BLM accepting public comment on soda plant expansion

Organization:

BLM

Media Contact:

Christopher B. Joyner, Public Affairs Specialist

MEEKER, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is now seeking public comments concerning a proposed sodium bicarbonate plant expansion 37 miles southwest of Meeker.

Rifle-based Natural Soda Inc. plans to expand its Piceance Creek Basin processing facility to accommodate doubling its current 250,000 tons per-year production. Expansion would involve additional surface disturbance and future wells to feed the production increase. The proposed expansion would involve 20 acres of surface disturbance and add 30 full-time employees to its payroll over the next four years.

The BLM will accept public comments for 14 days during the scoping period as we prepare an Environmental Assessment to evaluate the proposed expansion. Natural Soda’s proposal and maps showing the location of the expansion are available on the BLM White River Field Office website at: http://on.doi.gov/1u0oyV1

Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Dec 21, 2014.  Written comments can be mailed to the White River Field Office, 220 E. Market Street, Meeker, CO 81641. Comments can also be submitted via email topdaggett@blm.gov. 

General questions can be directed to Paul Daggett at 970 878-3819. 

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request BLM to withhold personal identifying information from public view, the BLM cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.

Members of the media contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Joyner at (970) 244-3097.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.