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Kayenta Mine
- MSHA ID: 201195
- Controller: Peabody Energy
- Mine type: Surface
- Location: Navajo County, AZ
- Address of Record: Navajo Route 41 off US. Hwy. 160, KAYENTA, AZ 86033
- Latitude: 36.5
- Longitude: -110.720001220703
| Year | 103(k) | 104(a) | 104(d)(1) | 104(d)(2) | 104(g)(1) | 107(a) | Proposed Penalties ($) |
Current Penalties ($) | Amount Paid To Date ($) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 76 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 39,603.00 | 29,486.00 | 29,486.00 | ||
| 2001 | 0 | 40 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20,155.00 | 23,155.00 | 23,155.00 | ||
| 2002 | 0 | 59 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,460.00 | 10,460.00 | 10,460.00 | ||
| 2003 | 0 | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12,377.00 | 12,377.00 | 12,377.00 | ||
| 2004 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 23,035.00 | 23,035.00 | 23,035.00 | ||
| 2005 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10,533.00 | 10,533.00 | 10,533.00 | ||
| 2006 | 1 | 73 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18,312.00 | 18,312.00 | 18,312.00 | ||
| 2007 | 0 | 78 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 282,994.00 | 222,994.00 | 222,994.00 | ||
| 2008 | 0 | 82 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123,300.00 | 123,300.00 | 116,140.00 | ||
| 2009 | 1 | 80 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 185,846.00 | 185,846.00 | 185,846.00 | ||
| 2010 | 0 | 66 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 68,740.00 | 68,740.00 | 6,145.10 | ||
| 2011 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| Note: Vacated Citations are not included in any reports on the DRS. | |||||||||||
| Year | Fatal Operator Injuries |
NFDL Operator Injuries |
Fatal Contractor Injuries |
NFDL Contractor Injuries |
Operator Hours Worked* |
Coal Produced (tons) |
Operator Fatal Incidence Rate** |
Operator NFDL Incidence Rate** |
Mine Type National Fatal Incidence Rate** |
Mine Type National NFDL Incidence Rate** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1,153,334 | 8,485,952 | 0.00 | 0.87 | 0.0233 | 2.24 |
| 2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1,091,501 | 8,484,056 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.0090 | 2.12 |
| 2002 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1,138,546 | 8,233,863 | 0.00 | 1.05 | 0.0180 | 2.29 |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 888,863 | 7,780,490 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.0289 | 1.94 |
| 2004 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 972,835 | 8,180,942 | 0.00 | 0.41 | 0.0121 | 1.76 |
| 2005 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 926,788 | 8,192,967 | 0.00 | 0.43 | 0.0028 | 1.50 |
| 2006 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 1,055,381 | 8,216,255 | 0.19 | 0.76 | 0.0189 | 1.36 |
| 2007 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1,008,236 | 7,982,584 | 0.00 | 0.99 | 0.0194 | 1.39 |
| 2008 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 999,459 | 8,024,973 | 0.00 | 0.40 | 0.0102 | 1.25 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,000,693 | 7,474,029 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.0106 | 1.21 |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 988,656 | 7,752,277 | 0.00 | 0.27 | 0.0073 | 1.10 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | - |
|
* Hours worked and accidents & injuries now include office hours or accidents (subunit 99). ** Current rates are based on data available as of 2010 Quarter 3. For a further explanation, please see this. | ||||||||||
2009 Sales to Power Plants
| Name | Controller | Operator | Location | Tons Purchased |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navajo | Salt River Project | Salt River Project | Coconino County, AZ | 7486909 |
Kayenta Mine EIS
A link to the documents that make up the original Kayenta Mine Environmental Impact Statement. Originally requested through the Freedom of Information Act in 2010 by a coalition of Native American and conservation groups including the Sierra Club, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, To Nizhoni Ani and the Center for Biological Diversity request, the documents were finally release in 2011 after a settlement agreement was reached with the Federal Office of Surface Mining.
The documents themselves date back to 1985 and are the first public release of permitting information relating to Peabody coal mines on Black Mesa in northeast Arizona.
See documents at: http://coaldiver.org/Kayenta
Navajo & Environmental Organizations Partner to Appeal Peabody’s Kayenta Coal Mine Permit
February 18, 2012
A group of five environmental organizations have filed an appeal that challenges the U.S. Office of Surface Mining (OSM) decision to renew a permit for Ariz.’s Kayenta Mine operated by Peabody Coal Company. The group includes, To Nizhoni Ani, Black Mesa Water Coalition, Dine C.A.R.E, Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity.
