U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

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Draft Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-NV-S030-2018-0004-EA September 2018

Spring Mountain Raceway Resource Management Plan Amendment and Two Modified Competitive Land Sales N-95802

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Pahrump Field Office Phone: (702) 515-5000 Fax: (702) 515-5010

Table of Contents Chapter 1 ...... 1 1.1 Introduction and Background ...... 1 1.2 Proposed Project Information ...... 3 1.3 Purpose and Need for Action ...... 3 1.4 Conformance Summary ...... 4 1.4.1 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, Plans or Other Environmental Analyses...... 4 1.5 Scoping, Public Involvement, and Issues ...... 5 1.5.1 Internal scoping...... 5 1.5.2 External scoping ...... 9 1.5.3 Consultation with Cooperating Agencies/Organizations ...... 9 1.5.4 Issues...... 9 Chapter 2 Proposed Action and Alternatives ...... 10 2.1 Description of the No Action Alternative ...... 10 2.2 Description of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 10 2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis ...... 13 Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Effects ...... 14

3.1 Air Quality - PM10 ...... 16 3.1.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope ...... 16 3.1.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative ...... 17 3.1.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 17 3.2 Endangered Species: Desert Tortoise ...... 18 3.2.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope ...... 18 3.2.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative ...... 20 3.2.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 20 3.3 Socioeconomic and Demographic Conditions ...... 21 3.3.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope ...... 21 3.3.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative ...... 21 3.3.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 21 3.4 Travel Management ...... 23 3.4.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope ...... 23 3.4.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative ...... 24 3.4.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 24 3.5 Water Resources ...... 24 3.5.1. Affected Environment and Geographic Scope ...... 24 3.5.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative ...... 25 3.5.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative ...... 25 Chapter 4 References ...... 26 Appendix A ...... 27

EA Number: DOI-BLM-NV-S030-2018-0004-EA BLM Case File Number: N-95802

Chapter 1

1.1 Introduction and Background This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to analyze and disclose the environmental effects of: (1) amending the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan (RMP) to identify two parcels of public land for disposal; and (2) two Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) modified competitive land sales of a total of approximately 620 acres to Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC (herein identified as the Proponent), in the Town of Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada. The proposal was filed with the Pahrump Field Office on July 17, 2017. The proposed lands are shown in Figure 1 and legally described in Section 1.1.

The Las Vegas RMP allows for the transfer of land within the disposal areas for various uses. FLPMA requires that land offered for sale must be identified in the land use plan. The Las Vegas RMP does not specifically identify these parcels for disposal therefore an amendment of the RMP is required.

The requested public land is located in the Town of Pahrump in Nye County, Nevada. The Town of Pahrump and Nye County were hard hit by the Recession and economic recovery has been slow. Once disposed, the land will be annexed by the Town of Pahrump. The Nye County Board of Commissioners and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development have offered support for this project expansion, which supports community expansion, and economic development and diversification objectives. Neither of these objectives can be achieved prudently or feasibly achieved on land other than the adjacent public land. Disposal of this land would outweigh other public objectives and values served by maintaining such tract in Federal ownership, and which readily can be met on the surrounding public land. The requested land meets the disposal criteria because it will serve important public objectives.

The project Proponent, Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC is an adjacent landowner. The adjacent private land continues to be developed for industrial, commercial, and residential use by the project Proponent in support of the facility’s expansion. In 2012, the Proponent, Spring Mountain Raceway acquired the remaining adjacent disposal land from BLM at Fair Market Value in a modified competitive sale; this land is currently under construction by the Proponent in furtherance of a number of mixed use developments. Public land managed by BLM borders the existing facility to the north and east, and developed a patchwork of developed and vacant private lots border to the south and west. None of the private lots are of adequate size to accommodate the proposed track expansion. The requested sale meets the criteria for modified competitive bidding because there are existing equitable interests that must be considered.

This EA and RMP Amendment will assist the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pahrump Field Office in project planning and ensuring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in making a determination as to whether any significant effects could result from the analyzed actions. Following the requirements of NEPA (40 CFR 1508.9 (a)), this EA describes the potential impacts of a No Action Alternative and the Proposed Action for the land classification and subsequent realty actions. If the BLM determines that the Proposed Action for the land classification, disposal and subsequent development is not expected to have major effects, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be issued and a Decision Record will be prepared. If significant effects are anticipated, the BLM will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

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Figure 1. Annotated Master Title Plat Page 2

1.2 Proposed Project Information The proposed project is the expansion of the existing Spring Mountain Raceway and Motor Resort to extend the existing track located in the Town of Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada. The Project Applicant is the Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC.

Table 1. Proposed Project Legal Description Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada T. 20 S., R. 54 E., sec. 27, SW1/4, that part lying outside of the utility corridor; sec. 28, E1/2NE1/4NE1/4SW1/4, NE1/4SE1/4NE1/4SW1/4, S1/2SE1/4NE1/4SW1/4, NE1/4SE1/4SW1/4, E1/2SW1/4SE1/4SW1/4, SE1/4SE1/4SW1/4, and SE1/4; sec. 34, lots 2, 3, and 4, those parts lying outside of the utility corridor, lots 5 through 8, NE1/4NW1/4, that part lying outside the utility corridor, SE1/4NW1/4, and E1/2SW1/4.

The area described contains approximately 620 acres according to the official plats of surveys of said land, on file with the BLM and areas determined utilizing GIS maps.

The land disposal designation would occur upon approval of the RMP Amendment Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. Once the Decision Record is filed, the modified competitive sale would occur in two phases. The first sale phase would dispose public lands for which the existing cadastral survey is adequate. The second sale phase would dispose the remaining public lands in the planning area when the cadastral survey for that area has been completed.

Following the land sales, the Proponent, if the successful bidder, plans to construct an extension to the existing track, two classrooms, and a vehicle paddock. Adequate drainage controls would be constructed in accordance with the Pahrump Regional Flood Control District Service Plan (2008). The site will be surveyed, cleared, and fenced in accordance with US Fish and Wildlife Service Desert Tortoise stipulations, terms and conditions of the Incidental Take Permit that would be obtained following the sales. No other development is contemplated. At completion, the planned track expansion would be the longest in the world. If the land is acquired by another bidder, future development would be restricted to that allowed by the approved zoning (Industrial – Special Overlay with Restrictions).

1.3 Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the 1998 Las Vegas RMP and to conduct two modified competitive sales of public land totaling approximately 620 acres to the adjacent landowner (Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC) in the Town of Pahrump. The need for the proposed action is to respond to a FLPMA request for modified competitive land sale submitted by the proponent to expand the existing facility. If acquired by the Proponent, the disposed land would be used exclusively for expansion described in Section 1.2.

The BLM decisions to be made are first, whether or not to amend the Las Vegas RMP disposal boundary to include the parcels described above, and secondly, to conduct two modified competitive sales to dispose the land under the sale authority of Section 203 of FLPMA, as outlined in 43 CFR 2711.3-2. In the decision process, the BLM must consider how the BLM’s resource management goals, objectives, opportunities, and/or conflicts relate to this non-federal use of public lands.

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1.4 Conformance Summary The Proposed Action is subject to the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan/Record of Decision (RMP/ROD), as approved on October 5, 1998. The plan has been reviewed to determine if the Proposed Action conforms to the Land Use Plans terms and conditions, as required by 43 CFR 1610.5-3.

