Environmental records show the Canyon Fuel Co., LLC - Soldier Canyon Mine has maintained compliance with its discharge permit limits through mid-October 2026. The inactive underground coal mine, which has been idled with sealed portals for over 20 years, operates under a permit that remains in force until December 31, 2026.
Inactive Mine Operations
The Soldier Canyon Mine, located approximately 12 miles northeast of Wellington in Carbon County, is an inactive facility that has seen no in-mine dewatering activities for more than two decades. According to the Utah Division of Water Quality, the mine has been idled for over 20 years, with its portals temporarily sealed. The facility's only potential for discharge is through Outfall 002 at the surface sedimentation pond, which may discharge if precipitation causes sufficient runoff.
Historical Discharge and Reclamation
The mine's last recorded discharge occurred in September 2013, resulting from large storm events that discharged via Outfall 002. Since that event, there have been no discharges from any of the mine's outfalls. While the mine has recently begun reclamation activities in coordination with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, officials expressed a desire to continue the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) permit for any potential discharges over the next five years as appropriate.
Environmental Compliance Status
According to EPA records from October 16, 2026, the mine has reported no values exceeding established limits over the last 12 months. The facility's permit, number UT0023680, covers three outfalls: 001, 002, and 003. All 48 required reports for the previous period showed zero values over a limit, zero required values missing, and zero late reports. The most recent report on file was from August 2026.
Strict Permit Limits
The permit mandates strict limits for various parameters at the outfall points. For example, the daily maximum limit for total iron [as Fe] is set at 1 mg/L, a standard that is stricter than 90% of 1,412 other minor industrial and other permits nationwide. Similarly, the daily maximum limit for total suspended solids is 70 mg/L, which is stricter than 12% of 8,112 other minor industrial and other permits nationwide. Other regulated parameters include pH levels, turbidity, oil and grease, and total dissolved solids.
Permit Renewal Process
The Utah Division of Water Quality issued a public notice on July 9, 2026, regarding its intent to renew the UPDES permit for the Soldier Canyon Mine. This notice allowed for a public comment period that was scheduled to run through the close of business on August 10, 2026. The renewal process was initiated under the authority of the Utah Water Act, Utah Code § 19-5-106(2)(g).
Statewide Mineral Regulation
The Utah Minerals Program continues to oversee various mining operations across the state, including the regulation of non-coal mining operations and the verification of reclamation standards. Currently, there are approximately 600 permitted mineral operations statewide, which include various industrial minerals and unconventional fuels. The Division of Oil, Gas and Mining works to ensure that mine operators follow specific plans for mining and reclamation to protect public safety and the environment.
Future Outlook
The Soldier Canyon Mine is categorized as a bituminous underground coal mining operation. While the mine is unlikely to be reactivated in the future, its permit remains a necessary component of its ongoing reclamation efforts and environmental management strategy.
