CUP 98-0022 Mesquite Mine Expansion

The Mesquite Mine Expansion project in Imperial County, California, involves the expansion of existing mining operations followed by the reclamation of the site upon closure. This specific action, identified as Amendment No. 1 to Incidental Take Permit No. 2081-2003-011-06, updates the Conditions of Approval and extends the project expiration date to December 31, 2031. The project is located in the eastern portion of Imperial County, approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the Glamis Store and on the north side of State Highway 78. The project is managed by Imperial County as the lead agency, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife acting as a responsible agency. A critical component of the project is the management of environmental impacts, specifically the permanent removal of 456 acres of desert tortoise habitat, consisting of 268 acres of Category II and 188 acres of Category III habitat. Because the project will result in the incidental take of the desert tortoise, an endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act, implementation is authorized through an Incidental Take Permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.