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Final Finding and Decision approving Usibelli Coal Mine's Request for Renewal of the Two Bull Ridge Permit (Permit # S-0603)

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has made a final decision approving Usibelli Coal Mine's request to renew its permit for the Two Bull Ridge Mine, about five miles northeast of Healy. The renewal is for another five years and makes no changes to the mine's boundaries, operations or cleanup (reclamation) plan. The company, or anyone whose interests are or may be harmed by this decision, can ask in writing for a hearing by November 16, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. applied to renew its Surface Coal Mining Permit Number S-0603 for the Two Bull Ridge Mine under 11 AAC 90.129 (Alaska Administrative Code). The review falls under AS 27.21, the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act, and 11 AAC 90 (Surface Coal Mining). This notice announces the department's final findings of fact and decision.

What action is being taken?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) issued a final finding and decision approving the renewal of the Two Bull Ridge Mine permit for an additional five-year term. The 2,522-acre permit area near Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek stays the same, with no new mining areas, boundary changes, or changes to the operation or reclamation plan. Legal description: Township 11 South, Range 7 West, Sections 26-28 and 32-35, Fairbanks Meridian; and Township 12 South, Range 7 West, Sections 3-5, Fairbanks Meridian.

Who is involved: Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743

How can the public respond?

Respond by Mon, Nov 16, 2026 8 days from today.

“Any request for a hearing must be received within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this decision or by November 16, 2026.”

Ways to respond

  • Mail or in person Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Fax 907.269.8918
  • Email dnr.appeals@alaska.gov

What to include

Only the applicant, or a person with an interest that is or may be adversely affected by this decision, may request a hearing. The request must be in writing and is made under AS 27.21.150 to review the reasons for the decision. It must be received by the deadline. Copies of the application, findings and supporting documents are attached to the online notice and can be reviewed at DMLW-Mining's offices, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501. People with disabilities who need help to take part can contact DNR's Public Information Center in Anchorage, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 269-8400 or TDD 269-8411.

Contact

Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining)
269-8400 (Public Information Center); TDD 269-8411
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

  • Oct 15, 2026: Final finding and decision approving the permit renewal published
  • Nov 16, 2026: Deadline for written hearing requests to be received

Original notice text

NOTICE OF FINAL FINDINGS OF FACT AND DECISION, SURFACE COAL MINING PERMIT RENEWAL The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, Mining Section (DMLW-Mining) has received an application for the renewal of the Two Bull Ridge Mine Surface Coal Mining Permit Number S-0603 from Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM), P.O. Box 1000, Healy, Alaska 99743). This notice is pertaining to the DMLW-Mining’s review and adjudication of a request to renew a Surface Coal Mining Permit under 11 AAC 90.129. These activities are subject to AS 27.21 (Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act) and Alaska Administrative Code, Title 11 (Natural Resources) Chapter 90 (Surface Coal Mining). The Department has found that the renewal application contains all the information required under 11 AAC 90.021 – 11 AAC 90.101. APPLICANT(S): Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. (UCM) PROJECT NAME: Two Bull Ridge Mine GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Hoseanna (Lignite) Creek LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Township 11 South, Range 7 West, Sections 26-28 and 32-35, Fairbanks Meridian; and Township 12 South, Range 7 West, Sections 3-5, Fairbanks Meridian. The Two Bull Ridge Mine permit consists of a 2,522-acre mine site and is located approximately five (5) miles northeast of Healy, Alaska. REQUESTED ACTIVITIES: This renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits. No additional mining areas or revisions to the existing boundaries are proposed. No changes or modifications to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed. The application is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets the technical requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Copies of the application and preliminary finding and other supporting documents are attached below. These documents are also available for review at DMLW-Mining’s offices located at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920, Anchorage, AK 99501. The applicant, or a person with an interest, which is or may be adversely affected by this decision may request in writing a hearing under AS 27.21.150 to review the reasons for this decision. The request for a hearing may be mailed or delivered to Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501; or faxed to 907.269.8918; or sent by electronic mail to: dnr.appeals@alaska.gov. Any request for a hearing must be received within 30 calendar days after the date of publication of this decision or by November 16, 2026. The state is prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications in order to participate in this review. Individuals who may need such assistance should contact the Department’s Public Information Center in Anchorage between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at 269-8400 by telephone or by TDD at 269-8411.

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.