In January, OSM approved a five-year operating permit for the 40-year-old mine, which is located on two Native American Reservations, the Navajo and Hopi. OSM’s environmental assessment found no significant impact.
The group’s appeal argues OSM didn’t consider data and analysis that demonstrates declining of local water levels and quality from mining operations. The appeal also questions whether OSM followed environmental laws regarding adequate bonding for mine reclamation.
The mine supplies around 8.5 million tons of coal to the Navajo Generating Station in northeastern Arizona.
Read articles at http://ktar.com/6/1503580/Groups-appeal-renewal-of-Ariz-coal-mining-permit and http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1607135841.html
EPA head says ruling on Ariz. coal plant complex
December 8, 2011
The EPA has announced that it plans next spring to release its decision about the pollution control mechanisms that it will require of the Navajo Generating Station, but that it expects that nobody will be happy with what it says and that the decision will end up in court. The NGS, a massive 2250MW power generator on the Navajo Reservation in NE Arizona, burns all the coal produced by the nearby Kayenta Coal Mine, and any decision on the plant will be tightly linked with the future of the mine.
NGS is one of three major power plants in the area, all of which have recently been reviewed by the EPA for compliance with the regional haze rule. The EPA already released the pollution controls for the Four Corners Power Plant and the San Juan Generating Station. Navajo’s draft ruling is expected out later this month.
Read article at http://www.daily-times.com/ci_19498335
Protesters of coal mining arrested at Tempe SRP building
December 2, 2011
At least 75 people staged a protest at the corporate offices of the Salt River Project in Tempe, AZ complaining of the environmental and health problems that result from coal mining at Peabody Energy’s Kayenta Mine and the burning of coal at SRP’s Navajo Generating Station. A letter from Black Mesa resident Louise Benally explained “coal mining has destroyed thousands of archeological sites and our only water source has been seriously compromised. Their operations are causing widespread respiratory problems, lung diseases, and other health impacts on humans, the environment, and all living things.”
SRP spokeswoman Patty Garcia-Likens said “we have worked diligently with Native American tribes for years throughout Arizona”, that 82% of NGS employees were Navajo tribal members, and that plant owners provide thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to the tribe.
Read article at http://www.azcentral.com/community/tempe/articles/2011/12/02/20111202tempe-srp-coal-mining-protesters-arrested.html
Navajo Nation settles coal mining royalty case
August 5, 2011
A 1999 lawsuit between the Navajo Nation and Peabody Coal relating to coal mining at the Kayenta Mine on Black Mesa has been resolved with confidential terms. The Navajo Nation had claimed that it had been cheated out $600M of royalties as a result of a conspiracy between Peabody and others. All parties say they are glad to have the litigation behind them.
Peabody’s original mine lease was approved by the Navajo Nation in 1964, granting the tribe a royalty of 37.5 cents/ton (2% of gross proceeds). In 1984 when the lease was up for removal, the tribe sought 20% of gross proceeds which was supported by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. However Donald Hodel (Secretary of the Interior) blocked the rate increases and forced the tribe to accept a 12.5% royalty rate after secretly meeting ex parte with Peabody officials. In 1997, this action was found to be a breach of the duty of trust to the tribe.
Read article at http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Navajo-Nation-settles-coal-mining-royalty-case-1734301.php
Arizona mine worker killed in crash identified
February 16, 2011
An employee at Kayenta Mine was killed in a collision on Friday, February 11. Roy Black, a 55 year old employee with 30 years of experience, was driving his service truck when it collided with a tractor. A load of diesel fuel in his truck ignited and, in spite of the best efforts of emergency responders, the fire incinerated the cab of his truck.
Read article at http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2011/02/16/20110216arizona-mine-worker-killed-identified.html
Pattern of Violations: Black Cross Movement Calls Out Dangerous Navajo Coal Mines
The Black Cross Alliance, an activist movement designed to bring attention to the negative health effects of coal mining for the miners and surrounding environment, has arrived to the Black Mesa region with concerned residents and activists constructing black crosses in front of the Kayenta Mine. On land inside the Navajo Nation, Kayenta was named last year as one of the most dangerous mines in the country.
