The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has sold mineral leases in Nine Mile Canyon and on plateaus north and south of it. BLM has not ordered industrial traffic re-routed in order to preserve countless prehistoric and historic sites in the canyon. Nine Mile Canyon Coalition Chairperson, Pam Miller commented: “BLM has decided to do the bidding of the gas and oil industry and the Bush Administration while sacrificing cultural and historic values, air and water quality. It is time to restore balance to BLM’s public land policies and decisions.”

Fortunately, there is time to stop further destruction. A public comment period ends May 1 on the BLM West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The proponent prepared DEIS is a proposal from the Bill Barrett Corporation to drill over 800 wells in the next eight years using the historic and scenic National Back Country By-Way Nine Mile Canyon road as its industrial thoroughfare and staging area. Petro-Canada Resources (USA) is also drilling in the area.

• Public comments can be submitted electronically to UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov
• You can examine the DEIS at www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html.
• The phone number of the BLM Price Field Office is (435) 636-3600, FAX (435) 636-3657.
• Become a member of the Nine Mile Canyon Caolition.
• Make a donation.

Please use the form below for futher comments or to request further information: