BLM Announces Public Comment Period and Hearing on Coal Proposal in Las Animas County
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a draft Environmental Assessment for public review that evaluates a Lease-by-Application for New Elk Coal Company, LLC’s New Elk Mine west of Trinidad, Colorado. This proposed lease of 1,279 acres holds approximately 8 million tons of recoverable Federal coal below privately owned surface. The coal is metallurgical quality coal typically used for steel manufacturing.
If approved, this lease will allow New Elk to access federally owned coal from its current facilities at the site. The coal would be mined by underground mining methods with no surface disturbance. Access to this coal is anticipated to extend the longevity of the mine by five years once New Elk resumes coal mining operations.
At peak production levels, the New Elk Mine would employ up to 175 people.
“The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through multiple-use programs like coal,” said BLM Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger.“We welcome diverse views and look forward to hearing from the public.”
The BLM is holding a public hearing on the proposal on July 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mt. Carmel Center, 911 Robinson Ave. in Trinidad.
Coal mines in Colorado generated $35 million in Federal royalties in 2017. This revenue is split with the State of Colorado. Mining coal from BLM Colorado lands and minerals generated $742.5 million in total economic output in 2017. Currently, there are six producing coal mines in the State of Colorado (two are surface mines, the remaining four are subsurface mines) totaling 60,000 acres and with an estimated economic output of $1.2 billion. There are 51 coal leases in Colorado, covering 80,203 acres.
Verbal comments related to the proposal will be accepted at the public hearing. All other comments must be submitted electronically. The proposal, including maps and information about how to submit comments electronically, are available online at https://go.usa.gov/xENMj. Comments must be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site and must be received by Aug. 5, 2019.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, please 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.
-BLM-
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.