The 1998 Las Vegas Resource Management Plan Lands Management Objective Land Disposal Areas: LD-1 allows for the transfer of land within the disposal areas for various uses. The Las Vegas RMP states, “Approximately 175,314 acres of public lands within the disposal areas identified on Map 2-3 are potentially available for disposal through sale, exchange, or Recreation and Public Purpose patent to provide for the orderly expansion of southern Nevada” (BLM 1998). FLPMA requires that land offered for sale must be identified for disposal in the land use plan. The requested parcels are not currently identified in the 1998 Las Vegas RMP, and therefore an amendment of the RMP is required. Chapter 6 of the 1998 RMP describes the circumstances and process for consideration of a plan amendment. Based on a preliminary analysis presented in Chapter 2 of this EA, the proposed RMP amendment would fall into Category 1 because it would not involve a significant change in the goals, objectives, terms, conditions, or decisions of the RMP and would not result in significant environmental impacts. The plan amendment, if approved, would slightly modify the disposal boundary allow for the proposed sales to proceed.

1.4.1 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, Plans or Other Environmental Analyses This EA is prepared pursuant to NEPA and subsequent regulations adopted by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1500). This EA is intended to be a concise public document that analyzes the probable and known environmental impacts of the proposed action and the alternatives on the components of the human and natural environment and reaches a conclusion as to its significance. The ultimate decision of this EA must ensure that the actions are not only in the best interest of the public, but would not result in a significant impact to the human environment (40 CFR 1508.13).

The following laws and their implementing regulations were considered in the development of this EA:  Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976  Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, as amended  Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971  Energy Policy Act of 2005  National Environmental Policy Act  Migratory Bird Treaty Act  The Endangered Species Act  National Historic Preservation Act of 1966  Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended

The following state laws, regulations, county codes, and approved plans were considered in the development of this EA:  NRS 533 Adjudication of Vested Water rights; Appropriation of Public Waters  NRS 534 Underground Water and Wells  Nevada State Engineer’s Orders 1252 and 1293  Nye County Code Chapter 16.28.170 (h) Division of Lands in the Pahrump Regional Planning District, Parcel Map Procedure  Nye County Code Chapter 16.32 Development Agreements  Nye County Water District 2017 Water Resources Plan Update

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 Pahrump Regional Planning District Master Plan Updates  Nye County Board of County Commissioners – Zoning Decision For BLM Disposal Land Industrial Use – Special Overlay

The proposal will be processed in accordance with 43 CFR 2710.

1.5 Scoping, Public Involvement, and Issues Scoping is an important part of the NEPA process and determines the scope of the key issues related to a proposed action (40 CFR 1500.7). Scoping for this EA includes consultation and/or coordination with the USFWS, Nye County staff, the Nevada State Clearinghouse and Nevada state agencies, and BLM resource specialists. A Notice of Intent (NOI) announcing the initiation of public scoping for this EA was published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2018. Comments were received from federal, state, and local government agencies, members of the public, local interest groups, and members of the public.

Public scoping comments and concerns were considered in preparation of this EA. The Nevada Division of Wildlife provided information regarding authorizations required for translocation of desert tortoise, handling protocol for Gila Monsters, and special measures for land disturbing activities when migratory birds are present. Two commenters noted concern about potential impacts to desert tortoise and its habitat and local wildlife. An OHV group noted the potential for visual impacts to Carpenter Canyon recreationists. One group requested analysis of air quality impacts, water resources in the basin, and suggested that an EIS was the appropriate level of analysis for the Proposed Action. The wildlife group and two residents raised concerns regarding the potential increase in noise-related impacts to wildlife and nearby homes. Six residents submitted comments in support of the Proposed Action while four residents submitted comments in opposition.

1.5.1 Internal scoping The BLM Pahrump Field Office resource specialists reviewed the project area to determine whether or not (Not Present) a specific resource is present in the project area, and if present (PI), whether or not (NI) it will potentially be affected by the proposed action (Table 2). Table 2: Resource Area Review and Potential Impacts of the Proposed Action. Resource List Impact Impact Analysis Resource NP, NI, PI Rationale The Pahrump Valley is in attainment for all NAAQS. Measures implemented through the CAAP were found to be effective, and remain effective in reducing PM10 to Air Quality NI levels below regulatory concern. The calculated incremental increase in PM10 emissions would not result in a measureable degradation of air quality would not result in exceedance of any NAAQS. See Section 3.1. Areas of Critical There are no designated ACECs present in or affected by Environmental NP the project area. Concern (ACEC) BLM Natural There are no designated Natural Areas/Conservations Areas/Conservation NP Lands in or affected by the project area. Lands

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The incremental increase in greenhouse gas emissions Climate during construction and over the life of facility operation Change/Greenhouse NI estimated to be 2.3 tons/year would be insignificant Gas Emissions compared with other sources. https://www.nextgreencar.com/emissions-calculator The Cultural Resources Survey of the Project Area Cultural Resources NP identified two recent scatters; there are no NRHP-eligible properties on the parcel. Environmental No significant impacts are projected therefore, there will NP Justice be no Environmental Justice effects. Farmlands (Prime or There are no designated prime or unique farmlands NP Unique) present in or affected by the project area. NDOW prescribed mitigation measures and protocol for Fish and Wildlife Desert Tortoise relocation and Gila Monsters will be Excluding Federally NI implemented during surface disturbing activities. See Listed Species Section 3.2. The project area is located in Floodplain Zone X, which is Floodplains NP outside the 500-year floodplain and outside the 1% and 2% annual chance floodplains. Area not located in a fuel reduction or resource enhancement area. The project area is located in Fire Fuels/Fire Suppression Zone 1. Project activity is consistent with the NI Management general characteristics of Zone 1 and will enhance fire suppression efforts by active management of the urban wildlife interface. The project area is located in a low/moderate potential boundary area prospectively valuable for oil and gas. Sand and gravel sale has moderate potential in the project area. Geology/Mineral There is low potential for locatable minerals in the project Resources/Energy NP area, and there are several sand and gravel operations Production nearby the area which would be unaffected by the project. Based on mineral geological assessment, there are no known locatable minerals of value in the project area. Human Health and No human health and safety impacts are expected as a NP Safety result of the project. None expected. Construction will be engineered to ensure run off is properly managed. Minimal increase in water demand of 15 AFY can be provided by an existing water Hydrologic NI utility that serves the existing property. The local utility Conditions will require dedication of adequate water rights in accordance with NRS and County requirements. See Section 3.5. Invasive Best Management Practices will be implemented to Species/Noxious NI prevent the spread of noxious weeds and invasive species Weeds to adjacent public lands. Lands requested for disposal have legal access through the applicant’s existing facility. Infrastructure improvements Lands/Access NP created through the project will help eliminate unauthorized dirt roads and trails. Page 6

