OSMRE releases the Final Rule Notice regarding the disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades and towers in Wyoming

By Kimberly Mazza CHEYENNE, Wyo – After three and a half years, the Office of Surface Mining and Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has released the Record of Decision regarding the repurposing of inert decommissioned wind turbine blades and towers in Wyoming.  “It has been a long wait, but Wyoming is thrilled to finally see this […]

Brandi O’Brien Selected as DEQ’s Land Quality Administrator

By Kimberly Mazza CHEYENNE – Brandi O’Brien has been selected to lead the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Land Quality Division (LQD) as its new Administrator. The position became open in November, and O’Brien served as the interim administrator during that time.   “It gives me great pleasure to announce Brandi O’Brien as our new […]

DEQ’ State of the Environment Podcast, Episode 4, Just Released. You Won’t Want to Miss it.

Cheyenne – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality State has released a new episode of its State of the Environment podcast. The podcast’s episodes cover topics related to the agency and its work to help listeners be more aware of the work the DEQ and its seven Divisions provide for Wyoming.  Listen now to DEQ Director […]

U.S. OSMRE Principal Deputy Director Tours Wyoming Mining Sites

By Kimberly Mazza U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) Principal Deputy Director Sharon Buccino traveled with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) staff to view the high-quality reclamation being completed at Title V active coal mine and Title IV Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites in Wyoming. The DEQ Director and Administrators of […]

DEQ Land Quality Division Wraps-up 2024 Intern Program

In 2021, the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Land Quality Division (LQD) established a summer intern work program to recruit a junior or senior student enrolled at the University of Wyoming.  The summer temporary position provides an opportunity for a student to gain valuable skills while supporting the DEQ intern mission on real world projects […]

DEQ awards annual coal reclamation award to North Antelope Rochelle Mine

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards are given to Wyoming coal and noncoal mine operators who demonstrate an achievement in a specific aspect of mine reclamation or for overall performance in meeting reclamation goals.  The 2024 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards will be presented at the 68th Annual Wyoming […]

DEQ awards annual non-coal reclamation award to Black Hills Lignite Mine

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards are given to Wyoming coal and noncoal mine operators who demonstrate an achievement in a specific aspect of mine reclamation or for overall performance in meeting reclamation goals.  The 2024 DEQ Excellence in Mining Reclamation Awards will be presented at the 68th Annual Wyoming […]

Wyoming DEQ Land Quality Division Administrator Testifies Before U.S. House Natural Resource Committee Subcommittee

By Kimberly Mazza CHEYENNE – The Department of Environmental Quality Land Quality Division (DEQ/LQD) Administrator recently testified before the House Natural Resource Committee Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.  The purpose of the oversight hearing  was to examine the Biden Administration’s Abandoned Mine Lands and Active Mining Programs. During his testimony, Wendtland provided a background […]

Signed Letter of Termination Represents First for Wyoming as Agreement State

By Kimberly Mazza CHEYENNE, Wyo.- A letter of termination for Western Nuclear Inc.’s (WNI) Split Rock Uranium license was signed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Todd Parfitt and the DEQ’s Land Quality Division (LQD) Administrator Kyle Wendtland. The signatures not only represent the transference of custodianship for long-term care and maintenance of […]

DEQ Land Quality Division Wraps-up Summer 2023 Intern Program 

CHEYENNE – In 2021, the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Land Quality Division (LQD) established a summer intern work program to recruit a junior or senior student enrolled at the University of Wyoming in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  The summer temporary position provides an opportunity for a student to gain valuable skills […]