Overview
Title
Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Federal Mining Plan Modification for Federal Coal Lease MTM 082186 at the Rosebud Mine Area F; Rosebud Mine Area F Mining Plan Modification SEIS
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting a company dig more coal in a place called Rosebud Mine Area F in Montana, but they want to make sure it won't hurt the environment too much. They are asking people to share their thoughts about this by January 21, 2025, and they will have a meeting on January 8, 2025, to talk more about it.
Summary AI
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has released a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for changes to the mining plan at the Rosebud Mine Area F in Montana, which aims to permit ongoing mining of around 71.3 million tons of coal over 4,288 acres. This draft addresses shortcomings identified by a district court, particularly around analyzing alternatives and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and water. The public is invited to comment by January 21, 2025, and can attend a meeting on January 8, 2025. OSMRE will use these comments to refine the SEIS and recommend if the mining plan should be approved, disapproved, or conditionally approved by the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.
Abstract
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has prepared a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Draft SEIS) for the Federal Mining Plan Modification for Federal Coal Lease MTM 082186 at the Rosebud Mine Area F (Project), located in Treasure and Rosebud Counties, Montana. The proposed action would allow for continued mining operations in the Area F permit area, resulting in an estimated disturbance of up to 4,288 acres and the extraction of approximately 71.3 million tons of coal. The Draft SEIS was prepared in response to deficiencies identified by the United States District Court for the District of Montana in the 2018 Western Energy Area F Final Environmental Impact Statement. OSMRE invites public comments on the Draft SEIS during a 45-day public comment period, with a public meeting to be held to gather additional input.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, issued by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) under the Interior Department, announces the availability of a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Draft SEIS) concerning modifications to the mining plan at the Rosebud Mine Area F in Montana. The proposal involves continuing mining operations in the area, focusing on extracting approximately 71.3 million tons of coal across 4,288 acres. This draft aims to address specific deficiencies previously identified by a district court, particularly regarding alternative analyses and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and water quality.
General Summary
The Draft SEIS outlines a proposal to modify the mining plan to ensure continued coal extraction at the Rosebud Mine Area F. This effort is part of a larger attempt to correct shortcomings identified in a prior environmental impact assessment. The OSMRE is actively seeking public input on the Draft SEIS, providing a comment period until January 21, 2025, and hosting a public meeting on January 8, 2025, to further engage stakeholders. The outcomes of the public consultation will inform a recommendation on whether to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve the mining plan, which will then be forwarded to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several potential issues arise from the document:
Technical Language: The document uses specialized terminology related to environmental impact assessments, such as "concentration of criteria air pollutants," which may not be easily understood by a general audience. This could create barriers to meaningful public engagement.
Public Input Consideration: While the document encourages public participation, it lacks clarity on how public comments will be specifically or quantitatively used to modify the Draft SEIS, leading to potential ambiguity over the influence such feedback might have.
Privacy Concerns: It informs participants that personal information included in public comments may be disclosed without specific assurances regarding privacy or data protection, which could deter some individuals from participating.
Use of Acronyms: The frequent use of acronyms such as OSMRE and ASLM without providing a glossary or detailed descriptions may confuse those not familiar with these terms.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this document engages the public in a regulatory process that could significantly impact local communities, particularly those residing near the Rosebud Mine. Environmental concerns, such as air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and water quality, are crucial for the public to consider, as these factors directly affect health and the environment.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The proposed modifications predominantly impact the residents of Treasure and Rosebud Counties in Montana, potentially affecting their quality of life due to changes in environmental conditions. For environmental groups and advocates, the Draft SEIS represents an avenue to influence mining practices by addressing ecological concerns. Conversely, the mining company, Westmoreland Rosebud Mining LLC, stands to either benefit from continued operations or face restrictions depending on the final decision influenced by this Draft SEIS.
The document reflects a complex negotiation between economic interests and environmental stewardship, and the outcomes hinge on effective public participation and transparent decision-making processes facilitated by the government.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed cost estimates or financial impact analysis for the proposed action, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• The language related to environmental impact terms such as 'concentration of criteria air pollutants' and 'air quality related values' may be overly technical for a general audience.
• There is no explicit mention of how public input will be quantitatively considered in modifying the SEIS, which could lead to ambiguity regarding the influence of public comments.
• The notice mentions potential public disclosure of personal identifying information in comments without providing specific details on data protection or privacy measures, which could concern participants.
• The document repeatedly uses acronyms (e.g., OSMRE, ASLM) without providing a glossary or initial explanation of these terms, potentially confusing readers unfamiliar with these agencies.