allowed, lands involved
must be examined by the BLM and classified suitable for desert land
entry. To be classified suitable for agricultural purposes, the
land must be more valuable for that purpose than any other, such
as recreation and public purposes or wildlife habitat.
The Desert Land Act permits the development of not more than
130 hectares (320 acres) of public land for the use and benefit
of each entryman. The basic requirements for allowing desert land
to be entered as agricultural are (1) land must be classified
suitable, (2) the entryman must have good faith intent to reclaim
the land for his personal benefit, and (3) individuals must have
necessary capital or adequate financial backing to develop the land.
The Boise District is one of the few remaining areas in the
country with relatively large areas which may qualify for desert
land entries. Whether or not to allow the conversion of public
land to an essentially single use in private ownership is a major
administrative decision to be made by the Bureau.
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44
Desert land entry statistics for pending applications are in
Table 5. The general locations of group applications are in Figure
11. The District had 167 individual, and 276 group desert land
entry applications on file as of December, 1972. Applications cover
approximately 56,700 hectares (140,000 acres). Approximately
10,935 hectares (27,000 acres) are covered by approved applications
(where entrie.s are being developed to acquire patent). Approximately
85 allowed entries have patents pending.
The pending applications are for entry of lands located in
all resource areas. The majority are filed on lands in the Moun-
tain Home, Grandview and Kuna, Idaho areas in Southwest Idaho.
Ten of the groups in Table 5 consist of eight or less entrymen,
with the remaining seven groups varying in size from 12 to 97 mem-
bers. Any proposal where two or more applicants plan to use a com-
bined water system for irrigation is considered a group.
The proposed source of irrigation water for most of the 167
pending individual applications is sub-surface water from deep well
drillings. The majority of the group applications propose to use
water from the Snake River by high lift pumpings. Therefore, the
potential impacts on water quality and quantity from the entries
are significant. Many other parameters such as air quality, solid
waste management, and pesticide introduction will be influenced
by the entries.
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TABLE 5
PENDING APPLICATIONS FOR DESERT LAND ENTRIES
BOISE DISTRICT, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
December 21, 1972
Resource Areas
Bruneau
Cascade
Jarbidge
Owyhee
Number of individual
applications
114 1.
18 2.
27 3.
8 4.
167 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Group
Entries
Cottonwood Canal
Green Valley
Cold Springs
Grindstone Butte
Skyles Neeley
Indian Cove
Grigg Smith
Twin Buttes
Oregon Trail
Mt. View
Birch Creek
Sinker Butte
Basin Mutual
Bell Rapids
Tuana Mutual
Libby-Mell
Canyon View
Number of
Entries
4
4
4
43
2
8
3
16
6
32
14
97
6
12
15
4
6
Location in
District-Figure
A
B
C
-
D
-
E
F
G
H
I
_
J
K
_
K
Total individual entries
167
Total Group
Entrymen
276
Total Desert Land Applications
443
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FIGURE 11 .
STATE OF IDAHO
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
SOUTH BOISE DISTRICT
A
CANYON"
NOTE: Letter locations denote areas of proposed
Desert Land Entries. Refer to Table 5.
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47
The BLM policy (BLM Manual 1791, May 4, 1972) requires that
an Environmental Analysis Record (EAR) be prepared for every
Bureau action which may affect the quality of the environment.
The EAR is a documented analysis of the possible environmental im-
pacts of an action. All reasonable alternatives are considered
during formulation of the action to determine whether adverse im-
pacts can be modified and if an environmental impact statement is
required to comply with Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environ-
mental Policy Act (NEPA, PL 91-190).
The EAR for Proposed Intensive Agricultural Development in
the Saylor Creek Planning Unit was reviewed as part of the evalua-
tion. Approval of the proposed action would result in 16,200 hec-
tares (40,000 acres) being converted from public land to private
agricultural land under the authority of desert land laws.
Comments related to the EAR for the Saylor Creek Planning Unit
are:
1. The interpretation of the NEPA 102(2)(c) statement require-
ment is questionable. The EAR implies that an impact must be ad-
verse before a 102(2)(c) statement is required.
2. The EAR emphasizes that after patent is issued on the pro-
posed entries, most authority to mitigate adverse impacts will rest
with agencies administering State and Federal environmental laws.
