BLM Approves Overburden Storage at Coal Mine North of Meeker
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Northwest District signed a Finding of No Significant Impact and a Decision Record today approving a coal lease modification to allow Colowyo Coal to store rock and soil overburden at a coal mine north of Meeker, Colo.
Colowyo Coal operates a mine in the Little Snake Field Office that spans Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties 22 miles north of Meeker. The mine began production in 1977 and currently produces 2.3 million tons of coal per year. The mine employs 238 people and provides coal to the Craig Generation Station.
This finding completes a BLM Environmental Assessment for a coal lease modification to store non-marketable rock and soil overburden on 27 surface acres of public land. The overburden will later be used by Colowyo Coal for reclamation.
Visit the BLM Little Snake Field Office online for more information at: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/lsfo.html
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.