BLM Cody releases analysis of bentonite mining expansion

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Cody Field Office

Media Contact:

CODY, Wyo. – As part of its commitment to serve local communities through the management of sustainable, working public lands, the Bureau of Land Management has analyzed a proposed bentonite mining expansion project located in Big Horn County. The BLM Cody Field Office will accept comments on the environmental assessment through May 4, 2018.

American Colloid Company (ACC) plans to expand its current mining operations by 1,235.4 acres, including 871.7 acres of BLM-managed land located 13 miles southeast of Lovell. The proposed expansion would provide an estimated 5 million tons of bentonite from public lands over the life of the project and would continue to employ approximately 15 mine employees, 100 mill employees and additional subcontractors.

The environmental assessment is available for public review and comment online at https://go.usa.gov/xQCpR. The plan of operations submitted by ACC is available for review at the BLM Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street.

The comment period runs from April 5 through May 4, 2018. Comments may be emailed to blm_wy_cody_comments@blm.gov; please include "ACC Lake-Velder” in the subject line. Comments may also be mailed to AFM Minerals and Lands, BLM-Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY, 82414.

Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personally identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask the BLM in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information, please contact BLM Geologist Lisa Marks at 307-578-5900.

Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact this individual during normal business hours. FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to leave a message or question with this individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.


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.