These agencies were not included with other agencies consulted in
preparing the EAR.
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The environmental impact statement process (NEPA 102(2)(c)
statement) has not been used by the District for desert land entries
since its enactment. The implication is that desert land entry
actions have not significantly affected the quality of the human
environment.
Several areas of past desert land entries were observed. The
overall environmental impacts related to entries are broad and dif-
ficult to define. Several areas of obvious impacts were easily
identifiable such as (1) several areas (Indian Cove and Bruneau
Arm) had several small open dumps, with common open dump problems
as blight and vectors and (2) one of the major environmental prob-
lems associated with entries is water quality impacts. Soil erosion
and sedimentation were common problems observed in many entry areas
(Bruneau and Indian Cove).
Field observations of past desert land entries suggest a need
for additional public participation in land management decisions
related to allowing proposed entries. The 102(2)(c) impact state-
ment process would allow the needed participation. Local groups
as Soil Conservation Districts, State and local environmental manage-
ment agencies, and other Federal agencies should have an opportunity
to evaluate significant land management decisions such as group
desert land entries. Current regulations related to proposed entries
(43 C.F.R. 2521.6 (1971)) require publication notices of proposed
BLM land classifications or actions to allow protest. However,
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49
the 102(2)(c) statement would allow a more comprehensive evaluation
and participation in actions related to group entries.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are made recognizing the BLM's
statutory requirements to administer public lands in compliance with
desert land laws. Actions available that could be used to minimize
environmental degradation are:
1. The environmental impact statement process should be used
for all large group entries of more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres).
The National Environmental Policy Act, 102(2)(c) statement should
be prepared and filed for all such entries to allow local, public,
group and other agency participation in this significant administra-
tive decision.
2. Agencies administering State and Federal environmental
laws, specifically the Idaho Department of Environmental and Com-
munity Services and the Environmental Protection Agency, should
be consulted in preparing the environmental analysis records or en-
vironmental impact statements for large group entries.
3. Local and State agencies, specifically those with expertise
in soil and water conservation like the Idaho Soil Conservation
Commission and the local Soil Conservation Districts, should be
used whenever possible. Formal input or recommendations should be
requested by the BLM to aid in the administrative decision to approve
any entry.
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50
4. Current minimum flow needs studies by the Interagency State
and Federal study team for the Snake River and its tributaries should
be used to assess potential impacts of additional water diversions
for desert land entries.
Environmental Emergencies
The Boise District includes the most densely populated area in
the State. Major transportation routes include Interstate Highway
80 North, U.S. Highways 93 and 95, State Highways 16, 21, 44, 45, 51,
52, 55 and 67 and several other major arterials. The District routes
and accessibility in several areas increases the potential for such
accidental pollution as spills of oil, pesticides and other hazardous
materials from commercial or private carriers.
There is not a documented contingency plan for handling acci-
dental spills of oil, pesticides and other hazardous materials
available on the District. Executive Order 11507, Section 4(a)(4),
February 7, 1970, requires development by all Federal agencies of
emergency plans and procedures for dealing with accidental pollution.
Plans developed pursuant to the authority shall be in accordance
with appropriate regional oil and hazardous substances pollution
contingency plans.
Recommendation
It is recommended that a contingency plan for handling acci-
dental pollution or spills as required by Executive Order 11507 be
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developed for the District. An employee training or information
program should be conducted to be sure all District personnel are
aware of the plan, and knowledgeable regarding its contents.
Surveillance and Monitoring
The District is not directly involved in any scheduled sur-
veillance or monitoring of its activities. The Agriculture Research
Service's (ARS) Watershed studies discussed in the range management
section are being conducted in cooperation with the BLM. The ARS
studies are limited in scope and do not cover or assess all District
programs.
Several Federal and State agencies are involved in collecting
water quality data within the District's boundary as part of a
regional program. The U.S. Geological Survey, EPA, and the State
Department of Environmental and Community Services either have or
are presently collecting data within or adjacent to the District's
boundary. A latitudinal and longitudinal block retrieval of water
quality data was made from the STORET system to evaluate the
potential usefulness of available data to a District program. The
program retrieval was for the block 45°30', 117°30', 45°30', I14°30',
42°, 114°30', 42°, 117030'.
