NEMO, S.D. – The Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is asking for public comments on a proposed exploration drilling project near Nemo, SD.
The project would include up to 32 exploratory drilling sites to search for iron minerals on National Forest System (NFS) land. Each drill site would measure approximately 30X50 feet, for a combined estimated acreage of 1.25 acres. Drill holes would be approximately three inches in diameter and be drilled to a depth of around 200 feet.
Access to the drill sites would be along NFS roads and motorized trails 8254, 8256, and 8257.
This proposed project is for exploratory drilling, not mining. A separate environmental analysis would be required for any proposed mining activity to occur in the future.
The proposed location is densely forested terrain with scattered rock and brush. All sites would be reclaimed following drilling activities. The project is expected to last one year or less. Should project activities go beyond that time, additional environmental analysis may be necessary.
A public meeting is planned for this project at the Nemo Community Hall, 12746 Nemo Rd. Nemo, SD, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 5:30-7:30 pm.
All public comments on the proposed action will be considered prior to making a final decision. Comments must be submitted by June 22, 2022.
Please submit comments to Steve Kozel at 2014 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783. You may also submit comments via e-mail (comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-northernÂ[email protected]), online (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62237), by telephone (605-642-4622), or fax (605-642-4156). Any questions regarding the project can be directed to Steve Kozel or Chris Stores (Natural Resources Planner) at the phone number listed above, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (MT).
When submitting comments electronically, please include the project name in the subject line.
