BLM to Hold Scoping Meeting Concerning Coal Proposal
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The Bureau of Land Management announced today a public scoping meeting concerning a coal Lease by Application proposal north of Loma, Colorado.
The meeting is scheduled to run from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Feb 25 at the Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., Grand Junction. The meeting will give the public an opportunity to ask questions and provide written comment on a proposal to lease approximately 14,160 acres of federal coal reserves beneath BLM-managed lands in western Garfield County.
“Public scoping is the first opportunity for the public to be involved in identifying important issues concerning proposed actions,” said Katie Stevens manager of the Grand Junction BLM Field Office. “We want and need the public’s help in identifying issues and concerns before we begin an Environmental Impact Statement on this proposal.” The public scoping period will end on Mar. 12, 15 days after this public meeting.
CAM-Colorado, LLC submitted an application for the BLM to consider leasing the Books Cliffs Tract. If the BLM decides to make the lands available for leasing, they would be offered through a future open competitive sale. The proposed Book Cliffs Tract is estimated to contain approximately 78 million tons of in-place Federal coal. Construction of a new mine would be required to access the coal.
Information about the proposed project can be found at:
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/land_use_planning/rmp/red_cliff_mine.html
Those attending the public meeting can comment there or send comments to the BLM:
- Email: BLM_CO_GJ_Public_Comments@blm.gov
- Fax: 9970-244-3085
- Mail: BLM, Grand Junction Field Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506
All comments must be received prior to Mar. 12 to be included in the Draft EIS.
There will be an additional comment period once the draft EIS is published.
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.