Twelve stations from the STORET data are on or adjacent to
BLM land. The stations names and STORET numbers are in Appendix F.
Several other stations in the retrieval are within the District's
-------
52
boundary. The data include measurements of a number of parameters.
The stations vary in length of collection from 1957 to 1973.
Recommendations
1. Baseline air and water quality data should be collected
on District managed land.
2. Effects of District activities on air and water quality
should be determined with a monitoring system. Specific activities
like grazing, timber sales and road construction should be moni-
tored for turbidity, nutrients, temperature and other appropriate
parameters.
-------
FIGURE 3 RECREATION AND PUBLIC PURPOSES DUMP
AT GLENNS FERRY. THE LEASE EXPIRED JANUARY II 1972.
BLM IS HOLDING RENEWAL APPLICATION.
FIGURE 4 BLM DUMP AT COVE RECREATION SITE.
BLOWING OF WASTE IS A PROBLEM.
-------
FIGURE 5 INDISCRIMINATE DUMP IN INDIAN COVE AREA.
PESTICIDE CONTAINERS, DEAD ANIMALS AND ALL TYPE
REFUSE IS SCATTERED UP A DRY DRAW.
FIGURE 6 WOOD STAVE COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY
RESERVOIR AT SILVER CITY. THE RESERVOIR IS OPEN
AND UNPROTECTED.
-------
- f •
•» "*-
FIGURE 7 OVERGRAZED AREA BRUNEAU ARM AREA,
ADJACENT TO C J STRIKE RESERVOIR ON SNAKE RIVER.
FIGURE 8 ROAD FAILURE IN IDAHO BATHOLITH AREA.
WATER WAS ALLOWED TO RUN ROAD BED.
-------
FIGURE 9 MINING EXPLORATION IN DELAMAR
MOUNTAIN AREA. NO RESTORATION PLANS WERE
AVAILABLE FOR THE AREA. (BLM PHOTO)
FIGURE 10 MINING EXPLORATION IN FLORIDA
MOUNTAIN AREA. NO RESTORATION PLANS AVAILABLE
FOR AREA.
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APPENDICES
-------
59
APPENDIX A
PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING A
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SITE ON
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND*
1. After an application for a solid waste management site
has been filed and reviewed, the Bureau of Land Management will
notify the Environmental Improvement Division of the Idaho Depart-
ment of Health by forwarding them a copy of the application which
contains the:
a. Name of applicant
b. Address of applicant
c. Legal description of the land
d. Pertinent remarks or comments
2. The Environmental Improvement Division will notify the
appropriate district health department of the application.
3. The district health department engineer or sanitarian
will contact the applicant and visit the site to see if it is
suitable to recommend further testing of soil characteristics and
soil depth. He will'review the Idaho Solid Waste Control Regula-
tions and Standards with the applicant.
If the site is found to be unsuitable, he will notify the
Environmental Improvement Division and the applicant.
4. The applicant shall obtain information on soil depth to
ten feet below the lowest point of proposed solid waste fill.
These data are required for the actual proposed fill area. The
depths shall be indicated on a map at a scale of 31 meters to the
inch with two-foot contours. A log of the soil analysis shall
accompany this map. Also to be shown on this map are: on site;
water supplies; proposed fill area; proposed and existing fences;
proposed and existing structures; borrow areas; roads; grades for
proper drainage; existing and proposed utilities; watercourses,
ponds and lakes; weighing facilities, 1f provided; employee sani-
tary facilities, if provided; special drainage devices, if needed;
area for burning of trees, if provided; a separate trench for
animal carcasses and highly putrescible wastes, if provided; and
a cross-sectional drawing of a typical lift.
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60
APPENDIX A-2
5. A small map, prepared in triplicate on a scale of four
inches to the mile and showing the location of the site, shall be
submitted showing the entire proposed lease area in relation to
off site roads, wells, structures, utilities, watercourses, ponds
and lakes, within 155 meters of the site. It shall show the initial
trenches or other structures. The direction and distance to the
nearest communities shall also be shown. An estimate of the
population to be served shall be placed in the legend.
