New coal mine proposed in Carbon County; Scofield residents push back

SALT LAKE CITY — A new coal mine could be moving into a small town in Carbon County. People who live in and visit Scofield are speaking out as the deadline to weigh in is less than a week away. The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining are reviewing the permit for a mine that would sit right next door to the only business in town. In Scofield, Jerry and Kathy Lynch own the convenience store, "KJ's Catch n' Shack" and the campground next door. They are two of just 27 full-time residents. "I am pro-coal. I am; I have nothing against coal mines," Jerry said to KSL TV. "But in this particular situation, I don't think that this coal mine is going to be compatible with our beautiful valley and our town and the recreational aspect of it all." According to the permit application, the Kinny #2 Mine would sit less than 300 feet from the Lynch's store and border the campground. Mining permits have come and gone a number of times in the Scofield area over the last 30 years; surveyors estimate more than 26 million tons of coal in the ground. But locals say, the coal is simply not as valuable as the property above it. Andy Strattman owns a rental property near the lake; he says he bought the property for the beauty of the area and the outdoor recreation. "We've got a little boat that we take out. We take the kayaks out as well," Strattman said. "There's a lot of pelicans that land out in the area, and it's just a very peaceful place to be." Landowners like Lynch and Strattman are worried about pollution, increased road traffic and the noise. "All of the things that you go there to get away from will now be there, right in your face. It will turn this recreation area into an industrial mining operation," Strattman said. The public comment period for this project is open until Monday, March 24. You can submit a comment by sending a physical letter to: Division of Oil, Gas and Mining P.O. Box 145801 Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5801 You can also comment via email. Send comments to Environmental Manager Amanda Daniels at amandajdaniels@utah.gov or Deputy Director Dana Dean at danadean@utah.gov.

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