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A major expansion to an existing coal mining operation near historic Bryce Canyon National Park is getting a frosty reception in tourism-friendly Utah, reports Steel Guru.
Alton Coal Development LLC and partner Kane Mining want to expand their reserves at the Coal Hollow Mine — Utah’s only coal strip-mine — just one year after the mine opened. The expansion to more than 3500 acres requires the approval of the US Bureau of Land Management.
But opponents are already lining up against the proposal, with one online petition signed by over 21,000 people.
Steel Guru notes the expansion is a significant increase to the operation. The initial permit allowed the companies to haul up to 2 million tonnes a year from a 635-acre private reserve, with an envisioned minelife of three years. The expansion would lease 3,576 acres for 25 years and allow the companies to mine between 44 and 49 million tonnes through both strip mining and underground mining.
What’s more, the mining takes place within 10 kilometres of Bryce Canyon National Park, which contains a number of culturally and geologically-significant sites including the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement does not look promising for the proponents, quotes Steel Guru:
“Archaeological sites eligible for the National Register would be adversely impacted from the implementation of either action alternative due to surface disturbing activities associated with mining operations.”
“Underground mining may impact unidentified archaeological sites. Native American traditionally cultural properties would be subject to adverse effects for the life of the mine under either action alternative. The Panguitch Historic District and Utah Heritage Highway 89 per Mormon Pioneer Heritage Area would be subject to adverse effects for the life of the mine under either action alternative.”
Image of three hoodoos watching over Devil’s Garden, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah, is by Shutterstock.