6. An operational plan, prepared in triplicate and with the
small map attached, shall be submitted with the contour map. The
operational plan shall consist of a statement signed by the parties
to whom the lease is to be issued which states "The solid waste
management operation, operated at the site described in this lease,
shall be managed according to the Idaho Solid Waste Control Regulations
and Standards." If there are proposed variations from these stan-
dards, they shall be indicated in detail.
7. When the project plan and maps have been reviewed and ap-
proved by the district health department and the State Health De-
partment regional engineer, they are forwarded to the Environmental
Improvement Division with recommendations for approval. The En-
vironmental Improvement Division will forward two copies of the
plan and small map to the Boise State Office of the Bureau of Land
Management with a letter of concurrence.
8. The Bureau of Land Management will not release any land
for a solid waste management site until the project plan and maps
by the applicant along with an approval letter by the Environmental
Improvement Division of the Idaho Department of Health, have been
received by the Bureau.
9. Any direct application made to the Idaho Department of
Health or a district health department will be referred to the
Boise Office of the Bureau of Land Management for normal processing.
10. Leases for Solid Waste Management Sites will contain such
terms and conditions as are necessary to protect the public health
and safety and to prevent avoidable adverse effects. Failure to
observe the terms and conditions could result in cancellation of
the lease. Where warranted by the circumstances, the posting of
an indemnity bond may be required.
Environmental Improvement Division
Idaho Department of Health
December 1, 1971
*Some parts of the procedure have been modified since 1971.
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APPENDIX B-l 61
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 10/28/72
Name of Site Bruneau Site Location Bruneau
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA,
Federal Activities Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by Community of Bruneau
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? yes
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) The site
is used primarily by community of Bruneau
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic X Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? no
Frequency of Cover infrequent Does Waste Contact Groundwater? no
Obvious Leachate Problem? no
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? This is an improved site
that is fenced; although not a sanitary landfill, it is one of the most im-
proved sites in the District.
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62 APPENDIX B-2
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Canyon Date 11/15/72
Name of Site Canyon County landfill Site Location T.3N., R.4W. Sec. 8
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA,
Federal Activities Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by .Canyon County
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? yes 1-015448
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Canyon
County residents
o
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X_ Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? not obvious Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover Scheduled 1 or 2 per Does Waste Contact Groundwater?
week
Obvious Leachate Problem? pol ""Known
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? The site is a modified
sanitary landfill, no fencing or procedure for controlling blowing litter and
coverage is once or twice per week. The soil material at site is lacustrine
sediments (stratified).The landfill area is a depression below terrace; it's
near an alluvial fan position. Water accumulation from draws into area is a
potential problem during runoff.
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APPENDIX B-3 63
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Washington Date 11/16/72
Weiser Area 11 kilometers
Name of Site County Dump Site Location (1 miles) from Rock Creek
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPAf
Federal Activities Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by County (check land ownership to be sure)
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) County
residents SW Washington County
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover infrequent Does Waste Contact Groundwater? --
Obvious Leachate Problem? no
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans for
Closing or improving the site. The site is adjacent to the county road;
flowing refuse is a major problem. Refuse is covered on a periodic basis.
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64
APPENDIX B-4
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 10/28/72
Name of Site Cove Dump Site Location At cove - BLM Rec. Site
Name of Person Completing Form E- Moore Organization EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by BLM - Boise District
Does Federal Agency:
Own Site?
Use Site?
Yes No
X
Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? no _
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) BLM ma.ior
user; some recreation site users may use dump directly.
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons
Yd*
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal _
Agricultural Demolition Toxic
Industrial
Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes
Frequency of Cover none
Obvious Leachate Problem? no
Adjacent to Waterway 3/4 mi. approx.
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Does Waste Contact Groundwater? no.
not evident
Name of Waterway C. J. Strike
Reservoir - Snake River
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans for
closing or improving the site.
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APPENDIX B-5 65
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Gem Date 11/1/72
Name of Site Gem County Dump Site Location T. 6N., R3W., Sec. 9
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization FAC
Section, EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by Gem County
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site?
Use Site?
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Gem
County residents
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover none Does Waste Contact Groundwater? _
Obvious Leachate Problem?
