BLM seeks input on southeast Idaho proposed Burnstone Quarry
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POCATELLO, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office seeks input during a roughly 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment analyzing the potential impacts of the Burnstone Quarry. The proposed high-grade calcium carbonate limestone quarry would be in Bingham County, approximately 20 miles northeast of Blackfoot.
Burns Industries, LLC is requesting to develop the quarry on 204 acres of BLM-managed public land, with a total surface disturbance of 262 acres, including some private lands, during the 100-year life of the quarry. This would also include disturbance associated with access, storage, infrastructure facilities and truck loadout, which would be reclaimed when operations cease. The company proposes to actively mine in 20-acre blocks and concurrently reclaim the previously mined 20-acre block to minimize the total area of disturbance at any one time.
“We want to hear from the public about the potential impacts from this proposed quarry,” said BLM Acting Pocatello Field Manager Blaine Newman. “We encourage our stakeholders and partners to take advantage of this review period for our environmental assessment, so the BLM can receive input and consider a variety of perspectives, which will help us further refine the analysis.”
To ensure your input is included in the analysis, please submit substantive comments by Dec. 8, 2023, through one of the following ways: electronically at BLM National NEPA Register or via U.S. Mail to BLM Pocatello Field Office, Attn: Burnstone Quarry EA, 4350 Cliffs Drive, Pocatello, ID 83204.
Mineral development is an important land use within the BLM's multiple-use mandate. In communities across the country, mining provides jobs, economic activity and important commodities that are essential to maintain a high quality of life.
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.