The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G), has received a plan of operations application from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (Usibelli) to conduct an exploration drilling program at the Healy Creek Prospect within Healy Basin Exploration License Area, located in the mountains of the Alaska Range, near the town of Healy. Usibelli proposes to conduct exploration activities for potential coal bed methane gas to power its mining operations at the Usibelli Coal Mine. If exploration is successful in 2014, additional testing will be conducted in 2015. The portion of the proposed project DO&G is public noticing is within the existing airstrip at the Healy Creek Prospect located approximately seven miles east of Healy. DO&G is providing public notice and an opportunity to comment under 38.05.035(e)(1)(C)(ii).

Applicant:   Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743

                   Contact: Charlotte MacCay, 907-344-3448

Project ID:   LO/AK 14-002 Gas Drilling at Healy Creek Prospect

Location:     Fairbanks Meridian, Section 16; Township 12S, Range 6W

Project Description:

Usibelli plans to drill up to four gas wells on an abandoned airstrip at the Healy Creek Prospect necessary to explore for shallow gas within the Healy Basin Exploration License Area. Additional program details are outlined in the Plan of Operations.

The application package is available for review at the Division of Oil and Gas, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 or online at http://www.dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Permitting/Permitting.htm#permittingnotices.

Please send comments to DO&G by e-mail to dog.permitting@alaska.gov, or by regular mail to the DO&G address above.  All comments must be in writing.  A copy of the final decision will be sent to any person who provides written comments. An eligible person affected by this decision may appeal or request the commissioner’s reconsideration in accordance with (11 AAC 02).

 All comments must be received by the Comment Deadline: 4:30 pm, Alaska Standard Time, August 18, 2014.

 The ADNR complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate may contact the number TTY 907-269-8411 or address above.