CUP 98-0022 Mesquite Mine Expansion

The Mesquite Mine Expansion project in Imperial County, California, involves extending existing mining operations and ultimately reclaiming the site upon completion, with a permit expiration date extended to December 31, 2031. This initiative is governed by an Incidental Take Permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife under the California Endangered Species Act, authorizing the permanent loss of 268 acres of Category II and 188 acres of Category III desert tortoise habitat, totaling 456 acres impacted, with no temporary habitat loss. The project requires adherence to strict mitigation and monitoring protocols to comply with environmental regulations and ensure species protection, as the desert tortoise is listed as endangered under state law. Oversight is shared between Imperial County as the lead agency and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with key contacts including Jacob Skaggs and Luis Valenzuela responsible for environmental compliance and permitting matters. No federal acquisition regulations apply to this action, as it is a state-level environmental authorization rather than a federal procurement contract. There are no identified contract clauses, payment terms, invoicing systems, accounting codes, packaging or marking requirements, or evaluation factors typical of federal acquisitions. The project operates under CEQA and CESA frameworks, with compliance measured through environmental reporting, adherence to permit conditions, and implementation of habitat conservation plans. There is no disclosed contract value, pricing structure, delivery schedule, or contractual incentives; the documentation focuses exclusively on environmental authorizations, regulatory conditions, and timelines. All activities are confined to the Mesquite Mine site located approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the Glamis Store along State Highway 78, with submission of required environmental documentation directed to CDFW and Imperial County offices. The permit amendment represents a regulatory update, not a standard contracting action, and all obligations are tied to ecological outcomes and long-term land stewardship rather than commercial deliverables.