The Coal Hollow strip mine will have a devestatingly negative impact on the local environment, living conditions and economy:

Air Quality:

Areas Impacted: Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Zion, and Capitol Reef National Parks

Impact: Coal dust and exhaust from trucks transporting coal from the plant, as well as dust created by coal mining operations will endanger the Class I air sheds on and near the mine site, including those located in Bryce Canyon National Park. These air sheds are protected by the Clean Air Act (CAA), which allows for no significant degradation to the area. Bryce Canyon National Park is especially at risk if this project is allowed to proceed. The park boasts one of the most clear and dark night skies in the world, and toursists from all over the world come to stargaze. Not only will Bryce be affected by the dust and air pollution of this mine, located just 15 miles outside of the park (within viewing distance) but will also be affected by the light and sound pollution produced by this 24-7 mining operation.

Water Quality:

Areas Impacted: Kanab Creek, Sevier River, Asay Creek, Robinson Creek, Mammoth Creek and Colorado River

Impact: Important watersheds are located along the haul route, and would likely be negatively impacted by the mine. Some of these nagtive impacts include diversion of Lower Robinson Creek, erosion and discharge into watersheds, riparian areas (strips of land that border the water and are very important habitats) and water supply. Many of the water resources that will be disturbed or contaminated are used for watering livestock, and water along this route also reaches the Colorado River and Grand Canyon National Park.  Strip mining is strongly linked with heavy-metal water contamination and Acid Mine Drainage (AMD.) AMD occurs when a coal seam is exposed and pyrite (fools gold) comes into contact with air and water, forming sulfuric acid. When it rains, water drains from the mine site and moves into waterways and aquifers, making the water unsuitable for agriculture or human and animal consumption, and also killing fish and plants that depend on the water. These effects can occur many miles away form the actual site of the mine, and the process continues even after a mine ceases operation. Sediment loads created by mining dust and overburden piles are also often displaced into streams.

Wildlife:

Species Impacted: Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Northern Goshawk, Greater Sage-grouse, Pygmy Rabbit, Burrowing Owl, Utah Prairie-dog, Utah Physa, Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Ferruginous Hawk.

Impacts: Risk of extinction for endangered and/or threatened species from habitat damage or destruction. The mine site is a known habitat for several near-endangered species, including Sage-Grouse and Bald Eagle. Habitats for these species are few and far between, so the destruction of such a habitat should be taken very seriously. Even with efforts to restore the habitat after mining, it is often impossible to re-create the naturally-occuring ecosystems necessary for habitation, especially in regards to wetlands areas. The mine site is currently being analyzed by Army Core of Engineers, and is likely a wetland, supporting many complex and rare species.

Tourism/Recreation/Economy:

Areas Impacted: National Parks, local businesses and Retirees.  

Impacts: A large portion of the economy near the Alton mine is dependent on tourism and ranching. Most of the tourism is associated with activities around nearby national parks and natural areas, and the tourism industry in the area is not only stable, but has been steadily growing in recent years.

The mine will affect night sky visibility, create haze in scenic areas and could push out local businesses located on the haul route. Retirees, who make up the largest source of personal income in the area might choose to retire in alternative areas because of the environmental impacts from the Alton mine. The haul route is the connector between national parks for many travelers, and is used heavily not only for travel, but also recreation (bike races etc.)

Many locals in towns along the haul route question if travelers will want to make their way all the way to Utah (an exponential number of travelers to Utah's national parks are international visitors) only to be stuck behind a huge deisel coal truck that's spewing fumes and ruining their outdoors experience. Locals worry that tourists will start to take alternate routesto the parks, leaving houl route community businesses high and dry.

 

 

Historic/Haul Route Significance:

Areas Impacted: Highway 89, 12, 143, and local businesses. 

Impact: Highway 89 is designated a National Heritage Pioneer Highway, and has a substantial grant available to develop tourism. But because it is on the haul route, the money will not be available. Highway 12 is an All American Highway and a main route to Bryce Canyon National Park and Highway 143 is in the process of receiving a Scenic Byway designation. Both of these highways are on the haul route. Tourist businesses who have invested thousands of dollars into the local economy will suffer.   

Historic Highway 89 and the Panguitch Historic District are especially endangered by this project. Highway 89 is a 2-lane highway that is already suffering the impacts of increased industry truck traffic, and many locals are outraged at the possibility of traffic being increased by 312 trips a day. Increased traffic will undoubtedly result in increased traffic fatalities (especially because of the blind intersection of Hwy 89 and US20 in the middle of town,) worsened air quality, decreases in tourism-derived income, decreased property values and damage to property associated with the vibrations created by passing trucks.