Environmental groups challenge strip-mining permit near Bryce Canyon National Park

State regulators are being challenged by national and local environmental organizations after a permit was issued for the first coal strip mine in Utah.

The permit approved by the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining would allow 2 million tons of coal to be mined per year for approximately three years at the Coal Hollow mine, about 10 miles from the boundary of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Jim Springer, division spokesman, said the permit was approved after a 3-year review by environmental scientists. Because the permit is being challenged, the Board of Oil, Gas and Mining will hear the complaints raised by environmental groups.

The Sierra Club, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Parks Conservation Association claim plans for the mine do not adequately address potential environmental impacts or detrimental effects to neighboring communities.

"We are taking this action in response to concern from local residents and others that this mine will damage the pristine air and water quality and wildlife of the area, increase dangerous truck traffic and have negative impacts on tourism and the visitor experience at Bryce Canyon National Park," said Clair Jones, of the Utah Sierra Club.

The petition was filed with the board after members issued the permit in October to Alton Coal Development.

Permit approval is "just the camel's nose under the tent," said Stephen Bloch, conservation director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "The Bureau of Land Management is currently analyzing a proposal by Alton Coal Development to lease a larger tract of public land immediately adjacent to the just-approved mine, one that would vastly expand the size of the project to the tune of 46 million tons of coal that would be strip mined over the next 15 years."

Critics of the mine fear negative consequences to neighboring communities and say mining operations will require up to 300 coal truck trips per day, traveling 110 miles one way from Alton to Cedar City.

The haul route would run through several small towns along U.S. 89, including Panguitch, which was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"It is a documented fact that when coal mines come into communities, there is a negative impact on "mom and pop" retail businesses," said Bobbi Bryant, a small business owner in Panguitch. "I own a shop that is right next to the haul route, and the noise and fumes from the trucks will make traveling to Bryce Canyon less pleasurable and much more dangerous. Most shop, restaurant and motels owners, myself included, will not get as many customers, and we could be faced with closing our business."

David Nimkin, southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, also opposes the permit because of the impact it will have on the park. He asserts that the clean air, night skies and views would be threatened by dust and light pollution generated by the mine.

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com