BLM and OSMRE seek public comments on Coyote Creek coal lease application

The BLM and OSMRE EA is part of an innovative Department of the Interior pilot project to streamline required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. In order to increase operational efficiencies, the BLM and OSMRE are working as co-lead agencies on an EA that will allow each agency to issue its own findings regarding the significance of potential impacts resulting from leasing and permitting coal mining.

The purpose of the scoping process is to obtain feedback from the public on relevant issues that may influence the development of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the process for preparing the environmental assessment. Comments will be accepted for a 15 day period ending on 29 October 2018. The BLM and OSMRE also plan to have the draft EA available for public review period by late fall of 2018, at which time public comments on the document and associated analyses will be accepted and considered.

As the federal government’s manager of public minerals, the BLM has responsibility for overseeing completion of the EA associated with federal coal leasing and exploration. The North Dakota Public Service Commission is the regulatory authority responsible for issuing permits for coal mining and reclamation in accordance with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, and OSMRE is responsible for reviewing mining plans for federal coal and providing recommendations before the mining plan is approved in accordance with the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/exploration-and-development/18102018/blm-and-osmre-seek-public-comments-on-coyote-creek-coal-lease-application/