KNOXVILLE, Tenn.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking the public to provide input on a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sugar Camp Mine No. 1 Expansion in Franklin and Hamilton Counties, Illinois. Details of the review and opportunity to comment are available at  www.tva.com/nepa.

The proposed expansion by Sugar Camp Energy, LLC would include 12,125 acres of TVA-owned coal reserves. If approved, TVA would allow underground mining of the coal reserves, which would include installation of ventilation shafts, resulting in both underground and surface impacts. The draft EIS considered those impacts, as well as safety concerns, and potential socioeconomic and environmental justice issues. TVA does not purchase coal from Sugar Camp Energy, but we do receive royalties based on the tonnage sold.

Comments on the draft EIS must be received May 27, 2020, and can be submitted online at www.tva.com/nepa, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Elizabeth Smith, NEPA Specialist, Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 W. Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B-L, Knoxville, TN 37902.  All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection.

Please note that due to current federal requirements for TVA employees working remotely, TVA recommends that the public submit comments by email or online to ensure timely review and consideration.  

For more information about TVA and its 86-year mission of service to the Tennessee Valley, click here.