NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
LAS 34647
Shovel Creek Wind, LLC

Subject to AS 38.05.850, the Northern Regional Land Office has received an application for the following:

APPLICANT: Shovel Creek Wind, LLC

PROJECT NAME: LAS 34647

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: The project is located approximately 18 to 25 miles WNW of Fairbanks.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The project is located within portions of the following:

Sections 5, 6, and 7, Township 1 North, Range 4 West, Fairbanks Meridian;

Sections 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 32, and 33, Township 1 North, Range 5 West, Fairbanks Meridian;

Sections 5, 6, and 18, Township 1 South, Range 5 West, Fairbanks Meridian;

Sections 1, 12, and 13, Township 1 South, Range 6 West, Fairbanks Meridian;

Sections 30, 31, and 32, Township 2 North, Range 4 West, Fairbanks Meridian;

Sections 12, 13, 24, 25, and 35, Township 2 North, Range 5 West, Fairbanks Meridian.

REQUESTED ACTIVITY: On August 29, 2023, a Land Use Permit was issued, allowing for brushing an off-road vehicle trail, as well as conducting environmental, geotechnical, cultural, and meteorological studies related to the Shovel Creek Wind Project.  Shovel Creek Wind, LLC has requested an amendment to this permit, expanding the use area to the entirety of the Shovel Creek project area, as well as adding up to two additional towers. These towers are each 50 – 60 meters in height, will require buried anchors in 3-foot x 4-foot x 8-foot (width x length x depth) or shallower hole, which will be cut to be flush with the ground surface upon tower removal. Additionally, a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) or SoDAR (sonic detection and ranging) unit, along with a 16-foot long enclosed trailer that serves as the unit power supply, may be collocated at each tower. The maximum combined footprint would be 4.75 acres. Shovel Creek Wind, LLC is also applying to conduct geotechnical sampling, including borings and test-pit excavations, whereafter the pits and boreholes will be backfilled.

REQUESTED TERM: The applicant is requesting a multi-year permit beginning August 2024 and ending July 2028.

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: August 28, 2024

The public is invited to comment on this activity. To ensure consideration, written comments must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK  99709 on or before 5:00 p.m. on the date noted above. Questions concerning this activity or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Victoria Nelson, Telephone: (907) 451-2740; Fax: 907-451-2751 or e-mail: nro.lands@alaska.gov.

After review and adjudication, we may issue an authorization with stipulations for the activity. The activity may be modified during the review and adjudication process.

DNR-DMLW complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services or special modifications to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973 for TTY services.

The DMLW reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice.