Status
The Caldwell Canyon Mine Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was released in early December 2018. This is another open pit phosphate mine on private land with BLM mineral leasing of the subsurface near Soda Springs, Idaho. This mine is proposed in an area already deemed to be a Superfund Site subject to Natural Resource Damages from past mining pollution. The proposed project will further fragment the Corridor, destroy wetlands, wildlife populations, and plant communities while polluting streams in the region with heavy metals. The mine will also cause noise and safety concerns that not only affect wildlife, but also humans. Y2U submitted comments on the DEIS on January 14th, 2019. The BLM released the Record of Decision on August 15th approving the Caldwell Canyon Mine. Upon release, Y2U concluded that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) did not adequately analyze the potential environmental impacts of the project and address potential alternatives.
Work Plan
- Upon release, Y2U will address whether the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) adequately analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the project and addressed potential alternatives.
- Y2U will file an Objection if the FEIS does not adequately analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and potential alternatives.
- Y2U will be seeking legal representation to litigate violations of the intent of NEPA, NFMA/FLPMA and the CWA.
Expected Outcome
Y2U expects the usual Forest Service and BLM FEIS and Record of Decision that fails to address the seminal environmental issues will be produced by the agency. Y2U will be consulting with other environmental organizations that submitted comments on the DEIS regarding litigation options. The outcome is unknown at this time.