BLM seeking public comment on aggregate mine in Chaffee County
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office is seeking public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment considering the proposed mine road realignment and expansion of the Hard Rock Main Pit aggregate mine south of Salida in Chaffee County, CO. The draft Environmental Assessment analyzed the effect of the proposal on communities and natural resources in the area.
“The range of alternatives presented in this preliminary environmental assessment take many of the community’s concerns voiced during public scoping into consideration, including potential impacts to nearby trails, the local economy, and the viewshed,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “We look forward to hearing the public’s input on the preliminary document.”
Hard Rock Paving & Redi-Mix, Inc. (Hard Rock) has requested to expand reserves onto an additional 62.8 acres of BLM managed lands. These lands are located adjacent to their currently authorized 46 acre mining operation, on private, split-estate, and BLM lands.
Hard Rock proposed development of the additional BLM acreage to increase reserves and subsequently mine life for an additional 40 to 50 years. Production rates, truck traffic, and frequency of active mining and processing would remain similar to current levels.
The expansion would provide access up to 6.2 million net tons of federal minerals (aggregate) and would realign the mine access road for safety purposes. Aggregate accessed by the expansion would be used in the production of asphalt and concrete. The BLM reserves would help sustain supplies of aggregate to help meet future demands in Chaffee County and surrounding areas.
The preliminary Environmental Assessment and other documents, including maps, are available on the BLM ePlanning site at https://go.usa.gov/xf5TN. Public comments can be submitted through the BLM ePlanning site or mailed to “Hard Rock Mine Expansion,” 3028 E Main Street, Cañon City, CO 81212. Comments must be received by August 14, 2021.
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.