BLM releases decision on mineral materials sale proposal in Fremont County
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office released the Record of Decision on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion of the Parkdale Quarry, west of Cañon City.
The Record of Decision selects the proposed action, Alternative A, which provides the applicant with access to approximately 400 million net tons of aggregate on 700 acres of BLM lands. The aggregate will be used to produce asphalt and concrete, as well as railroad ballast.
The decision includes additional project design features in response to public and cooperating agency comments on the Draft EIS. These design features avoid, reduce, or mitigate potential impacts to the land, air resources, water resources, and wildlife, among others.
“The BLM would like to thank all our partners and members of the public for their input,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “This has helped us protect resources in the project area while creating jobs and providing positive economic impacts for the community.”
The decision is subject to a 30-day appeal period through August 23. The Record of Decision, Final EIS, maps, and more information—including how affected parties can file an appeal—can be found on the BLM ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xy6tn.
In Fiscal Year 2018, non-energy minerals on BLM lands in Colorado generated approximately $194 million in economic output and supported 650 jobs.
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.