Feds approve expansion of West Elk Mine in western Colorado against environmental group objections

GRAND JUNCTION — The proposed expansion of the West Elk Mine near Somerset won approval from the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday.

The benefits of the 1,720-acre, 17 million-ton coal mine expansion outweighed any environmental threat, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest supervisor Scott Armentrout wrote in the draft record of decision.

The West Elk Mine, which is owned by Arch Coal, employs about 220 people and last year produced 4 million tons of coal.

The decision now goes to a 45-day review period during which Delta County commissioner Mark Roeber said he expected environmental organizations to file objections. If the decision is affirmed, work to build roads and drill vents for methane from the mine could begin in the spring.

Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/08/feds-approve-west-elk-mine-expansion/