BLM evaluating coal proposal near Hayden
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CRAIG, Colo. – As part of the Administration’s priority to make America safe through energy independence, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is evaluating a Lease-by-Application (LBA) for Peabody Energy’s Twentymile Coal Foidel Creek Mine near Hayden, Colo.
The LBA is for 640 acres of federal coal underneath private surface adjacent to the existing coal mine and lease. The coal would be mined by underground methods with no surface disturbance.
Before the BLM begins an environmental assessment of the LBA, it wants to hear about any issues or concerns the public would like to see addressed in the EA.
“The BLM supports working landscapes across the West through its various multiple-use programs like coal. We manage public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, and we welcome diverse views,” said BLM Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe.
Peabody estimates it could recover 4.1 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 to continue at its current employment level of 365 people.
According to Yampa Valley Data Partners, Twentymile Foidel Creek accounts for more than 6 percent of the property tax revenue in Routt County and is the top taxpayer in Routt County.
The proposal, including maps, is available for review at http://bit.ly/2uQI1mU.
Public comments regarding this proposal will be most helpful to the BLM if received by Aug. 23, 2017. Comments can be e-mailed to jmaiolo@blm.gov or mailed to Jennifer Maiolo, Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson Street, Craig, CO 81625.
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.