Lila Canyon Mine at risk of closure due to month-long fire

Oct 26, 2022, 11:00 AM

Lila Canyon Mine fire near Price, Utah. (Bureau of Land Management)

(Bureau of Land Management)

KSLNewsRadio

EAST CARBON, Utah — Embers are still smoldering at the Lila Canyon Mine, which has been burning since Sept. 20. According to the Bureau of Land Management, the mine could be closed permanently.

230 workers have been kept from their jobs because of this fire. Lila Canyon is Utah’s busiest mine in Emery County.

The fire is seriously threatening two of Utah’s biggest power plants, according to the BLM. The two plants, both Rocky Mountain Power, have completely lost their main coal supplier.

The BLM said the plants cranked out almost 40% of Utah’s power last year.

Solutions

An environmental assessment is being prepared by the BLM of Green River District.

“The actions approved in this environmental assessment are focused on extinguishing the fire, and by doing so, prevent damage to equipment and existing mine infrastructure,” said BLM Utah State Director Greg Sheehan in a press release.

The solutions could include drill pads, boreholes, road improvements and a temporary above-ground water pipeline. Although, according to the press release, authorization would be needed through a Title V right of way, and implemented in accordance with 43 CFR Part 2800.

If extinguishable, experts said putting the fire out will be a serious process that could months. The mine may never be up and running again.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

As demand for mental health care continues to rise across Utah County, Orem's Harper Clinic says it is trying to close the gap with a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, manag...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic's TMS Therapy can help.

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

Lila Canyon Mine at risk of closure due to month-long fire

Solutions

Related reading:

Sugar House apartment building evacuated as nearby construction site burns

Abandoned mine in Eureka the scene of nighttime rescue

We want to hear from you.

Could a ‘Super El Niño’ deliver a big winter for Utah? Forecasters and resorts weigh in

Saratoga Springs boy being hailed a hero after saving brother, now recovering from own injuries

California company awarded $100M to develop critical mineral facility on Great Salt Lake shore

Ice-cream cones, the ingenious invention of American immigrants

From robot dogs to helpers, China puts robotics ambitions on display at world conference

US has sent deportees to many African countries, the latest one being Liberia. Here’s why

Sponsored Articles

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model