Adjacent to Waterway dry draw Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? during runoff
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? Yes, the site is scheduled
for closing as soon as the county receives approval for another area (adjacent to
present site) for operation of a sanitary landfill. The new application (1-5814)
nas been received by BLM, tentatively approved by the State Health Dept., and the
Environmental Analysis Report and the preliminary land classification have been
made by the Boise District BLM. Will be sent to EPA for review before issuing the
recreation and public purposes lease.
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66 ' APPENDIX B-6
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Elmo re Date 11/22/72
Name of Site Glenns Ferry Dump Site Location T.5S.. R.10E. Sec. 21
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization FAC
Section, EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by City of Glenns Ferrv
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? x
Use Site? _X_
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? ves 1-017447
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Residents
of Glenns Ferry and surrounding areas.
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem?
Frequency of Cover infrequent -..no Does Waste Contact Groundwater?
schedule
Obvious Leachate Problem? potential
Adjacent to Waterway dry draw Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water?
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans to
close. The lease was suppose to be renewed 1/11/72. BLM is holding renewal
application.
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APPENDIX B-7 67
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County El mo re Date 11/22/72
Name of Site Hammett Dump 1-08210 Site Location T.5S., R8E., Sec. 26
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization FAC Section
EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by JOB Club (Leasee)
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) The site
is used primarily by the community of Hammett
3
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover none Does Waste Contact Groundwater?
Obvious Leachate Problem? unknown
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No - the renewal of the
R 7 PP lease was due 8/29/70
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68 APPENDIX B-8
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 11/22/72
Name of Site Indian Cove Dump Site Location Indian Cove
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by • No one, unauthorized dump
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? no
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) The site
is used by residents of Indian Cove
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic X Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover none Does Waste Contact Groundwater? _
Obvious Leachate Problem? no not evident
Adjacent to Waterway dry draw Name of Waterway Dry draw that
Does Waste Enter Water? yes drains to Snake River during runoff
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans for
closing dump. This is one of the worst sites observed on the District. A
number of pesticide cans, dead animals, municipal waste, etc, are scattered
up the draw for approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Dumping apparently began up
draw and has orociressed toward the road; dumping is now near road.
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APPENDIX B-9 69
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Canyon Date 11/16/72
Name of Site Middleton Landfill site Location North of Middleton
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA,
FAC Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by Canyon County
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) County
residents in the vicinity of Middleton
o
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition _X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover 1 or 2 per week Does Waste Contact Groundwater? no
Obvious Leachate Problem?
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? The site is a modified
landfill, it is not fenced. Blowing and lack of regular coverage appear to
be the major problems.
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70 APPENDIX B-10
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 11/16/72
Name of Site Murphy Dump site Location Across from airfield
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA,
FAC Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Murphy
Area residents
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? Past evidence is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover none Does Waste Contact Groundwater?
Obvious Leachate Problem? no
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? There has been limited
recent dumping. Most of refuse appears to have been dumped in past years.
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APPENDIX B-ll 71
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 10/27/72
Name of Site Silver City Dump Site Location Silver City, Idaho
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by BLM - Boise District
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) The site is
also used by community residents and visitors to Silver City
o
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural Demolition Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover none Does Waste Contact Groundwater? no
Obvious Leachate Problem? no not evident
Adjacent to Waterway no Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? no
Are There PTans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans for
closing dump.
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72
APPENDIX B-12
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State
Idaho
County Owyhee
Date 11/16/72
Dump
Name of Site So. Fork. Rabbit Ck. site Location T. 2S.r R. 2W. Sec. 34
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization
Federal Activities Coordination Section
Federal Agency Associated with Site
Site Operated by • No one
Bureau of I and Managpmpnt
Does Federal Agency:
Own Site?
Use Site?
Yes
X
No
Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site?
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Residents
around Murphy - Rabbit Creek Canyon area residents
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons
Yd'
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal _
Agricultural X Demolition Toxic
Industrial
Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? yes
Frequency of Cover none
Obvious Leachate Problem?
