STB sets proceeding for proposed Nevada gold mine railroad

The Surface Transportation Board issued a decision on May 22 that outlines proceedings for consideration of a proposed rail line in Eureka and Lander counties, Nevada. The STB also waived certain environmental requirements to streamline the permitting process.

Nevada Gold Rail LLC, an affiliate of Nevada Gold Mines LLC (NGM), seeks to construct about 55.7 miles of rail line to connect mining facilities to an existing Union Pacific Railroad mainline. The line would allow NGM to ship gold ore by rail instead of truck, according to a news release from the STB.

The STB determined that NGM must prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) but waived requirements for NGM to publish the final scope of study and draft EIS. The waivers were based on recent changes to the interpretation and application of the National Environmental Policy Act, according to the release

Public meetings will be held throughout the EIS process.