Lands with There are no lands with wilderness characteristics in the Wilderness NP Project Area. Characteristics Disposal of the Project Area would result in a loss of approximately 620 acres from the Wheeler Wash Grazing Allotment (64,701 acres, Class I, Ephemeral Production, Cattle). From 1984 to 1993, the allotment had a licensed Livestock Grazing NI use of 670 AUMs The allotment was leased to an operator from 1998 to 2008 with a production of 0 AUMs. The Wheeler Wash Allotment remains open but unpermitted, and available only from May through November. Preliminary biological survey did not identify any active nesting sites. If migratory birds are found actively nesting Migratory Birds NI in the Project Area during surface disturbing activities, mitigation measures required by NDOW would be implemented. See Section 3.2. Native American NP No Native American concerns were identified. Concerns Noise impacts that occur subsequent to land disposal would regulated by Nye County Ordinance. The Noise PI Proposed Action is consistent with the current zoning of Industrial – Special Use Overly with Restrictions. The Old Spanish Trail and other trails of historic Old Spanish Trail NP significance is not present at or near the project area. The project area is located on an alluvial fan. No Paleontology NP paleontological resources are present. The project area is located in the Southern Nevada Extensive Recreation Management Area. There are no Recreation/WSR/ Wild and Scenic Rivers in or near the Project Area. NI Travel Disposal of the Project Area will result in the loss of some undesignated dirt roads currently used by used by recreationists. See Section 3.4. Project Area abuts the designated 368 Energy/Utility Corridor. Proponent must sponsor federal public land Renewable Energy/ NI survey to ensure there in no encroachment on the corridor. Transmission There are no geothermal, wind, or solar designations in the Project Area. Project is expected to provide up to 75 fulltime jobs, Socioeconomics PI enhance tourism, increase local government revenues, and have beneficial economic effects. See Section 3.3. Project area soils are generalized as very shallow, gravelly, coarse textured. Soils are predominantly NRCS classification of Commski-Lastchance Association with bordered by Yermo, hot-Arizo Association on the south Soils NI end of the Project Area. The 1998 RMP did not determine erosion susceptibility condition or erosion condition class. Standard Best Management Practices will be implemented to control soil erosion during land disturbing activities subsequent to sale. Page 7

Threatened, There are no Special Status Plant Species located at the Endangered or NP project site. The soils and topography of the site do not Candidate Plant provide suitable habitat for Pahrump Buckwheat. Species The project area is the range of the endangered desert Threatened, tortoise. Impacts to desert tortoise and its habitat will be Endangered or mitigated through Section 10 consultation, which is PI Candidate Animal expected result in an approved HCP and Incidental Take Species Permit. No other candidate species are present in the project area. See Section 3.2. Off-highway travel in the area is limited to designated roads and trails (RC-11-C). Disposal of land in the Travel Management PI Project Area is expected to eliminate travel on several segments of unauthorized road, currently used by recreationists. See Section 3.4. Solid waste collection is currently provided to the raceway Wastes (hazardous NI facility through C&S Waste Solutions. No hazardous or or solid) solid waste was identified on the sale property. An increase of 7 to 15 acre-feet/year in water demand is expected as a result of the project construction and Water operation. Water will be supplied by the local water utility Resources/Quality that currently provides service to the existing raceway NI (drinking/ facility. No surface waters are present in the project area. surface/ground) No project actions would affect ground water quality; wastewaters are managed onsite by the local utility in accordance with the State-issued permit. See Section 3.5. Wetlands/Riparian No wetlands or riparian zones are located on or near the NP Zones project area. The project is not located in, adjacent to, or near a Wilderness/WSA NP designated WSA. No woodland or forest is located on or will be affected by Woodland/Forestry NP the project. Vegetation The vegetation is characterized as Southern Desert Shrub Excluding Federally NI and is not unique to the area. Listed Species The project is located in a VRM Class III area. The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape is expected to be moderate. Visual Resources NI Activities may attract attention but would not dominate the view of the casual observer. BLM cannot control post- disposal land use so visual impact assessment is outside the scope of this EA. The Proposed Action would reduce the Johnnie and Wheeler Pass Herd Management Areas, which have a Wild Horses and NI combined acreage of 451,135 by 620 acres. The loss Burros represents about 0.13% reduction of the HMA. No corrals or water structures are located in the Project Area.

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The resources identified to be present with potential for impact are identified (PI) in Table 2 will be carried forward in this EA for analysis.

1.5.2 External scoping Publication of the combined Notice of Intent/Notice of Realty Action in the Federal Register on July 30, 2018 provided notice of scoping for public input to this Draft EA.

1.5.3 Consultation with Cooperating Agencies/Organizations BLM staff conducted informal Section 7 Consultation on the proposed project. The Proponent will engage in formal consultation on the Desert Tortoise following land disposal under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. Mitigation measures and stipulations will be documented in a USFWS approved Habitat Conservation Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise. Nye County, Nevada the situs jurisdiction, is coordinating with BLM as a Cooperating Agency in the preparation of the SNDO RMP and has provided information on planning requirements, zoning, fugitive dust ordinances, and State and County water use restrictions and mitigation requirements.

1.5.4 Issues Issues identified during scoping that require further analysis in the EA are: Potential impacts to desert tortoise and its habitat; Potential local socioeconomic impacts; Potential impacts to recreation and off-highway vehicle use; and Potential impacts to local travel management.

Table 2 summarizes the basis for the finding of No Impact (NI) for resources that are present in the Project Area but would be unaffected by the proposed action. Additional analysis is presented in Chapter 3 to support the findings for resources that are present but not impacted and for which scoping comments identified public concern,

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Chapter 2 Proposed Action and Alternatives

2.1 Description of the No Action Alternative In the No Action Alternative, the Las Vegas RMP would not be amended to identify two new disposal parcels adjacent to the Spring Mountain Raceway in Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada. No additional disposal land would be available. The two modified competitive land sales would not be conducted, and no additional land disposal would occur adjacent to the existing facility. Existing conditions would continue into the future. The Spring Mountain Motor Resorts would continue to operate its racetrack on the existing private land, without any land to accommodate track and related facility expansion.

In 2012, the proponent – Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC - acquired the adjacent available public land through a modified competitive sale to expand what was then the existing facility. The facility expansion created jobs and tourism opportunities in the economically distressed Town of Pahrump. The proponent wishes to again expand adjacent to its facility, which is BLM managed public land not currently within the disposal boundary. If unable to extend track and facility operations onto adjacent land, the proponent will not be able to accommodate an expansion that is expected to result in additional jobs in the community and increased revenues of $30 million per year to the Gross Regional Product, and contributing to the improvement of local economic conditions.

2.2 Description of the Proposed Action Alternative It is proposed to amend the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan to identify two additional parcels for disposal adjacent to the existing Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC facilities in Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada. Once amended, the land would be sold in two competitive modified sales and acquired by the proponent, Spring Mountain Raceway, LLC. The action is needed because the only undeveloped land adjacent to the existing facility that could be feasibly be developed to meet the need for expansion is BLM public land (Figure 2). Opportunities presented by current economic conditions are such that the development window is time-limited.

The 620 ± acres of public land proposed for disposal and subsequent modified competitive sales are located in Pahrump, Nye County, Nevada (Figure 3). The lands are located adjacent to the existing Spring Mountain Raceway facilities along the facility’s north and east property boundaries. The Spring Mountain Raceway facility is located on the north side of Nevada State Highway 160 near its intersection with Gamebird Road. The 620 acres are bounded on the northeast by the approved Section 368 Energy Corridor. The boundaries of the Section 368 Energy Corridor will be established by BLM Public Land Survey prior to any disposal. The land does not currently have access except through the adjacent landowner’s property. The legal description of the proposed project area is presented in Table 1 (Chapter 1).