Adjacent to Waterway Dry draw
Does Waste Enter Water? During runoff
Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Does Waste Contact Groundwater? _
Name of Waterway
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? No immediate plans to close
dump. The area is adjacent to the intermittent Rabbit Creek, and during runoff
refuse is adjacent to Creek. An area in the vicinity of this dump (1-3817) has
fc
been requested for lease. BLM has not received development plan or prepared
land report. The State Department of Env. and Comm. Serv. has not approved the
site.
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APPENDIX B-13
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Canyon Date 11/16/72
Name of Site UA Open Dump Site Location near Gem-Canyon Co. line
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization FAC Section,
EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by No one
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? No
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Residents
in NE Canyon County and SW Gem County
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition X Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? Past evidence Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover None Does Waste Contact Groundwater? _
Obvious Leachate Problem? ---
Adjacent to Waterway Dry draw Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? during runoff
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? This is an unauthorized
site that apparently began several years ago at the head of the dry draw.
Dumping has gradually moved toward road. Currently dumping is ad.iacent to
road side. The area also has recent dumping along road. This is a bad site
and corrective actions should be taken.
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74 APPENDIX B-14
FEDERAL FACILITIES INVENTORY
Solid Waste Disposal Sites Used or Regulated by a Federal Agency
State Idaho County Owyhee Date 11/22/72
Name of Site UA Dump Site Location Bruneau Arm
Name of Person Completing Form E. Moore Organization FAC
Section, EPA
Federal Agency Associated with Site Bureau of Land Management
Site Operated by No one
Does Federal Agency: Yes No Name and Address of Owner if
Other than the Federal Agency
Own Site? X
Use Site? X
Issue Permit/Lease for Use of Site? No
Names of All Users of Site (Communities, Federal Agencies, etc.) Desert
Land Entries in the area.
o
Estimated Annual Quantities Tons Yd
Check Types of Waste Deposited Municipal X Industrial
Agricultural X Demolition Toxic Other (Specify)
Site Characteristics
Does Burning Take Place? No Is Blowing Waste a Problem? yes
Frequency of Cover None Does Waste Contact Groundwater? _
Obvious Leachate Problem? No
Adjacent to Waterway Dry draw Name of Waterway
Does Waste Enter Water? during runoff
Are There Plans for Closing or Improving the Site? This is a small unauthorized
dump that was apparently started by DLE's on the Bruneau Arm. The dumping is
in a draw or over the bank.
-------
APPENDIX C
DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES - BOISE DISTRICT,
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Recreation site
or area
Beggs
Steck
Cove
Silver City
Season of Use Location
May-Nov. 29 mi. N.W. of
Cambridge Hwy.
#71
May-Nov. 23 mi. N.W.
Weiser, Hwy. #70
March-Nov. 2 mi . West
Bruneau on State
#51, then N.W.
5 mi . on County
Road
May-Oct. 60 mi. S.W. of
Boise
No . No .
C T Tables
and F
30 15 39
23 12 33
Day Yes 25
Only
Day yes
Only
Toilet Water
Toilets B F Hi Hu S Supply
yes X X X X well
yes X X X X well
yes X X X X X well
yes X X X X Community
supply
Key to Abbreviations
C - Campsites
T - Trailers Usable
No. Tables and Fireplaces
B - Boating
F - Fishing
Hi - Hiking
Hu - Hunting
S - Swimming
*Private community supply, not recommended for use
by BLM.
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76
APPENDIX C-2
SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS OF RECREATION SITES
BOISE DISTRICT, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Beggs Recreation Site
The toilets are all vaults of corrugated metal sealed by
cement. Lower toilet near gate at entrance had minor odor prob-
lem, also jthe two middle toilets. The women toilet in middle
of site needed pumping, waste and water were near the top of vault.
There were no evidence of rodent activity. The facilities appeared
to be in good structural condition and the site was well maintained.
Water supply pumps were turned off for the season.
Cove Recreation Site
The water supply is provided by a subsurface pump with a
distribution system. A water sample for bacteriological analysis
was taken. The sample was negative. All facilities were well
maintained and in good structural condition. The major problem
at the site is the open dump used for solid waste disposal of
refuse generated.
Steck Recreation Site
The water supply is provided by a subsurface well and distri-
bution system. Bacteriological test for site was negative. Lower
toilet had minor odor problem and rodent activity. Toilets at the
upper end of the site had acute odor problems. The facilities were
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77
in good structural condition. Routine maintenance as cleaning and
paper replacement were needed.