Read article at http://www.indypendent.org/2010/11/04/pattern-of-navajo-coal-mine-violations/
Department of the Interior judge vacates a controversial permit
By Carol Berry, Today correspondent
Story Published: Jan 11, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY – A giant strip mine atop Black Mesa in northern Arizona will not be expanding under a permit it received more than a year ago from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
In a surprise announcement Jan. 7, an administrative law judge of the Department of the Interior vacated a life-of-mine permit OSM issued Dec. 22, 2008 that would have allowed Peabody Western Coal Co. to expand its permit area on Black Mesa, where more than 5,000 acres of coal remain unmined.
The judge’s order, citing legal shortcomings, was handed down on the eve of a planned visit by OSM officials to Hopi and Navajo tribal lands Jan. 11 to discuss OSM’s policies and Peabody’s mining proposals, according to those informed about the event.
“The (Black Mesa Project) Final EIS did not consider a reasonable range of alternatives, described the wrong affected environment baseline, and did not achieve the informed decision making and meaningful public comment required by NEPA.”
-Administrative Law Judge Robert G. Holt, Department of the Interior Office of Hearings and Appeals
“OSM violated NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act) by not preparing a supplemental draft environmental impact statement (EIS) when Peabody changed the proposed action,” said Judge Robert G. Holt, of Interior’s Office of Hearings and Appeals.
Read more at Indian Country Today.
Kayenta Mine – Summary of CHIAs, 1989-2011
Principal changes in OSM’s “2011 Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessments for the Kayenta Mine”, 1989-2011. Published February 2012.
http://coaldiver.org/documents/kayenta-mine-permit-renewal-fonsi-dept-of-interior-2011
Black Mesa-Kayenta Mine Leasehold Area – Land Use and Community Development Plan
Kayenta Mine Permit Renewal – EA and FONSI – Dept. of Interior – 2011
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Renewal of permit #AZ-0001D. Released September 14, 2011.
Kayenta Mine – Renewal Application – 2010
Renewal for mining operations for Kayenta Mine, Navajo County, Arizona. AZ-0001D
Black Mesa Solar Potential Report
An investigation of the Solar Power Potential of Reclaimed areas of the Black Mesa Coal Mine. A report to the Black Mesa Water Coalition and To Nizhoni Ani.
http://coaldiver.org/documents/black-mesa-solar-potential-report-2010
Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement – 2010
Proposed agreement between the Navajo and Hopi nations and Navajo Generating Station (NGS) to settle water rights for the Little Colorado River System, the Lower Colorado River in Arizona, and the underlying Navajo Aquifer. In part, the proposed settlement secures NGS water for as long as it operates and indemnifies in perpetuity NGS from ground water pollution claims.
http://coaldiver.org/documents/northeastern-arizona-indian-water-rights-settlement-agreement-2010
Consumptive Uses and Losses: Provisional Estimate Arizona Portion of the Upper Colorado River Basin Calendar Year, 2007
An analysis of water use and loss for the Arizona portion of the Upper Colorado River Basin for the year 2007. US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Published February 2009.
Black Mesa Permit Revision Application (Ch18 and up)
The February 12, 2004 Life of Mine Permit Revision application for the Black Mesa Coal Mine, submitted by Peabody Western Coal Company to the Office of Surface Mining. This is chapters 18 and above.
http://coaldiver.org/documents/black-mesa-permit-revision-application-ch18-and-up
Black Mesa Permit Revision Application (Ch1-17)
The February 12, 2004 Life of Mine Permit Revision application for the Black Mesa Coal Mine, submitted by Peabody Western Coal Company to the Office of Surface Mining. This is chapters 1-17.
http://coaldiver.org/documents/black-mesa-permit-revision-application-ch1-17
Complaint, Black Mesa vs. Office of Surface Mining, 2010
This complaint alleges that the Office of Surface Mining has refused a valid Freedom of Information Act request to produce a number of documents, including the mining permit for the Kayenta Coal Mine, and that plaintiffs are unable to adequately respond to a permit extension for the mine because they can’t know the terms of the original permit.
Read more at http://coaldiver.org/documents/complaint-black-mesa-vs-office-of-surface-mining-2010
New Mexico and Arizona Coal Mines
New Mexico and Arizona Coal Mines by DocSearls. Photos were taken on a Boston to Los Angeles flight on August 19, 2008.