The BLM seeks public comment on lease modification
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CRAIG, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Little Snake Field Office is now seeking public comment on a coal lease modification 30 miles southeast of Craig.
Twentymile Coal Company seeks to modify their existing federal coal lease at the Foidel Creek Mine by 310 acres to gain access to an estimated 340,000 tons of federal coal. No new surface disturbing activity is scheduled for the private surface above this proposed action.
“The BLM values public input as a critical part of any proposed action,” said Wendy Reynolds, field manager, BLM Little Snake Field Office.
The BLM is now working on an Environmental Assessment for this project. The EA and maps showing the location of the modification are available at the BLM Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson Street, Craig or on their website at: https://www.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/nepa/nepa_register.do.
Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by April 1, 2015. Written comments can be mailed to the Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson Street, Craig, 81625. Comments can also be submitted via email tojmaiolo@blm.gov.
The BLM is responsible for the balanced use of the public lands and resources in a manner that best serves the long-term needs of current and future generations. Therefore, the BLM takes the necessary steps to ensure that federal coal lease modification applications are analyzed in accordance with Federal regulations (43 CFR 3432.2). These regulations provide for lease modifications when: 1) the modification serves the interests of the United States; (2) there is no competitive interest in the lands or deposits; and (3) the additional lands or deposits cannot be developed as part of another potential or existing independent operation.
The BLM has made the determination that the above criteria apply to this application. The BLM will receive fair market value from the Twentymile Coal Company for any acres added to the lease by the proposed modification.
General questions can be directed to Jennifer Maiolo at 970 826-5077. Members of the media contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist, Chris Joyner at (970) 210-2126.
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.
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.