Mining company seeks relief from 400 acres of Thermo responsibility

A portion of the Thermo Mine property is ready to come off-bond, according to a public notice by the Surface Mining and Reclamation Division. 

Luminant Mining Company, LLC, is requesting release from its obligation of a portion of 429.61 acres of the western-most area of the Thermo property, according to a public notice with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Division. 

This 429.61 acres, also known as Zone C3, was mined from 2007 to 2011, according to the notice. Reclamation on the area occurred from 2008 to 2013, the notice said. This included grading, replanting vegetation, and monitoring roads and ponds, the notice said. 

The 429.61 acres contains ponds, forestry, pastureland, water resources, fish and wildlife, the notice said. Of note, these 429.61 acres do not contain Area H, which has Helfferich Hill. Helfferich Hill sits at the eastern-most side of the Thermo property and has previously drawn citizen attention (see related story “Thermo soil still contentious.”) 

Those who wish to submit written comments about Zone C3 may write to:

Dr. Brent A. Elliot, P.G., Director

Surface Mining and Reclamation Division

Railroad Commission of Texas

P.O. Box 12967 

Austin, TX 78701-2967