Groups question permit for Utah's first strip mine

Utah regulators testified they used the best science and technology to evaluate the environmental impacts of the state's first strip mine for coal. Environmental groups are seeking to block the project, saying the strip mine would pollute ground water, raise dust and foul air quality 10 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, which is known for its views, pristine air and sparkling night skies. Bryce Canyon's superintendent also has objected. The Sierra Club, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and two other groups are challenging the state's approval for the strip mine in an administrative trial.

Alton Coal Development got fast-track approval after complaining in a meeting with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert that regulators were taking too long to make a decision.

The company got approval to work a 635-acre parcel of private land, or about 1 square mile, near the tiny Kane County town of Alton, about 200 miles south of Salt Lake City. The strip mine would dig into 440 of the 635 acres to remove a 20-foot seam of coal. Alton is seeking federal approval to enlarge the strip mine onto thousands of acres of surrounding public lands where the coal seam continues. The company has yet to secure a multimillion-dollar reclamation bond to start work on the private land. The Deseret News