U.S. Forest Service: Rosemont is a terrible idea, so we should go ahead with it

by David Safier

The U.S. Forest Service says in a draft Environmental Impact Statement the Rosemont mine would cause all kinds of problems with ground water and air quality along with a host of other problems. But a mining law dating from 1872 — which might as well have been the Time When Dinosaurs Roamed The Earth when you consider the changes in mining technology and environmental understanding over the past 140 years — says mining on federal lands needs to be encouraged.

So the Forest Service came up with what it calls the Barrel Alternative which isn't quite as bad as the other options for dealing with the tailings and waste rock.

This is the beginning of a longer process:

The document's release kicks off a three-month public comment period, including six public meetings in Tucson and surrounding suburban and rural areas. The Forest Service will then release a final impact statement and make a decision.

Needless to say, Rosemont opponents are very unhappy with the Forest Service conclusions. Rosemont is keeping quiet for now.

Here's the Star's summary of the negative impacts of the mine.

• Air quality: Construction, mining and reclamation activities would increase dust and airborne chemicals. "Air quality standards could be compromised."
• Groundwater: Water needed to run the facility could reduce groundwater availability to private and public wells in the Santa Cruz Valley, specifically in Sahuarita and Green Valley. Household water availability may be reduced. Also, "construction and operation of the mine pit, waste rock, and leach facilities may result in exceedances of Arizona Aquifer Water Quality Standards."
• Surface water: Potential impacts may include loss of riparian habitat and fragmentation of riparian habitat and corridors including Cienega Creek.
• Public safety: "Hazardous materials would be transported, which may increase the risk of a spill or other public safety impact."
• Economy: "The mine facilities and operation may result in changes over time to local employment, property values, tax base, tourism revenue, and demand and cost for road maintenance and emergency services."
• Wildlife: May result in a loss of habitat for numerous plant and animal species, and mine traffic could increase wildlife road kills.
• Astronomy: "Increased light and air particulates from mine-related facilities, equipment, vehicles and processes may diminish dark skies. Airborne sulfur or sulfur compounds are known to damage the aluminum coatings on telescope optics. The increased sky glow would reduce the visibility of all celestial objects, particularly the faint ones, which are often the subject of scientific study."
• Historic properties: "Mine construction, operations and closure would bury, remove or damage historic properties, including traditional cultural properties, archaeological sites, historical structures, districts and landscapes. … Human remains have been discovered in previous archaeological excavations of prehistoric and historical sites in the Rosemont area."