New Mexico Forest Preps EIS for Roca Honda Mine Project
Published Date: 9/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service), Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands, intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to assess and disclose the effects of the proposed Plan of Operations (PoO), also referred to as the Mine Operations and Reclamation Plan (MORP), submitted by Roca Honda Resources, LLC (RHR), for the development and operations of the Roca Honda Mine Project. The Forest Service is the lead agency. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 and the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Rio Puerco Field Office are cooperating federal agencies. This notice announces the beginning of a 30-day comment period to solicit comments and identify issues. The EIS will evaluate potential impacts of the development and operations associated with the proposed underground uranium mine on National Forest System (NFS) and BLM- administered lands, as well as state and private lands. The Forest Service expects that the proposed action will require a project- specific amendment to ensure consistency with the Cibola National Forest Land Management Plan. The Enterprise Land Management System number for the project is 301824 (see link below).
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Public radon exposure risk
The EIS will evaluate potential exposure of the public to radioactive radon gas vented from mine shafts near the project area in McKinley County, New Mexico. The Forest Service lists radon gas exposure from vented shafts as a specific substantive issue to be evaluated.
Treated wastewater discharged to Rio San Jose
The proposed project would construct a pipeline in the New Mexico Highway 605 right-of-way and discharge treated water into a non-perennial segment of the Rio San Jose in the Village of Milan, New Mexico. EPA must consider an NPDES permit under Clean Water Act section 402 for that discharge.
Land disturbance footprint: 87 + 279 acres
Proposed activities would disturb about 87 acres on National Forest System lands and about 279 acres on State and private lands for wells, shafts, pipelines, roads, a water treatment plant, ore bays, waste rock stockpiles, and ponds. These disturbances occur near San Mateo and Grants in McKinley County, New Mexico.
Long project life: 21 years with 11 years production
The project lifespan is estimated at approximately 21 years, including about 11 years of mineral production and remaining years for construction, reclamation, and closure monitoring. The EIS will evaluate potential effects on local and state workforce and the economy.
Forest Plan amendment affecting tribal and water protections
The Forest Service expects the proposed action will require a project-specific amendment to the Cibola National Forest Land Management Plan to except the project from certain desired conditions related to tribal, cultural, and water resources.
Truck haul of ore to Utah mill
Ore-bearing materials would be hauled off-site by truck to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah for processing. The proposal therefore includes sustained truck transport off the site for processing outside New Mexico.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16965, Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation
The USDA wants to cancel the 2001 Roadless Rule that stopped road building and logging in special forest areas. This change gives local forest managers more freedom to decide how to care for these lands based on local needs. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could affect how forests are managed and how money is spent on these lands.
2026-18244, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Cleveland National Forest is proposing to establish two special recreation permits. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed special recreation permit sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar special recreation uses in the area.
2026-18239, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Ouachita National Forest plans to start charging fees at some picnic and recreation spots to help keep them clean, safe, and fun. Groups using picnic sites like Cedar Lake will pay $50 a day, and reservations will cost an extra $8 online. These changes could start about six months after this notice, making your outdoor adventures even better!
2026-18246, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Ashley National Forest wants to start charging fees at two fun spots: Kaler Hollow Group Campground and Uinta Guard Station. Groups can expect to pay $50 or $70 per night, with fees helping improve the sites and services. If approved, these fees will kick in at least six months after this notice, and you can book your spot online or by phone with a small reservation fee.
2026-18240, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The El Yunque National Forest is proposing to establish several recreation pass options and a special recreation permit. Proposed recreation fees collected for the proposed recreation passes and for the proposed special recreation permit would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites and special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites and special recreation uses in the area.
2026-18238, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests are proposing to establish several recreation fee sites. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed recreation fee sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18764, Notice of Proposals To Engage in or To Acquire Companies Engaged in Permissible Nonbanking Activities
Next: 2026-18767, Sunshine Act Meetings
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is sharing its meeting schedule from mid-September to late October 2026, with most weeks having no meetings except for a few public sessions. These meetings are open to everyone, either in person or online, and focus on topics like employee updates and NRC’s reorganization efforts. No new costs or major changes are announced, but folks interested should mark their calendars and can request special accommodations if needed.