BLM Begins Public Scoping For Mineral Materials Sale Proposal
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office announced the beginning of a 30-day public scoping period for a proposed expansion of the Parkdale Quarry west of Cañon City.
BLM has received an application from Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. for a renewable 10-year competitive contract for the sale of mineral materials. The proposal would permit Martin Marietta to expand its operation north and west onto approximately 700 acres of BLM lands. The expansion would provide access to 400 million net tons of aggregate. Parkdale Quarry currently operates on private land.
The aggregate would be used in the production of asphalt and concrete, as well as for railroad ballast. Access to the BLM reserves would help sustain supplies of aggregate to meet future demands in southern Colorado, as well as into the Denver area and Kansas.
“Mineral materials from BLM lands are critical to meet demands as Colorado continues to grow,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “We look forward to hearing the public’s input on the proposal.”
In Fiscal Year 2018, non-energy minerals on BLM lands in Colorado generated approximately $194 million in economic output and supported 650 jobs.
The public scoping process will help BLM determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis and guide the process for developing the Environmental Impact Statement. The BLM will host an open house public meeting August 15 in Cañon City from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Abbey Events Complex, 2951 East Highway 50.
Public comments will be most helpful if received by August 30, 2019 and must be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xy6tn or mailed to “Parkdale Quarry Expansion Comments,” 3028 E Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or any other personal identifying information in your comments, please be advised that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While individuals may request the 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.