Upon being acquired by Spring Mountain Raceway, the land would be developed in two phases with construction to include approximately 6.5 miles of new asphalt race track, two classrooms, and vehicle paddocks, drainage structures, and desert tortoise fencing (Appendix A). Total duration of construction (Phases 1 and 2) is expected to be 5 years. Phase 1 construction would commence upon completion of the first sale, and would begin with expansion of the existing Go-Kart track from the eastern property boundary, the two classrooms, and the vehicle paddock. Construction of the main track expansion can begin when the final engineering design to consider existing topography, drainage, and safety considerations is completed, and the second land sale is conducted. Phase 1 construction is expected to continue for two years. Timing of Phase 2 construction, which includes the main track expansion, is dependent upon completion of the second land sale, which in turn would be considered upon completion

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Figure 2. Adjacent Land Uses Map Page 11

Figure 3. Spring Mountain Raceway General Location and Land Sale Phases Map Page 12 of the Public Land Survey of the Section 368 Energy Corridor. Development of the land is expected to begin immediately upon acquisition and USFWS approval of a Desert Tortoise Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit (HCP/ITP).

Prior to any ground disturbing activities, the entire project area will be surveyed for desert tortoise. Any desert tortoises encountered would be relocated in consultation with the USFWS and in accordance with the HCP/ITP. The parcel will be fenced with desert tortoise fencing in accordance with US Fish and Wildlife Service Incidental Take Permit requirements. Storm water control features with adequate capacity to address Pahrump Regional Flood Control District Service Area Plan requirements will also be constructed.

Earth-moving equipment will be used to blade and contour the track, pads for the two classrooms and vehicle paddock, and flood control features. Land disturbing activities will be kept to a minimum to prevent disturbance of undeveloped areas in order to retain the desert character. Fugitive dust emissions will be mitigated during construction using Best Management Practices identified in the Nye County- required Dust Control Plan, and NDEP required Surface Area Disturbance permit. About 7.5 acre-feet per year of water will be required during construction. Weed free gravels will be used in construction. Potentially impacted yucca and cacti will be mitigated in accordance with State NDOW requirements. Track and classroom landscape design will be xeric to eliminate the need for irrigation. All other vegetation removed during construction will be disposed of in accordance with Nye County ordinances. Spoils from construction of retention basins and tracked will be managed onsite and will be sloped to minimize drainage and water quality impacts.

Solid waste from construction and operations will continue to be collected as it is generated and properly contained for disposal in an approved landfill operation. The construction site would be kept free from accumulation of waste materials and rubbish resulting from construction activities as required for safety, appearance, and avoidance of fire hazards.

Infrastructure for utilities and services to support the proposed expansion track facilities is largely already in place. The facility is currently receiving power from Valley Electric Association, and water and sewer are provided through onsite facilities operated by the Great Basin Water Company. Solid waste collection services are provided by C&S Waste Solution’s Pahrump Valley Disposal. All utility providers have the existing capacity to meet the slightly increased demand.

Projected maximum water use in support of classrooms, vehicle paddock skid pads, track maintenance, up to 75 additional full time employees, and additional clientele is maximum of 15 acre-feet per year. The specific water rights dedication requirement in support of the proposed development will be determined by the utility in accordance with established Orders of the State Engineer and Nye County Code. The existing public water supply system operated by Great Basin Water Company (formerly Utilities Inc. of Central Nevada) has adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed expansion.

The applicant is expected to acquire the land at not less than the Fair Market Value and has business plans to operate the facility well into the foreseeable future. As such, a discussion of BLM maintenance and decommissioning activities is not applicable.

2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis No other alternatives to the Proposed Action were considered. As can be seen in Figure 2, the only developable land adjacent to the Applicant’s existing facility is BLM-managed public land. Thus, no other alternative would be technically feasible and capable of meeting the purpose and need.

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Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Effects

This chapter presents the baseline of the physical, biological, social and economic resources of the areas affected. The baseline is used for comparison of impacts/consequences that would be expected to occur upon implementation of the proposed action, which are also described in this chapter.

The Pahrump Valley is located in southern Nevada in the Basin and Range physiographic province, at an average elevation of about 2,800 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The Spring Mountains, with maximum elevation of nearly 12,000 feet AMSL, lie to the north and east of the Project Area. The Pahrump Valley is an internal drainage basin, and runoff flows from the surrounding mountains to the west and east of Pahrump down to the valley floor, where dry lake beds have formed and salt desert scrub is the dominant plant community. No rivers or streams occur within the Project Area. There is no perennial surface water - only dry washes that flow following rain storms. The Project Area is located mid-valley on the distal portion of an alluvial fan where drainage transitions from distributary to tributary. Soils are sandy, silty and clayey gravels characteristic of distal fan depositional environment. Local and regional springs provide both wildlife habitat and water supplies for agriculture and human consumption in various areas of the valley.

The climate in the Pahrump Valley is typical for the Mojave Desert, with very hot summers, cool winters, and arid conditions. The southernmost part of Nye County receives an average annual precipitation of 5 inches or less. Precipitation occurs sporadically from either winter rains or summer thundershowers. During the winter months, high-pressure conditions predominate resulting in west-to- east tending winds and precipitation patterns. During the summer months, low-pressure conditions predominate, resulting in southwest-to-northeast trending precipitation patterns.

Pahrump experienced relatively rapid population growth from 1987 to 2007, reflecting growth in the neighboring Las Vegas Valley. The influx of new residents in the late 1980’s spurred islands of urbanization of this agricultural community. From 1987 to 2007 Pahrump’s population increased from around 6,000 to 35,000 residents, as growth continued to be fueled by the economy and explosive growth in Las Vegas. Although still largely rural in character, Pahrump’s patchwork urbanization has all but eliminated commercial-scale agriculture in the valley.

From 2008 through 2009, Pahrump was hard hit by the recession, and the population declined, construction and development stopped, and unemployment levels rose. Recovery has been slow as reflected by the number of new building permits and nearly flat population growth, which has only recently achieved pre-recession level of 35,000. Permits for new construction and development are beginning to increase after nearly a decade of stagnation.

The Project Area is located within the Town of Pahrump boundary adjacent to the existing Spring Mountain Motor Sports Facility. The Project Site falls within the General Commercial Zoning District and is zoned Industrial –Special Overlay and restricts the development that can occur on the parcels. Specifically, the Master Plan Amendment and Zone Change Special Conditions approved by the Nye County Board of County Commissioners in May 15, 2018 included the following restrictions: 1. There shall be no additional single-family residential development on the subject land. 2. Development must be compatible with a motorsports racetrack, adjacent single family residential development and potential development of the community college. 3. To assure compatibility of development of the racetrack, the Developer shall be required to provide buffers between adjacent disparate uses.

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4. Maximum allowed water use on the entire 604 acres shall be restricted to 50 acre-feet annual. Compliance with the Groundwater Management Plan dedication of water rights or mitigation of all water use shall be required at the Site Development Plan Review stage. 5. Development shall require a Development Agreement, Amending the existing Development Agreement or a Conditional Use Permit, (no permissive uses). Table 3 identifies the resources that were considered but eliminated from further analysis. Through the review described in Chapter 1, it was determined that these elements will not be affected by the Proposed Action, alternatives(s), or the element is not present in the project area, which precludes the resources from further required analysis.

