Public Notice:

Final Findings of Fact and Decision Application for Coal Exploration Permit

Hoseanna/Emma Creek Exploration (Application No. 02-86-795-c)

On December 8, 2022, The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land, and Water has reviewed the request from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, AK 99743 to issue the Hoseanna/Emma Creek Exploration Permit (No. 02-86-795-c).  This request was submitted by Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, AK 99743 to issue a coal exploration permit under 11 AAC 90.165.  The Department finds that the application meets the requirements of 11 AAC 90 and AS 27.21 for coal exploration and is hereby approved.  All exploration and reclamation activities are consistent with 11 AAC 90.167

The Hoseanna/Emma Creek Exploration Permit was originally issued on July 7, 1986. The exploration area is located in the Hoseanna-Emma Creek Valley, approximately two miles northeast of Healy, Alaska in Sections 26-28 and 34-35, Township 10 South, Range 6 West; Sections 3-5, 7-10, 16-21 and 25-35, Township 11 South, Range 6 West; Sections 25-26, 29 and 32-36, Township 11 South, Range 7 West; Sections 3-5, Township 12 South, Range 7 West; Sections 7 and 18, Township 11 South, Range 5 West, of the Fairbanks Meridian.

The decision authorizes the drilling of 30 additional exploration drill holes and construction of 3000’ of access trails. UCM continues to maintain 3 test pits, 22 monitoring wells, and 16 miles of access trials. Pursuant to 11 AAC 90.167(b) DMLW-Mining has determined a reclamation bond in the amount of $76,357.00 to cover the associated reclamation liability for the closure of test pits, reclamation of access trails, capping and sealing of monitoring wells, and capping and sealing of drill holes.

Copies of the Permit, Final Findings of Fact and other supporting documents 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 September 18, 2023. The request for a hearing may be mailed or delivered to the 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.