U.S. reps ask Forest Service to start over

Two U.S. representatives from Southern Arizona want the Forest Service to restart the environmental studies dealing with a proposed copper mine east of Green Valley.

Reps. Gabrielle Giffords and Raul Grijalva, both Democrats, sent a letter to Jeanine Derby, who heads the Coronado National Forest, with the request.

The representatives argued that her announcement in the Federal Register March 13, 2008, said that the scoping process was “to grant permission to the company” to use National Forest Service land “for certain activities related to operation of the Rosemont mine.”

Giffords and Grijalva reminded her that one of the Forest Service options on the Rosemont request “is ‘no action’”

They added, “We do not believe the Forest Service can adequately consider a ‘no action’ alternative if its stated purpose at the outset is to grant permission for the project.”

They also wrote, “Therefore we believe the project purpose should be redefined more broadly.”

Their letter said they also knew that a Freedom of Information Act request to the Forest Service by the Save the Scenic Santa Ritas “has still not been fulfilled.”

Without the information it seeks, the group “cannot adequately participate in the scoping process,” they wrote.

Augusta Resource proposes building a copper mine on the east side of the Santa Ritas and would use Forest Service land to store waste products, an acceptable use of the land.

Many area residents oppose the proposed mine and question if it would affect the groundwater as wells are drilled for water for the mine’s operation.

The letter by Giffords and Grijalva said they felt the environmental scoping process “has been flawed from the beginning and should be restarted.”

Grijalva is chair of the House subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, part of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Coronado Communications Officer John Able said Friday he had seen the letter through reporter communications but had not formally received it.

“When we do, we will prepare a detailed response with whatever additional material is needed,” he said. “If it is determined that the Undersecretary of Agriculture, Forest Service Chief or Regional Forester should respond, then they will sign it.”

Able said Darby determined the Mine Plan of Operations was sufficiently complete to begin the Environmental Impact Statement process.

“How that process develops remains to be seen,” Able said, “since we know that additional data needs to be collected. We may decide that we don’t have enough data to answer questions within the EIS. In some of these technical, scientific issues — such as water, biological work and cultural issues — that’s a likelihood.

“I don’t know how we can avoid dealing with relevant data provided at any time in the process. We still have cooperative agencies to work with and they have data and perspectives we need to deal with.”

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749

Dick Kamp is Wick Communications’ Environmental Liaison. He can be reached by e-mail at bepdick@att.net.