The U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is considering an application to expand the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Montana. The expansion would involve the addition of four new tracts of land, referred to collectively as the Lease by Application (LBA) 1 tracts, to the existing mine permit. The total area of the LBA1 tracts is approximately 1,117.7 acres.

A range of potential environmental impacts were considered in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion, including impacts on air quality, water resources, wildlife, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EIS also included an analysis of socioeconomic impacts and an analysis of potential disproportionate impacts to minority and low-income communities (environmental justice communities).

Potential Impacts on Air Quality

The primary impact on air quality from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential increase in particulate matter (PM) emissions. PM is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that can be inhaled and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The EIS estimates that PM emissions from mining and reclamation activities at the expanded mine would be a small percentage of PM emissions from other sources in the region. The EIS also estimates that PM emissions from the expanded mine would not exceed air quality standards.

Potential Impacts on Water Resources

The primary impact on water resources from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential change in groundwater quality. The EIS estimates that mining activities at the expanded mine would lower groundwater levels and increase concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater. However, the EIS also estimates that these changes would not be significant and would not affect the suitability of groundwater for livestock watering or irrigation.

Potential Impacts on Wildlife

The primary impact on wildlife from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential loss of habitat. The EIS estimates that the expansion would result in the loss of approximately 162.5 acres of habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including big game, raptors, and sage-grouse. The EIS also estimates that the expansion would not result in any significant impacts on threatened or endangered species.

Potential Impacts on GHG Emissions

The primary impact on GHG emissions from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The EIS estimates that the expansion would result in an increase in CO2 emissions from mining, rail transport, vessel shipment, and coal combustion. The EIS also estimates that the expansion would not result in any significant impacts on global climate change.

Potential Socioeconomic Impacts

The primary socioeconomic impact from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential increase in employment and tax revenue. The EIS estimates that the expansion would result in the creation of approximately 50 new jobs and an increase in tax revenue of approximately $18 million per year.

Potential Environmental Justice Impacts

The primary environmental justice impact from the proposed LBA1 expansion would be a potential increase in air pollution in communities near the mine. The EIS estimates that the expansion would not result in any significant impacts on air quality in these communities.

Alternatives to the Proposed Expansion

The EIS also considers three alternatives to the proposed LBA1 expansion:

Partial Mining: Under this alternative, the expansion would be limited to a 5-year term.
Accelerated Mining Rate: Under this alternative, the expansion would be mined at a faster rate.
No Action: Under this alternative, the expansion would not be approved.

The Partial Mining alternative would result in fewer environmental impacts than the proposed expansion, but it would also result in fewer socioeconomic benefits. The Accelerated Mining Rate alternative would result in more environmental impacts than the proposed expansion, but it would also result in more socioeconomic benefits. The No Action alternative would not result in any environmental impacts, but it would also not result in any socioeconomic benefits.

The proposed expansion of the Spring Creek Mine is a complex issue with a range of potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The EIS provides a detailed analysis of these impacts and a discussion of alternatives to the proposed expansion. The final decision on whether to approve the expansion will be made by the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.

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