Table 3. Resources Considered but Eliminated from Further Analysis Air Quality Areas of Environmental Concern (ACEC) BLM Natural Areas/Conservation Lands Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cultural Resources Archaeology Historical Architectural Environmental Justice Farmlands (Prime or Unique) Non-listed Fish and Wildlife Species Floodplains Fuels and Fire Human Health and Safety Hydrologic Conditions Infrastructure Improvements Insects and Disease Invasive, non-native species/Noxious Weeds Lands Access and Tenure Legal Considerations Livestock Grazing Minerals and Energy Resources Migratory Birds Native American Concerns Noise Old Spanish Trail Paleontology Rangeland Health Standards Recreation Renewable Energy (geothermal, solar, wind) Transmission Corridors Riparian and Wetlands Vegetation Soils Waste, Hazardous Materials, or Solids Wild and Scenic Rivers Wetlands/Riparian Zones Wilderness and Wilderness Study Area Wild Horse and Burro Wildlife Including Migratory Birds Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

The resource areas that will be carried forward for analysis include: Endangered Species: Desert Tortoise - The project area is located in desert tortoise habitat near a recognized Desert Tortoise Gene Flow Corridor. This section describes the affected environment and identifies the expected impacts of the proposed action and mitigation measures. Socioeconomics - The project area is located in a community that was hard hit by the recession, and recovery has been slow. The proposed action is expected to provide up to 200 temporary jobs over the 5-year construction period, and add 75 additional fulltime jobs to the local economy upon project completion. Travel Management – There is one unauthorized road in the project area that will be closed as a result of the proposed action.

Although impacts to Air Quality and Water Resources are not expected, analyses of these resources are presented in this section in response to comments received during scoping.

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3.1 Air Quality - PM10 Although land disposal is considered an administrative action that has no direct effects, there could be potential long term indirect cumulative and residual impacts resulting from the Proponent’s proposed development of approximately 620 acres of native desert land.

3.1.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope The affected environment and geographic scope for analysis of the proposed action includes the air resources in Pahrump Valley, referred to as Basin 162.

3.1.1.1 Existing Conditions The Pahrump Valley is currently in attainment for priority pollutants identified by EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); the only pollutant parameter monitored is PM10. In 2003, Nye County, the Town of Pahrump, NDEP Air Quality Bureau, and EPA Region 9 Office of Air Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prepare and adopt a Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) that would implement programs and measures necessary to reduce PM10 emissions to levels below regulatory concern. The 2006 CAAP presents a baseline emissions inventory for contributing PM10 sources.

Mobile Sources including Non-Fugitive Emissions (Vehicle Exhaust, Brake and Tire Wear), Total Non-Road Exhaust Emissions (Fuel RVP, Gas Sulfur %, Diesel Sulfur %), and Fugitive Emissions for Paved Highways and Local Roads combined were found to account for less than 1% of the total emissions in the inventory, while Fugitive Emissions from Arterial Paved Roads accounted for approximately 1% of the total. In total, all mobile-related sources were found to represent less than 2% of the Pahrump Valley PM10 emissions inventory for both pre- and post-CAAP measures and estimates.

NDEP’s 10-yr update report, Pahrump Valley, Nevada PM10 Ten Years of Success is the culmination of the 2003 MOU and the CAAP efforts and describes the analyses and results obtained in reducing the emissions and the ambient concentration of PM10 in Pahrump during the period 2003 to 2010. The NDEP found that PM10 emissions were reduced to levels below regulatory concern by the mandated compliance date as a result of Nye County’s Dust Control Program and prioritized Pave and Chip Seal Programs. Specifically from 2001 to 2013 emissions from paved roads increased slightly over pre- CAAP levels due to increases in population, number of vehicles, and the miles of paved road. The number of miles arterial dirt roads that were paved during that time frame also increased. All other sources, especially Unpaved Roads and Disturbed Vacant Land (including construction) declined dramatically bringing the pre-CAAP Total Emissions Inventory from about 116,000 tons/year to 28,000 tons/year. Data from four (4) continuous real-time monitoring stations in Pahrump is used to demonstrate compliance with relevant NAAQS.

3.1.1.2 Data Collection and Methodology Air quality in the Pahrump Valley has been continuously monitored for PM10 by NDEP since 2001. Four stations at strategic locations (background and high-emission locations) continue to record and report near-real time data to the NDEP Monitoring Website.

Total annual mobile-related emissions were calculated using available web based tools. Factors selected were specific to high-performance General Motors and similar production vehicles (Corvette, Camaro, Cadillac, etc.) driven under Highway Conditions using Test/Aggressive Driving Styles for the number of vehicles miles traveled per day. The calculated emissions value was compared to estimates prepared using factors from the 2015 NDEP 10-yr Update Report. These values were compared to the baseline

Page 16 emission inventory to establish the increase over baseline levels that would be attributable to the proposed action. Construction-related dust emissions would be short-term and mitigated through best management practices.

3.1.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative Implementation of the no action alternative would result in no changes to the status quo. No disturbance or development of the 620 acres at the Project Site would occur.

3.1.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative Project emissions of fugitive dust from track/facility construction would be temporary in nature, and would be mitigated through the use of Best Management Practices required by NDEP Surface Area Disturbance Permit and Nye County Dust Control Plan.

The cars, trucks, and motorcycles driven at the Spring Mountain Raceway are production vehicles that burn unleaded fuels. There is no permanent fuel dispensary at the Raceway, nor are any such facilities planned. The track expansion would be paved and dust would be removed weekly using PM10 compliant street sweepers, as is the practice at the existing track. The maximum projected daily average Vehicle Miles Traveled by vehicles on the track was calculated to be 1,500 v-m/d (Highway) versus a 2017 compared to a baseline value of 286,118 v-m/d. The calculated total annual increase in PM10 emissions (contribution) from the Proposed Action Mobile Sources including Vehicle Exhaust Emissions (On-Road and Non-Road) and associated Fugitive Dust from Paved Roads (Highway) is 4.13 tons/year compared to the estimated 2017 baseline 9,113.74 tons/year.

3.1.3.1 Analysis of Direct and Indirect Effects As noted, the amendment of the RMP and subsequent land disposal are administrative actions and would have no direct on air quality. The subsequent development of the disposed land would have an indirect effect on air quality increasing PM10 emissions by less than 0.1% over the baseline air quality conditions.

Based on the estimated 2017 emissions inventory for the Pahrump Valley, and emissions from the proposed expansion, the direct and indirect contribution to cumulative air quality impacts from PM10 and other facility-related emissions are insignificant when compared to baseline emissions and the estimated increase in emissions associated with projected local growth.

3.1.3.2 Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action The Proposed Action will result in a small, incremental increase that will contribute to air quality cumulative impacts associated with growth in the Pahrump Valley. The cumulative incremental contribution of fugitive dust and PM10 emissions to the existing baseline conditions would not result in exceedance of any NAAQS.

3.1.3.3 Mitigation Measures Nye County Planning Department and the NEDP have permitting programs that require Best Management Practices to mitigate PM10 emissions.

