Public comments sought on bentonite mine

Public input is being sought by the Bureau of Land Management regarding an environmental assessment (EA) which analyzes a proposed bentonite mining project located in Hot Springs County.

Wyo-Ben, Inc. proposes to amend bentonite mining and concurrent reclamation of its 108T plan of operations on public land approximately five miles northwest of Thermopolis. The proposed amendment consists of extending operations at pit 108T. The mining would be active for a period of 10 years and final concurrent reclamation for five more years, with a proposed total disturbance of 375.5 acres.

According to a map of the proposed mine area, it would run from right up to Highway 120 at one point and along the highway on BLM managed public lands for approximately a little over a quarter mile (see page A6).

The EA and unsigned finding of no significant impact are available for review at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/eplanning/projectSummary.do?methodName=renderDefaultProjectSummary&projectId=49204

Wyo-Ben's mine, map and reclamation plan can also be found on the website for reference. The EA analyzes potential impacts to access to public lands, geology, cultural and paleontological resources, vegetation, visual resources, soil and hydrology.

According to the project description, equipment used will include: Caterpillar 627 and 631 scrapers, Caterpillar D-8 to D-10 dozers, excavator/rock truck systems, front-end loaders, backhoe-excavators, motor-graders, tractors and over road haul trucks with trailers.

Public input is valuable in the process and will enable the BLM to make a well-informed decision. The review period runs through Oct. 17, 2016.

Comments may be emailed to worland_wymail@blm.gov; please include "Wyo-Ben Pit 108T" in the subject line. Comments may also be mailed to Field Manager, BLM Worland Field Office, 101 South 23rd Street, Worland, WY 82401.

Those with concerns or support regarding the location of the mine along Highway 120 need to contact the BLM. Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.

While you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, they cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.

For more information, please contact BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator Holly Elliott at 307-347-5100 or helliott@blm.gov.