Read RDC's Comment Letter
Deadline for Comment was November 15, 2011 (updated from October 14)
Overview:
The Usibelli Coal Mine has submitted an application to the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for renewal of its permits (numbers 01-89-796 & 02-89-796) to mine coal at the Wishbone Hill Mine. Wishbone Hill is on state, Mental Health Trust, and private land located approximately five miles west of Sutton. Coal exploration began at the site in 1983, was completely permitted by 1992, and has completed renewal every five years since. The mine is estimated to produce 500,000 tons of coal each year and provide between 75 to 125 jobs.
This permit renewal is for an additional five-year term and includes the areas previously approved in existing permits. No additional mining areas, revisions to the existing boundaries, or changes to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed.
Comments regarding the permit renewals should be sent to Russell Kirkham, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, by 5:00 pm, November 15, 2011.
Action requested:
Support the renewal of Wishbone Hill Mine Permits 01-89-796 and 02-89-796.
Deadline for Comment was November 15, 2011 (updated from October 14)
Public Hearings:
Anchorage: Wednesday, September 21, Wilda Marston Theater, Loussac Library, 3:00-9:30 pm
Fairbanks: Wednesday, October 19, Carlson Center, 3:00-9:30 pm
Submit comments to:
Mr. Russell Kirkham, Division of Mining, Land, and Water
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
550 W 7th Ave Ste 900D
Anchorage, AK 99501-3577
Email: russell.kirkham@alaska.gov
Points to consider in your comments:
- DNR’s coal mining regulations provide extensive oversight of mining activities and will effectively protect the environment, wildlife, and human health in the area.
- The permit’s reclamation plan includes enhancing wildlife habitat and recreation as post-mining priorities.
- Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. has been Alaska-owned and operated since 1943, holds an outstanding record of operating environmentally-sound projects, and has received awards for its past reclamation efforts. Usibelli began reclaiming previous mined lands before agency regulations required it to do so.
- The Wishbone Hill Mine would bring diversity to the Matanuska-Susitna economy, as well as provide high-paying jobs to area residents.
Deadline for Comment was November 15, 2011 (updated from October 14)