3.1.3.4 Residual Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative The residual impacts of implementing the Proposed Action would be a small, incremental increase in PM10 that would not be expected to result in any exceedances of the NAAQS.

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3.2 Endangered Species: Desert Tortoise The Proposed Land sale will transfer approximately 620 acres of Moderate Quality Desert Tortoise Habitat out of federal ownership. Impacts to federally listed endangered species, Gopherus Agassizii, will be addressed prior to any land disturbing activities through Section 10 Consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the preparation and implementation of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and the issuance of an Incidental Take Permit to the land owner.

3.2.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope The affected environment includes 620 acres of habitat for the federally listed endangered species, the Mojave Desert Tortoise, Gopherus Agassizii). The geographic scope is the 620-acre Project Area.

3.2.1.1 Existing Conditions The Project Area is located on the alluvial fan on the east side of Pahrump Valley, in an area characterized as desert pavement, interspersed with somewhat silty-soiled playa. The area is dominated by a creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) community type. Other plants include four-wing saltbush (Afripiex canescens), shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa), spiny menodora (Menodora spinescens), Nevada ephedra (Ephedra nevadensis), little leaf ratany (Krameria parvifolia), common matchweed (Gutierreza sarothrae), and cottontop cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus). The area is characterized as moderate to good desert tortoise habitat. There is no critical habitat present in the Project Area. Figure 4 is a photograph looking north to south across the Project Area that illustrates the typical vegetation.

Most of the land in the Project Area is undisturbed desert with some minor disturbance (one- and two- track trails) near the Wheeler Pass Road, the community gravel pits, and to the southeast near the terminus of Gamebird Road. Table 4 is the species list for Nye County, obtained from the USFWS website in April 2018.

Figure 4. Typical Project Area Vegetation

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3.2.1.2 Surveys Presence/absence field survey of the Project Area was conducted May 7 through 11 of 2018 for threatened, endangered and candidate species listed in Nye County.

Table 4. USFWS Species List for Nye County, Nevada. Species/Status Name Latin Name Habitat Amphibian C Columbia spotted frog Rana luteiventris Aquatic (Great Basin Distinct Population Segment) Birds C Greater sage-grouse Centrocercus Sagebrush steppe urophasianus C Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Riparian (Western U.S. Distinct Population Segment) E Southwestern willow fly- Empidonax traillii extimus Riparian catcher Fishes E Ash Meadows Cyprinodon nevadensis Aquatic Amargosa pupfish mionectes E Ash Meadows Rhinichthys osculus Aquatic speckled dace Nevadensis E Devils Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis Aquatic T Lahontan cutthroat Oncorhynchus clarkii Aquatic trout henshawi T Railroad Valley springfish Crenichthys nevadae Aquatic E Warm Springs pupfish Cyprinodon nevadensis Aquatic Pectoralis E White River spinedace Lepidomeda albivallis Aquatic Invertebrates T Ash Meadows naucorid Ambrysus amargosus Aquatic Plants E Amargosa niterwort Nitrophila mohavensis Ash Meadows T Ash Meadows blazing star Mentzelia leucophylla Ash Meadows T Ash Meadows gumplant Grindelia fraxinopratensis Ash Meadows T Ash Meadows ivesia Ivesia eremica Ash Meadows (mousetail) (= I. kingii var. eremica) T Ash Meadows milkvetch Astragalus phoenix Ash Meadows T Ash Meadows sunray Enceliopsis nudicaulis Ash Meadows var. corrugata T Spring-loving centaury Centaurium namophilum Ash Meadows Reptile T Desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii Desert (Mojave population) Legend: C = Candidate, T = Threatened, E = Endangered

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All except the federally listed desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) were eliminated from further study and field surveys due to the project area being outside the species’ range or requiring a type of habitat not found within the Project Area. Eight desert tortoises and many possible tortoise burrows were observed, and their locations recorded using GPS during the field survey. These data will be used to guide Section 10 Consultation with the USFWS to prepare the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Incidental Take Permit prior to conducting any ground disturbing activities.

3.2.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative Implementation of the no action alternative would result in no changes to the status quo. No disturbance or development of the 620 acres at the Project Site would occur. Existing habitat and ecosystem conditions would remain the same. No incidental take permit for Desert Tortoise would be required.

3.2.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative The Implementation of the Proposed Action is expected to result in destruction of about 620 acres of moderate quality desert tortoise habitat. To mitigate this expected loss of habitat and potential impacts to the desert tortoise, the proponent will seek a Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from the USFWS pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The ITP includes terms and conditions to protect and relocate any desert tortoises that are encountered on the site. It is expected that the ITP will include the minimum requirements: 1. Project Review and Pre-Construction Surveys 2. Employee Education 3. On-call Trained Responder 4. Tortoise Fencing and Tortoise Gate 5. Tortoise Relocation Plan 6. Project Reporting 7. Habitat Reclamation 8. Payment of Section 10 Remuneration Fees

The USFWS will assess and evaluate full range of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action on the desert tortoise and its environment during Section 10 Consultation following the sale of the land. In issuing an ITP, the USFWS may impose additional requirements as may be necessary to protect the desert tortoise and mitigate the effects on its habitat.

3.2.3.1 Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and Mitigation The spatial area considered is the range of desert tortoise habitat in Nye County. The area is characterized as moderate to good desert tortoise habitat. There is no critical habitat present in Nye County. The timeframe considered for cumulative effects is from the time of federal listing of the Mojave population of the desert tortoise in 1992, to present, and into the reasonably foreseeable future.

The proponent will be required to mitigate the direct impacts to desert tortoises in the Project Area prior to and during construction, and to mitigate the direct loss of habitat through the ITP and the payment of remuneration fees to the USFWS. The Proposed Action will result in the permanent loss of about 620 acres of moderate quality habitat in Nye County. Impacts to the desert tortoise and its habitat will be addressed through formal Section 10 Consultation with the USFWS following the land sales. Nevada Division of Wildlife authorization requirements for desert tortoise relocation, as well as protocol for protection of the Gila Monster and migratory birds will be observed prior to and during surface disturbing activities .

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3.3 Socioeconomic and Demographic Conditions This section describes the existing socioeconomic and demographic conditions and the expected effects of the proposed Action Alternative and the No Action Alternative.

3.3.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope The Socioeconomics and Demographics Affected Environment is described by demographic data and statistics on the population, employment, economic sectors, median household income, poverty levels, education, home ownership rates, and median home values. The Geographic Region of Influence is the Town of Pahrump and Nye County, Nevada.

3.3.1.1 Existing Conditions The unincorporated Town Pahrump is the largest community in Nye County, Nevada. Considered to be a bedroom community to Las Vegas as well as a retirement community, Pahrump’s US Census-reported estimated 2015 population was 34,902 people, with a median age of 53 and a median household income of $41,229. Between 2014 and 2015 the population of Pahrump, declined from 35,009 to 34,902, a 0.31% decrease and its median household income declined from $41,277 to $41,229, a 0.12% decrease.

The economy of Pahrump employs 10,612 people. The primary employment sectors are Arts, Entertainment, Recreation; Utilities; and Public Administration. The largest industries in Pahrump are Retail trade, Accommodation & Food Service, and Healthcare & Social Assistance. The highest paying industries are Utilities; Mining, Quarrying, Oil, Gas Extraction; and Administrative Support, Waste Management Services. The unemployment rate in December 2017 was 5.9 percent.

