ASPEN, Colo.—A Glenwood Springs-based company is suing the U.S. Forest Service in a bid to mine alabaster year-round in Pitkin County.
Elbram Stone LLC’s lawsuit in federal court in Denver alleges Forest Service officials have “unlawfully withheld approval” of Elbram’s plan to mine alabaster and marble in the Avalanche Creek area. The lawsuit argues the delay violates federal mining law and other federal regulations.
The Aspen Times reports ( ) Elbram sued after White River National Forest officials said this month that they were prohibiting winter mining.
Elbram officials say year-round operations are necessary to make the mine profitable. The Forest Service, meanwhile, has noted concerns about potential impacts on bighorn sheep.
White River National Forest spokesman Bill Kight says the agency cannot comment on a pending legal matter.
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Information from: The Aspen Times,
