BLM seeks public comment on American Gypsum’s expansion proposal
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SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on American Gypsum Company’s proposal to expand its Eagle-Gypsum Mine in Eagle County. The bureau opened a 30-day public comment period on the proposal, closing Feb. 6, 2020.
American Gypsum’s current gypsum mining permit area is 830 acres, with current surface disturbance at about 191 acres. Their proposal would increase both the permit area and surface disturbance by about 100 acres.
American Gypsum operates the Eagle-Gypsum Mine about two miles north of the Town of Gypsum. It is Colorado’s largest gypsum mine. The mine, and associated wallboard plant, produce about 600 million square feet of dry wall annually and employ nearly 100 people. American Gypsum is proposing the expansion to maintain their current level of production in the coming years.
“Responsible mineral development is part of BLM’s multiple-use mission,” said BLM Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “The current mine has been in operation since 1984 and is an important contributor to the local economy.”
Public input helps the BLM identify issues or concerns specific to the proposed expansion that will help guide the environmental analysis. The most useful comments contain technical or scientific information, identify issues or concerns relevant to the proposal, or provide technical or scientific rationale for opinions. The proposed Plan of Operation Modification, maps, and information about how to comment, are available at https://go.usa.gov/xpJaU. Comments must be received by Feb. 6, 2020.
The BLM is hosting a public open house in the Town of Gypsum to provide additional information, answer questions and take written comments from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Mountain Recreation Gypsum Recreation Center, 52 Lundgren Blvd., Gypsum.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.
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.