PUBLIC NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR BOND RELEASE

POKER FLATS MINE, HEALY, ALASKA

Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743, has requested Phase I Bond Release for a portion of the Poker Flats Mine, permit number, S-0601A. UCM has requested a total of 78 acres for Phase I Bond Release.  The request is based on UCM’s completion of reclamation activities including: backfilling, re-grading, and drainage control aimed to establish stable slopes and surface drainages for post-mining topography as required under AS 27.21.170(c)(1), 11AAC 90, and the approved reclamation plan. UCM has requested a release of $209,198.00 of their $1,176,721.00 reclamation bond.

The Poker Flats Mine was first authorized under an interim authorization in 1983.  Since the adoption of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act (ASMCRA), the mine has been authorized under the following permits, 01-83-796, 01-83-796-1, and S-601A and consists of a 2,565-acre mine site, located approximately five (5) miles northeast of Healy, Alaska.  The mine is located within: Sections 3-9, 17, 20, and 21, Township 12 South, Range 7 West, Fairbanks Meridian. Land affected by this request for final bond release is owned by the State of Alaska. The Poker Flat Mine permits were renewed on August 14, 2012 for a 6th permit term.

Copies of the bond release request are available for review at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 920, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, or on our website at http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/mining/index.cfm.

Any person with a valid legal interest that may be adversely affected by this proposal or any federal, state, or municipal agency that has jurisdiction may submit written comments or objections concerning this proposal and may also request, in writing, a public hearing under AS 27.21.170(g). Comments or a request for a hearing must be sent to Russell Kirkham, at the address above, by fax to (907) 269-8930 or by e-mail to coalprogram@alaska.gov with the subject, “Poker Flats Phase I Bond Release” The deadline for comments and request for a public hearing is 5:00 pm, May 18, 2017.