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BLACK MESA PREPARATION PLANT OSMRE received an updated permit application for the Black Mesa Pipeline, Inc. (BMP) Black Mesa Preparation Plant on January 26, 2005. The application proposes to continue operation of the existing coal handling and processing facilities through at least 2026, and updates the existing application for a permanent program permit. OSM determined that the application was administratively complete on February 7, 2005, and reinitiated the public participation process for the permit application. The application is being processed as a new permit. The public comment period began on February 16, 2005, and was scheduled to close on April 11, 2005. BMP originally submitted to OSM the permit application for the Black Mesa Coal Preparation Plant in July 1988. OSMRE’s processing of the application has been administratively delayed until concerns of the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe about the use of Navajo aquifer water for coal slurry were resolved. BLACK MESA PREPARATION PLANT PERMIT APPLICATION [16MB,  ]The application contains information on the coal handling facilities including a site plan showing all facilities, site hydrology, environmental resources, post-mining topography, ownership and control information, and the bond cost estimate. The permit application does not affect any terms and conditions of the existing property leases. OSMRE is the lead agency preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for the Black Mesa Project that includes the preparation plant, the Black Mesa and Kayenta Mines, the coal slurry pipeline, and a proposed new water supply system for coal slurry transportation and mine-related uses. The name and business address of the applicant is: Black Mesa Pipeline, Inc. 1509 E. Butler Ave. Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 |TOP| The Permit Application Package is for an area located in northeastern Arizona near the northern edge of Black Mesa within Section 15, Township 35 North, Range 18 East. The operation is contained within the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle map of Great Spring, AZ, approximately 12 miles SE of the intersection of U.S Route 160 on Navajo Route 41. |TOP| Copies of the application also are available for public review and copying at: Forest Lake Chapter House Navajo Route 41, 20 miles north of Pinon Pinon, AZ 86510 Don Chee, President Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Albuquerque Field Office 505 Marquette NW, Suite 1200 Albuquerque, NM 87102 Navajo Nation Minerals Department Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Window Rock Boulevard Window Rock, AZ 86515 The Hopi Tribe Office of Mining and Mineral Resources Highway 264, 1 mile East of Kykotsmovi Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039 Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Western Regional Coordinating Center 1999 Broadway, Suite 3320 Denver, CO 80202-5733 |TOP| Comments, objections, or requests for an informal conference may be submitted, in writing or by email, on or before April 11, 2005, to: Mr. Jerry Gavette Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement P.O. Box 46667 Denver, CO 80201-6667 email: BlackMesa-Comments@osmre.gov (303) 844-1400, x1496 |TOP| |
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