Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project
Welcome to the homepage of public information and involvement for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The purpose of this website is to provide up-to-date EIS-related information to the public and other interested parties.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is conducting an environmental review of the following proposed actions:
- Power Plant Lease Amendment – Arizona Public Service Company recently executed a lease amendment with the Navajo Nation to extend the life of the Four Corners Power Plant to 2041.
- Energy Transmission Lines – Existing transmission lines directly connected to the power plant and owned by Arizona Public Service Company and Public Service of New Mexico require rights-of-way renewals.
- Coal Mine – Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC) is proposing to develop a new mine area, referred to as the Pinabete Mine Permit area, within its existing Navajo Mine Lease to supply coal to the power plant for up to 25 years, beginning July 2016. In addition, OSMRE expects NTEC to submit a renewal application in 2014 for its existing Navajo Mine located on the Navajo Reservation in San Juan County, New Mexico.
OSMRE has determined an EIS to be the proper NEPA compliance document for this project. The Draft EIS (to be available on this website) will address potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed actions described above.
Project News
NEW Jul 17, 2015: OSMRE announces the availability of the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision (ROD). Visit the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project document library web page.
May 1, 2015: OSMRE announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project. OSMRE will not issue a final decision on the Proposed Action and Alternatives for a minimum of 30 days from the May 1, 2015, date that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published the notice in the Federal Register. Visit the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project document library web page.
April 9, 2015: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biological opinion (BO) regarding the effects of actions associated with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) proposed Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project on federally listed species and their critical habitats in accordance with section 7(b) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and implementing regulations (50 CFR 402). Visit the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project document library web page.
December 22, 2014: OSMRE has published the Public Comment Period Summary Report for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The Report has been added to the project Document Library.
May 16, 2014: Public Comment Period Extended for Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project EIS. OSMRE released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on March 28, 2014, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from continued operation of both the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine to 2041. In response to requests for an extension of the public comment period, OSMRE is granting a 31-day extension to June 27, 2014. Please see Public Involvement for information on submitting public comment.
March 28, 2014: OSMRE published the notice of availability (NOA) for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The NOA and DEIS have been added to the project Document Library. OSMRE conducted public meetings for the project starting April 30, 2014 through May 9, 2014. The locations, dates, and times for all public meetings are provided on the project Public Involvement. OSMRE will be accepting public comment on the DEIS through May 27, 2014.
November 5, 2013: OSMRE has updated the anticipated schedule for the Four Corners Power Plant (FCPP) and Navajo Mine Energy Project. OSMRE currently anticipates publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the FCPP and Navajo Mine Energy Project during spring of 2014. The anticipated dates for the Final EIS (FEIS) and record of decision (ROD) have been revised accordingly. Click on the link to access the Schedule.
January 23, 2013: The Final Scoping Summary Report for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project EIS has been added to the project Document Library.
September 10, 2012: The OSMRE will extend the EIS scoping comment period until November 1, 2012. All comments received before November 1, 2012 will be considered during the development of the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). OSMRE expects to publish the notice to extend the EIS scoping comment period in the Federal Register within approximately 30 days.
July 18, 2012: The OSMRE has published the Notice of Intent (NOI) to initiate public scoping and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Four Corners Power Plant and Navajo Mine Energy Project in the Federal Register. The NOI is available for download via the Document Library.
