POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is requesting public comments regarding a proposal to relocate and bury a segment of a natural gas pipeline southwest of American Falls in Power County. If approved, the project would remove approximately 1,500 feet of the existing pipeline bridge spanning the Snake River and replace it with a 6-inch diameter pipe installed beneath the river.
The proposed relocation is intended to address increased industrial demand in the area. Construction is expected to take approximately three months and would impact fewer than three surface acres. The project would affect land managed by the BLM, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Idaho Department of Lands near the BLM Pipeline Campground. Temporary closures of recreational facilities in the vicinity may be required during construction.
BLM Pocatello Field Manager Blaine Newman emphasized the importance of public participation in the scoping process. “Public scoping is a perfect opportunity for people to become familiar with the project. This step in the review process is key for identifying resource issues and bringing any other concerns to our attention so we can fully consider them in the analysis,” Newman stated.
The public can submit comments through the BLM National NEPA Register via the “Participate Now” option. Comments can also be emailed to BLM_ID_PocatelloOffice@blm.gov with “Intermountain Gas” in the subject line or delivered in writing to the BLM Pocatello Field Office at 4350 Cliffs Dr., Pocatello, ID 83204-2150. The deadline for submission is March 26, 2025.
For further details, the BLM Pocatello Field Office can be contacted at 208-478-6340.
