The U.S. Forest Service released the draft Record of Decision (ROD), approving Rosemont Copper on December 13th. Rosemont Copper's draft Record of Decision and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published by the U.S. Forest Service and according to the U.S.F.S., a Notice of Availability for the EIS was published in the Federal Register.
The National Environmental Policy Act environmental analysis process was initiated for the Rosemont Copper Project in March of 2008, in response to a Mine Plan of Operations for an open-pit copper mine proposed for the Santa Rita Mountains southeast of Tucson, Arizona. The proposal was submitted by the Augusta Resource Corporation in 2007. The analysis process is now coming to a close.
On December 31, a legal notice will be published, which initiates the 45-day objection period beginning January 1, 2014.
The objection period will allow individuals, non-governmental organizations, businesses, partnerships, state and local governments and Indian Tribes, to file an objection to the proposed project before the final ROD is signed. Only those entities who submitted timely, written comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be allowed to participate in the objection process, according to federal regulations.
The draft ROD selects Alternative 4, the Barrel Alternative, as the USFS preferred alternative in the final EIS. This alternative complies with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations; it is considered to be the environmentally preferable alternative as it, where feasible, minimizes adverse environmental and social impacts. The draft ROD also includes mitigation measures that have been developed to avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, eliminate or compensate for the impacts that the action alternative would have on the environment.
"With these factors in mind, I did not take this decision lightly...My decision to approve the proposal is guided by Federal law…My decision allows Rosemont Copper to develop its mineral resources while requiring a wide array of mitigation and monitoring steps that will minimize or avoid impacts on NFS lands to the extent practicable…Importantly, my decision implements an alternative that will allow Rosemont Copper to comply with applicable Federal laws and regulations," Jim Upchurch, Forest Supervisor, Coronado National Forest, writing in the Draft ROD.
"The issuance of the draft ROD, which includes the approval of the preferred Barrel alternative, provides the roadmap for the operation of the Rosemont Copper Project," commented Gil Clausen , Augusta's President and Chief Executive Officer. "This decision is the conclusion of six years of analysis conducted by the USFS and the cooperating agencies. This input allowed the USFS to develop a sound alternative that will meet all of the required regulations while addressing public concerns and issues. Rosemont is very pleased with this decision and commends the USFS for their significant efforts."
Although Rosemont has jumped every hurdle successfully and the majority of Southern Arizona residents support it, opponents are not giving up their fight. They note, "Southwestern Regional Forester Cal Joyner will be responsible for conducting the review. Joyner must respond to all objections in writing before Coronado National Forest Supervisor Jim Upchurch can sign the final ROD. Once the ROD is signed, there is no additional opportunity for administrative review or administrative appeal of the decision. The decision, however, can be challenged in U.S. District Court."
Reprinted from the Arizona Daily Independent