Silver City Area Site
The area has a de facto recreation site. The site is a minimum
development. The BLM installed two vault toilets to accommodate the
heavy visitor use in the area. The toilets needed pumping at the
time they were observed; they also had an acute odor problem. There
is no developed water supply at the site. The facilities were in
good structural condition.
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78
APPENDIX D
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PEST CONTROL PROGRAMS
BY THE TECHNICAL PESTICIDE SCREENING COMMITTEE
Instructions to Field Offices
Background
The Washington Office has established a Technical Pesticide
Screening Committee. This committee is responsible for the review
of all Bureau pesticide programs, both current and proposed. Pro-
grams will be reviewed from the standpoint of safety and hazard
to human health, to livestock and crops, to fish and wildlife, to
other elements of the environment, to effectiveness and economic
impact, as well as their compliance with Bureau management objec-
tives. Based on such review, the Screening Committee will recom-
mend approval, rejection, or modification of program proposals
it feels will best serve the interests of the Bureau and the
public.
Review of Planned Programs
All pest control programs or projects which propose the use
of pesticides will be forwarded to the Screening Committee for
review.
Each field office will prepare a detailed description of all
of its anticipated pest control programs or projects that fall in-
to one or more of the following categories:
a. Usage of a pesticide that is not registered under the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act for
that particular purpose or in that particular way.*
b. Usage of any of the compounds listed in Appendix 1, Page 3
(.06), BLM Manual 9222, except termite control and interior
use, provided registered directions on the label are fol-
I owed.
c. Any pesticide that would be applied to water or could
reasonably be expected to get into water.**
d. Any program or project in which 100 or more contiguous
acres would be treated as one application.
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APPENDIX D-2 79
e. Use of pesticides on a Federal installation when that usage
is not directly supervised by, nor under the on-site respon-
sibility of, a Federal employee trained***in the current
safe and effective use of pesticides,
* Any application of a registered chemical which is aberrant to
the detailed registry label constitutes non-registered use.
** Applications less than 31 meters from a perennial stream.
*** Employee has participated in a pesticide training course and
received certification.
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APPENDIX E
Planned Pest Control Program, Boise District, FY 74
Objective
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
Project
Target Pest
Purpose
East Devil Creek
Big Sagebrush
Soil Stabilization
and Range Improve-
ment
King Spray and
Seed
Big Sagebrush
Pesticide
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
Common Name Form Applied Lbs/Acre
Lb./Gal.
2, 4-D Water Emul- 2 Ibs/acre
sion
6 Ibs/gal.
2, 4-D Invert 2 Ibs/acre
Emulsion
6 Ibs/gal.
Application
Method Unit To
Treat
Helicopter Range-
land
One Field
Helicopter Rangeland
One Field
1 ,500 acres
Sensitive Areas
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
Season
Planning
Unit
May
Jarbidge
May
Owyhee
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
Acres to be
Avoided
Acres to be
Treated with
Caution
None
None
McBride Creek
1/2 mile from
spray area
(a)
(b)
Remarks
Use of Trained/
Certified
Personnel
Precautions
Trained and experi-
enced Bureau person-
nel will supervise
(a)
Trained and ex-
perienced Bureau
personnel will
supervise
(c) Soil Stabilization
and Range Improve-
ment
(b) Hay field 1/4
mile from spray(b) Invert Emulsion
area to reduce drift
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APPENDIX F
Boise District, Bureau of Land Management
Surveillance Network Stations on or Adjacent to BUM Land
81
Station Name
Station Number
Snake River below
Swan Falls Dam
Snake River below
C.J. Strike Dam
Snake River near
Hammett
Snake River near
Hagerman
Payette River
Garden Valley Dam Site
So. Fork Payette 2 miles
below Garden Valley
Bruneau River at Bruneau
Bruneau River near
Hot Springs
Bruneau River at
Hot Springs
Big Jacks Creek
near Bruneau
Snake River below
Lower Salmon Falls
Cove Creek near
Hagerman, Idaho
151069
151068
13157100
150022
153012
151114
151067
13168500
151066
13169500
13135000
13152900
* GPO - 798-095
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