Sample Permit Comment Letter

(Return Address)

Date

Scott Kent Fowler, Division Supervisor

Office of Mines and Minerals, Land Reclamation Division

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield, IL 62702-1271

Via U.S. Mail and

Via Email:

Re: Comments on draft SMCRA Permit No.429

Dear Sir:

I recently reviewed available information for permit no.429, which would authorize coal mining activities from Sunrise Coal, LLCin Vermilion County and the Vermilionwatershed. I appreciate the opportunity to provide the following comments regarding this permit.

I am pleased to see that Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Mines and Minerals …. (list positive aspects of the permit here)

However, the information available does not provide assurance that the terms of this permit will ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. Therefore, I object to issuance of the permit as written based on the following problems:

1) (briefly summarize problems here)

2)

(further explanation if necessary, if time allows or if you have specific information you would like to bring to the attention of the permitting agency)

Thank you for your consideration of these comments. We urge IDNR-OMM to make all necessary changes to the terms of the permit to ensure that all applicable rules and regulations are met in order to protect my land, water, health and community. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

Cc:(mining operators)

(state or regional environmental advocacy organization)

OSM Mid-Continent Regional Office

(local elected officials)

Sample Permit Comment Letter

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin

309 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-2152

durbin.senate.gov

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk

387 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-2854

kirk.senate.gov

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (IL 13th District)

1740 Longworth Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 225-2371

Champaign: (217) 403-4690

rodneydavis.house.gov

U.S. Representative John Shimkus (IL 15th District)

2452 Rayburn Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 225-5271

Danville: (217)446-0664

shimkus.house.gov

State-Level Politicians

Chapin Rose (Senator, 51st District)

510 S. Staley Road, Suite D

Champaign, IL 61822

(217) 607-1853

Bill Mitchell (Representative, 101st District)

5130 Hickory Point Frontage Road

Suite 100

Decatur, IL 62526

(217)876-1968

Adam Brown (Representative, 102nd District)

510 S. Staley

Suite B

Champaign, IL 61822

(217) 607-5104

Michael W. Frerichs (Senator, 52nd District)

45 E. University Avenue, Suite 206

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 355-5252

Naomi D. Jakobsson ( Representative, 103rd District)

206 N. Randolph St.

Suite 120

Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 373-5000

Chad Hays (Representative, 104th District)

7 E. Fairchild St.

Danville, IL 61832

(217) 477-0104

Local-Level Politicians

Homer Village President– Ray Cunningham – (217) 244-0658 –homervillage.com

South Homer Township Supervisor– Donald Morgan – (217) 896-2011

Fairmount Mayor– Dave Ferber – (217) 918-4297

Jamaica Township Supervisor– John Mills – (217) 260-1127

Vance Township Supervisor– Kim Jolly – (217) 733-2292

Allerton President– John Cutsinger – (217) 493-1226

Sidell Township Supervisor– Albert Riggle – (217) 288-9076

Sidell Mayor– Don Okuley – (217) 288-9420