BLM announces public comment period and hearing on coal proposal near Hayden
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CRAIG, Colo. – As part of the Administration’s priority to sustainably develop America’s energy and natural resources, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released an environmental assessment for public review that evaluates a Lease-by-Application (LBA) for Peabody Energy Twentymile Coal, LLC’s, Foidel Creek Mine near Hayden, Colo.
The BLM is holding a public hearing on the proposal, including fair market value and maximum economic recovery, Nov. 28, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson St. in Craig.
The LBA is for 640 acres of federal coal underneath private surface adjacent to the existing coal mine and lease. The coal would be mined by underground methods with no surface disturbance.
“The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its various multiple-use programs like coal,” said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “We manage public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, and we welcome diverse views.”
The proposal, maps and information about how to comment electronically are available at https://go.usa.gov/xQZNb. Written comments may also be submitted by mail to Jennifer Maiolo, Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson Street, Craig, CO 81625, or faxed to 970 826-5002.
Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Dec. 6, 2018.
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.
Twentymile estimates it could recover 4.7 million tons of coal, generating approximately $13 million in royalties, half of which would go to the State of Colorado. The lease would help the mine continue at its current employment level of 365 people.
According to Yampa Valley Data Partners, the Twentymile Foidel Creek Mine accounts for more than 6 percent of the property tax revenue in Routt County and is the top taxpayer in Routt County.
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.
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.