Canyon Fuel gets environmental awards

By Sun Advocate

The Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining presented 2007 Earth Day awards to two divisions of Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, during ceremonies held today at the Utah Department of Natural Resources. Earth Day awards recognize companies, organizations or individuals who go beyond what is required by regulation to protect and restore Utah’s environment while developing natural resources.
Canyon Fuel’s Skyline Mine was recognized for their efforts to control Musk Thistle, a noxious weed, in James Canyon. Musk Thistle poses a threat to wildlife habitat and natural vegetation. Skyline has sponsored an eradication program since 2004. Local Boy Scout troops have been enlisted to aid in the project and as a result the noxious weed has nearly been eliminated in a one-square mile area of James Canyon. Plaques were also presented to the Sanpete and Carbon districts of the Boy Scouts of America.
Canyon Fuel’s Sufco Mine, located in Sevier County, was honored for their volunteer efforts to provide water for local cattlemen. Sufco has regularly hauled water to several watering troughs within and adjacent to their permit area. In an effort to provide even greater aid, Sufco repaired, cleaned sediment, and expanded catchment ponds that provide water for wildlife and cattle.
“Contrary to popular belief, most oil and gas, and mining operators, have a sincere desire to develop in an environmentally responsible manner the natural resources so essential to our quality of life,” said Board Chairman Douglas Johnson. “In fact, many companies go well beyond what is required by regulation and our Earth Day award program honors those who do. Canyon Fuel and its parent company Arch Coal have a long history of excellence in environmental stewardship and I am pleased to see their efforts recognized.”
Eighty-four companies, organizations or individuals have been recognized for their environmental efforts since the Earth Day award program was begun in 1992.