Median household income in Pahrump in 2015 was $41,229. The only college in Pahrump, NV is Great Basin College with 769 graduates as of 2015. The median property value in Pahrump is $112,700, and the homeownership rate is 72.9%. Most people in Pahrump, NV commute by personal vehicle, and the average commute time is 27.3 minutes. The average car ownership in Pahrump is two cars per household. The population of Pahrump is 79.3% White, 13.1% Hispanic, and 2.85% Black. Nearly 10% of the people in Pahrump speak a non-English language.

3.3.1.2 Data Collection and Methodology Several federal, state, and local government agencies’ websites were used to compile historical and recent socioeconomic and demographic reports and data for Pahrump, Nevada. These reports were used to establish the baseline socioeconomic conditions and demographic character of the project area. Forecasts of future employment were provided by the Project Proponent. These numbers were used to calculate the indirect employment and induced population resulting from the 75 permanent full time jobs. The effects of the induced population on public finance and local economic conditions were identified and compared to the baseline conditions, and the No Action Alternative.

3.3.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative Implementation of the no action alternative would result in no changes to the status quo. Baseline employment conditions would remain the same. New direct jobs and indirect employment opportunities associated with the Raceway expansion would not be added to the local economy. There would be no induced population effects to affect public finances and tax revenues.

3.3.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative This section describes the socioeconomic and demographic effects that would be expected to occur upon implementation of the proposed action.

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3.3.3.1 Analysis of Direct and Indirect Effects Implementation of the Proposed Action is expected to result in the temporary employment (three to five years) of up to 200 workers during construction. Once constructed, operation of the expanded facilities are expected to result in 75 direct full time employees, which would produce 55 indirect employees, and an overall predicted induced population effect of 337 over the baseline of 10,600 jobs and a population of nearly 35,000 persons.

In December 2017, Nye County had the highest unemployment rate among Nevada counties, at 5.9 percent. New construction permitting has still not returned to pre-2007 levels. The Town of Pahrump has an adequate work force available to accommodate the construction and operation of the new facility. The additional employment opportunities would increase the number of jobs available in Pahrump and help to reduce the overall County unemployment rate.

The facility expansion will be constructed on land previously managed by the BLM. The future contribution of state and county tax revenues derived from the expansion on BLM disposed lands will be significantly higher than payments in lieu of taxes received when land was under federal control. The predicted induced population growth would be expected to contribute to an overall increase in the ad valorem tax revenues, which would beneficially affect Nye County economy and public finances. The expansion will enable the facility to host more events, which will contribute to an overall increase in room and fuel tax revenues. While quantification of all the direct and indirect fiscal effects is not possible, all of the predicted fiscal effects would be beneficial to the local economy and public finance over the baseline conditions, and in comparison to the No Action Alternative.

3.3.3.2 Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative The spatial areas considered are the Town of Pahrump and Nye County. The timeframe considered for cumulative socioeconomic effects was the period of record for which historic demographic data (1980s to current) was available, and a 20-year planning horizon. Future growth and development in the Pahrump Area, including private sector and government projects were with data provided by the Nye County Planning Department and the BLM’s LR2000 database.

Existing socioeconomic conditions in Pahrump reflect the slow steady rate of recovery from the economic recession in 2007. This is due in part to Pahrump’s character being a bedroom community to Las Vegas, and having a large retirement population. Although the State demographer population reports indicate that the population in the Town of Pahrump and Nye County as a whole has continued to decline since 2008, Nye County data primarily from building permits suggests that the population is increasing albeit slowly. Commercial and residential construction has resumed on previously stalled projects, and many projects have been completed as economic conditions have improved. New residential and commercial development on existing private land is expected to occur into the future.

The Proposed Action is industrial scale development with Special Use Overlay that severely limits the type of construction and development that can occur while creating new jobs and stimulating growth in existing support sectors. The incremental contribution of the Proposed Action socioeconomic and demographic impacts, both direct and indirect, to the ongoing and future cumulative impacts are expected to be consistent with the projected growth. Table 5 identifies the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects and actions in the project area that were considered in the cumulative impact analysis. Because all of the expected socioeconomic demographic impacts are predicted to be beneficial, mitigation measures are not be required.

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Table 5. Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Projects/Actions Approved Type No. of units/ width or size Status 3,200 residential lots, golf course, Golf course completed. 1,276 lots residential/ Mountain Falls and mixed commercial including sold to developers. 670 homes commercial gaming completed. 1,924 lots available.

Artesia at Hafen Ranch residential 898 lots sporadic activity

Nye County Fairgrounds recreation 427 acres/ball fields started Snowden Commercial Bldg commercial 10,000 sf building started (Phase II) Kellogg Park recreation development of a park started

Ares industrial Power generation approved Pahrump Valley Center campus on Great Basin College commercial proposed 285 acres Belarus Solar Projects industrial power generation, 3 units proposed BLM industrial Community Gravel Pits / variable ongoing BLM industrial Fire Station PLO-7636 / 15 acres completed NDOT industrial Highway 160 / 400 feet ongoing Proposed Section 368 multi-modal Multiple Federal Agencies industrial proposed Energy Corridor / 3,500 feet

3.3.3.3 Residual Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative The residual impacts of implementing the proposed action include: the addition of 75 full time jobs, and the indirect and induced population effects. These socioeconomic and population effects are expected to remain into the foreseeable future.

3.4 Travel Management The 1998 RMP and ROD did not include a Travel Management Section or Program. Instead, travel on public lands was addressed in the Recreation Program through off-highway vehicle use designations.

3.4.1 Affected Environment and Geographic Scope The affected environment includes the 620-acre Project Area and the adjacent and adjoining designated roads, trails, and washes in the vicinity of the Project Area.

3.4.1.1 Existing Conditions The Project Area is designated as “Limited to designated roads, trails, and washes for all motorized and mechanized vehicles.” The area receives some off-highway vehicle use on an undesignated random network of interconnected one- and two-track trails. There are no authorized or designated roads, trails or washes for motorized or mechanized vehicle travel, with the exception of a power transmission line/access road (BLM N-57100) and an electrical switch station (Nev-059100) with access via private property.

Several undesignated trails terminate at the existing Spring Mountain Raceway facility; other undesignated trails occur near Highway 160, originating at the terminus of the Gamebird Road easement and extending northeast and northwest into the Project Area. Several of these trails show signs of disuse since being interrupted by the development and expansion of the raceway facility.

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The nearby Wheeler Pass Road is a well-traveled BLM backcountry road located west of the Project Site. The other surrounding land is vacant, with the exception of the existing racetrack to the south and west. There are also north-south and east-west trending fence-line roads that bound the BLM community Gravel Pits. A GoogleEarth image showing the existing highways, roads, trails and washes on and in the vicinity of the Project Area is located in Appendix A.

3.4.1.2 Surveys Field reconnaissance conducted in December of 2017 and GoogleEarth images were used to identify roads, trails, and washes in the Project Area.

3.4.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative Implementation of the no action alternative would result in no changes to the status quo. Baseline road and trail conditions would remain the same. Off-highway travel on undesignated trails and washes in the Project Area would continue.

