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We earlier learned from the BLM website that the number of drill holes proposed for Big Sandy had been cut back by 10%, from 145 to 131. Where are these 14 holes? Management (both AZL, and Bureau of Land) knows but is not telling.

A closer look now also reveals that the total footprint of the project has been cut back 20%. The original environmental assessment, three years ago, stated “The Proposed Action would result in the disturbance of approximately 26 acres of land.” Now BLM tells us, “In total, the Project would disturb approximately 21 acres of land.”

The actual drilling of 145 holes was going to disturb about 10 acres, so losing 14 of them represents the loss of about an acre. “New access to drill pads” accounted for 15 acres. Many of the holes were so close to each other, and so close to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 drilling, that not much land would be disturbed. Where are the 5 acres (about 2 hectares) that have been saved? Management knows but is not telling.

Kudos, though, to the staff of the mostly-not-Navajo NTEC, whose work is likely responsible for these reductions. It’s unfortunate that AZL didn’t know what concessions to make back in 2021. It remains to be seen whether the residents of Wikieup, both indigenous and migrant, are satisfied.