BILLINGS — State regulators are taking public comment on a revised application for a major coal mine near the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.
St. Louis-based Arch Coal, Inc. is seeking to build the Otter Creek mine southeast of Ashland.
Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality found deficiencies in the company’s application last year, prompting Arch to submit a revised application last month.
The agency has 120 days to review the material. After that, it will deem the application acceptable or ask for yet more documentation.
DEQ officials say comments should be submitted sufficiently in advance of the close of the review period to be fully considered.
Once a final decision is made, it could take Arch years more to develop a mine.