3.4.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative Implementation of the Proposed Action would result in the elimination of approximately 7.46 miles of undesignated trails and washes on the sale lands. The sale land would be sold subject to the existing 0.82 miles valid rights-of-way.

3.4.3.1 Analysis of Direct and Indirect Effects Implementation of the Proposed Action is expected to result in the direct loss of 7.46 miles of undesignated unimproved jeep trail. An indirect effect will be a minor reduction in off-road vehicle use in the area.

3.4.3.2 Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and Mitigation Measures The loss of about 7.46 miles of undesignated trails and washes has an insignificant but beneficial cumulative environmental effect of reducing unauthorized off-highway access. Because all of the expected effects are beneficial and consistent with the 1998 Designation for this area (1998 RMP, Map 2-10), mitigation measures are not be required.

3.4.3.3 Residual Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative The residual impacts of implementing the proposed action is the loss of about 0.5 miles of undesignated unimproved jeep trail.

3.5 Water Resources Water resources in the Pahrump Artesian Basin are subject to Nevada Water law and regulated by the State Engineer. County ordinances and Tariffs of local water utilities impose limitations on the use of water.

3.5.1. Affected Environment and Geographic Scope The affected environment includes the 620-acre Project Area and the water resources of the Pahrump Artesian Basin 162. Pahrump Valley is a basin located in southern Nevada that straddles the Nevada and California state line. The valley is approximately 45 miles west of Las Vegas, and is within the Central Hydrographic Region. The Town of Pahrump is the principal community. The Nevada portion of the basin (approximately 789 square miles) lies within Clark and Nye Counties, and the California portion of the basin (approximately 145 square miles) lies within Inyo County. The Basin Perennial Yield is 20,000 acre-feet per year.

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3.5.1.1 Existing Conditions The Pahrump Artesian Basin has been under Special Management by the Nevada State Engineer since 1973. Recent Orders include a prohibition on issuance new water rights, and requirements for all future new domestic wells to purchase and dedicate 2 acre-feet of valid existing rights unless a domestic well credit from prior subdivision and dedication of water rights has been established. For calendar year 2017, the committed groundwater resource totaled 73,686 acre-feet, with estimated pumpage of approximately 16,416 acre-feet. This number, which is below the perennial yield, includes an estimated 5,582 acre-feet pumped from exempt domestic wells.

3.5.1.2 Data and Methodology The files of the Nevada Division of Water Resources and the State Engineer, and the Nye County Water District Water Resources Plan 2017 Update were reviewed to determine the current water use and allocation in the Pahrump Artesian Basin.

3.5.2 Environmental Effects of the No Action Alternative Implementation of the no action alternative would result in no changes to the status quo. Baseline water use and resources in the Project Area would be unchanged.

3.5.3 Environmental Effects of the Proposed Action Alternative Implementation of the Proposed Action would result in the use of an estimated 15 acre-feet of water per year from an existing Great Basin Water Company well and distribution system. Valid existing water rights in an amount to be determined by the Nevada State Engineer will be purchased by the proponent, deeded to the water utility, and dedicated to the basin. No new utility water infrastructure would be required.

3.5.3.1 Analysis of Direct and Indirect Effects Implementation of the Proposed Action is expected to result in the direct use of up to 50 acre-feet of water per year, and a reduction of up to 100 acre-feet per year of allocated water rights.

3.5.3.2 Cumulative Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative and Mitigation Measures The maximum incremental increase in water use that could occur would be an additional 50 acre-feet per year, or an increase of less than 0.5 percent. Current basin pumpage and the additional proposed pumpage would still remain below the basin perennial yield. Groundwater model studies conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey have found that the effects of pumpage in the Pahrump Basin are not felt beyond the basin boundaries, and therefore will not have any effect on the water levels at Devils Hole.

The Nevada Revised Statue and County Ordinance require mitigation to reduce the quantity of water allocated in the Pahrump Basin when meeting new water demand. To reduce the basin over allocation, all new water demand must be met through the acquisition and dedication of valid existing water rights. Water rights dedication to offset beneficial use will be required at a ratio of 3:1.

3.5.3.3 Residual Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative The residual impacts of implementing the proposed action include the beneficial use of a maximum of up to 50 acre-feet per year from valid existing water rights dedicated to use on the sale parcels. The use of the additional water would be offset by dedication of up to 100 acre-feet of additional valid existing water rights that would no longer be available for beneficial use in the basin. The residual impact is a decrease of 100 acre-feet per year in allocated basin water rights, and a maximum increase of 50 acre- feet per year in water use.

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Chapter 4 References

BLM Manual H-8410-1 Visual Resource Inventory, January 17, 1986. Rel. 8-28.

Bureau of Land Management, 1998. Las Vegas Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement

Darling, Mary, Report of Desert Tortoise Presence/Absence Survey Conducted May 7 - 11, 2018; Darling Geomatics.

DATA USA, 2018. Pahrump, Nevada: Website accessed February 28, 2018. https://datausa.io

Giampaoli, M. J. Walker, E. Ezra, and D Brickey, 2017. Nye County Water District Water Resources Plan 2017 Update, Nye County, Nevada.

GoogleEarth April 3, 2018 - Roads and Public Land Survey System Layers, Pahrump, Nevada Proposed Public Sale Lands.

Next GreenCar Emissions Calculator Website Accessed August 27, 2018. https://www.nextgreencar.com/

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Website accessed August 30, 2018. https://ndep.nv.gov/uploads/air-aqm-docs/caap.pdf https://www.nyecounty.net/324/Air-Quality https://ndep.nv.gov/uploads/air-aqm-docs/2015-pahrump-success-report.pdf http://nvair.ndep.nv.gov/ https://ndep.nv.gov/air/air-quality-monitoring/pahrump-monitoring

Nevada Division of Water Resources website accessed May 25, 2018. http://water.nv.gov/waterrights.aspx http://water.nv.gov/mapping.aspx?mapping=Water%20Use%20And%20Availability

Nye County Water District Governing Board, 2017. Water Resources Plan Update: Preparers: MaryEllen C. Giampaoli, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Terra Spectra Geomatics, Inc., and Jamieson Geological, Inc. http://www.nyecountywaterdistrict.net/attachments/ File/ documents/Nye_WRP_Update_2017.pdf

US Census Bureau, Department of Commerce, 2018. QuickFacts Pahrump CDP, Nevada. Website accessed February 28, 2018. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/pahrumpcdp nevada/PST045216

US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017. Local Area Unemployment Map - Nye County, Nevada Website accessed March 13, 2018 https://data.bls.gov/map/MapToolServlet

USFWS Website for Species List Date accessed June 14, 2018.

Wichman, 2017. Basin 162 Pahrump Valley Groundwater Management Plan. Nye County Water District. http://www.nyecountywaterdistrict.net/page8.php

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Appendix A

Appendix A-1 - Layout of planned 6.5 mile racetrack expansion

Appendix A-2 - Travel Management - State Highway, authorized roads, and existing trails in the vicinity of the Project Area.

Appendix A-3 - Nye County Assessor's Parcel Map showing private land and easements surrounding the requested public land.

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Appe ndix A-1 - Layout of planned 6.5 mile racetrack expansion Page 28

Appe ndix A-2 – Travel Management vicinity of the Project Area. Page 29

Appendix A-3 - Nye County Assessor's Parcel Map requested public land.

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