BLM Cody releases analysis of bentonite mining plan of operations
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CODY, Wyo. – In line with its commitment to supporting sustainable, working public lands for the American people, the Bureau of Land Management has analyzed a proposed bentonite mining project located in Park County. The BLM Cody Field Office will accept comments on the environmental assessment (EA) from Jan. 18–Feb. 16, 2018.
Wilson Brothers Construction, Inc. of Cowley, Wyoming, plans to mine approximately 48 acres within a 55-acre permit area on BLM-managed federal land in the Diamond Basin area, 7 miles southwest of Cody. The BLM received initial comments on the proponent’s original plan of operations in 2014. Based on the input received from all interested parties, the proponent made several revisions to its plan, which are analyzed in the EA.
As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for multiple uses, and mining is a traditional use that continues to serve local communities. Bentonite is used in a variety of products and industries including for oil and gas development, bonding material and cat litter. The proposed project would provide an estimated 140,000 tons of bentonite from public lands over the 3-5-year life of the project, and would continue to support jobs and other services that benefit from an active mining operation.
The EA, which analyzes the impacts of the proposed project, is available for review online at https://go.usa.gov/xndTb. The plan of operations submitted by Wilson Brothers is available for review at the BLM Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street.
Comments on the project must be received by Feb. 16, 2018. Comments may be emailed to blm_wy_cody_comments@blm.gov; please include “Wilson Brothers Plan of Operations” in the subject line. Comments may also be mailed to AFM Minerals and Lands, BLM-Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY, 82414.
For more information, please contact BLM Assistant Field Manager Chad Krause at (307) 578-5900.
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.