BLM extends public comment period on coal proposal near Hayden
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office is extending the public comment period on its environmental assessment evaluating a Lease-by-Application (LBA) for Peabody Energy Twentymile Coal, LLC’s, Foidel Creek Mine near Hayden.
The Federal Register Notice announcing the public comment period and public hearing on the proposal was published Nov. 6 with a minor error to the legal description for the proposed lands for the LBA. The public hearing occurred on Nov. 28 in Craig. The correct legal description is listed below.
Sixth Principal Meridian
T. 5 N., R. 86 W.,
sec. 22: E½NE¼, NE¼SE¼, N½SE¼SE¼;
sec. 23: N½, N½S½, N½SW ¼SW¼.
The proposal, maps and information on submitting comments electronically are online at https://go.usa.gov/xQZNb. Written comments may 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 the proposal must be received by Dec. 21, 2018.
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.