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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Proposed mining and reclamation plan, North Rochelle Mine, Campbell County, Wyoming

Book ·
OSTI ID:6459175

Approval of a mining and reclamation plan submitted by Shell Oil Company is proposed to allow the mining of approximately 7.6 million tons of coal per year over a 26 year period. The permit area would include 4587 acres of land that is currently used for rangeland and wildlife habitat. Approximately 95% of the 202 million tons of the low-sulfur subbituminous coal on the lease would be extracted. The mine plan, which would include a 2 year construction period, a 26 year mining period, and a 2 year reclamation period, would involve mining on 1925 acres, development of a 258 acre railroad corridor, and construction of overstripping facilities, access roads, and associated facilities. Coal would be mined by surface methods and transported by unit trains to power plants. Production would contribute approximately 1 and 2%, respectively, to the coal production in the Powder River Basin for the years 1985 and 1990. An average of 298 persons would be employed during the 26 year mining period. State and local governments would receive the 50% share of the federal coal royalties, which could be in excess of $3.0 million per year. During mining, the overburden, soils, an vegetation on as much as 3271 acres of land would be disturbed or progressively excavated. Changes in stratigraphy would be permanent. The quality of groundwater in the replaced overburden would not be as high as it is now. The populations of Campbell and Weston counties would increase by 1022 and 164 persons, respectively, placing stress on social service and infrastructural facilities.

OSTI ID:
6459175
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English