PUBLIC NOTICE OF FINAL FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION TO RENEW SURFACE COAL MINING PERMIT

Permit Numbers 01-83-796, 01-83-796-01, S-0601-A

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) has completed its review of a request from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743 to renew the surface coal mining permit for the Poker Flats Mine, Permit Numbers 01-83-796, 01-83-796-01, S-0601-A.

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 permit.  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 meets all the requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act (AS 27.21; 11AAC 90).

Copies of the existing permit, the Preliminary Findings of Fact, the Final Findings of Fact and Decision to renew the existing permits, are available for review at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501-3577, and at the Department’s Fairbanks office at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709.  

The applicant, or a person with an interest, which is or may be adversely affected by this decision may request in writing a hearing under AS 27.21.150 to review the reasons for this decision. Any request for a hearing must be received within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this decision or by August 24, 2017. The request for a hearing may be mailed or delivered to Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501; or faxed to 907.269.8918; or sent by electronic mail to: dnr.appeals@alaska.gov.