Public Notice of Renewal for The Poker Flats Mine

 Permits: 01-83-796, 01-83-796-01, S-0601-A

An application for renewal of the Poker Flats Mine, Permit Numbers 01-83-796, 01-83-796-01, S-0601-A has been filed with the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining), by Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743. The DMLW-Mining has found that the renewal application contains all the information required under 11 AAC 90.021 – 11 AAC 90.101.

The Poker Flats Mine Permit consists of a 2,565-acre mine site, and is located approximately five miles northeast of Healy, Alaska.  The proposed mining activities are within: Sections 3-9, 17, 20, and 21, Township 12 South, Range 7 West in the Fairbanks Meridian

This renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits.  No additional mining areas or revisions to the existing boundaries are proposed.  No changes or modifications to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed.  The application is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets the technical requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act (AS 27.21; 11AAC 90). 

Copies of the existing Permit, Renewal Application and Preliminary Findings of Fact are available for review at the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water offices at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501-3577 or and at the Department’s Fairbanks office at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709.  

A person who is or may be adversely affected by the issuance of this permit may file written comments or objections and may include with an objection a request for an informal conference (AS 27.21.140). Written comments should be addressed to Russell Kirkham, Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501-3577, or by e-mail to coalprogram@alaska.gov with the subject, “Poker Flats Mine Renewal”.  The deadline for written comments is 5:00 PM on July 17, 2017.