In 2004, the Big Sandy Band of Western Mono Indians embarked on the vision of creating Big Sandy Rancheria Resort, Casino & Spa. As of that time Big Sandy Rancheria (BSR) has produced several agreements, which are currently being reviewed by applicable federal agencies. Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to analyze the potential environmental impacts of such a Resort facility is currently being conducted.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

An EIS is a detailed statement describing and analyzing the significant environmental effects of a project, and discussing ways to mitigate or avoid those effects. Mooney/Jones & Stokes will prepare the EIS to achieve compliance with NEPA. The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) will serve as the lead agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as a cooperating agency for the NEPA review.

EIS Schedule

September 15, 2005 - Agency/Public Scoping Meeting

September 23, 2005 - End of Public Comment Period for Scoping Process

The purpose of the scoping process is to solicit public comment regarding the full spectrum of issues and concerns, including a suitable range of alternatives, and the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts and appropriate mitigation measures that should be addressed in the EIS process. Public Comments were submitted in writing by September 23, 2005 or were provided orally at the agency/public scoping meetings that were held on September 15, 2005. A copy of the handout from such meetings is provided below along with the scoping report summarizing the comments received during the scoping process.

Scoping Meeting Handout - PDF 846KB

Scoping Report - PDF 15,675KB

Additional Public Review and Comment Periods

As part of the EIS process, there will be additional opportunities for the public to obtain information about the proposed Resort facility and to submit comments, including the publishing of the Draft and Final EIS and associated public review, comments and hearing. Information about these opportunities will be posted when such information becomes available.

Contact Information

If you would like to receive future information on the EIS process, please send your address to Rebecca Fisher, Associate Environmental Planner - Mooney/Jones & Stokes, via e-mail at rfisher@jsanet.com or by mail at Mooney/Jones & Stokes, 9903 Businesspark Avenue, San Diego, CA 92131.