Status
The East Smoky Panel Mine Project at Smoky Canyon Mine Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was released in late September 2018. This is another open pit phosphate mine on Forest Service managed land near Afton, Wyoming. The expansion of this mine will further fragment the Corridor, destroy wetlands, wildlife populations, and plant communities while polluting streams in the region with heavy metals. It is already listed as a Superfund site due to selenium pollution of Pole Canyon Creek which resulted from burying Pole Canyon Creek with contaminated overburden. The mine will also cause noise and safety concerns that not only affect wildlife, but also humans. Y2U and Kieshas Preserve submitted comments on the DEIS on December 26th, 2018. The Draft Record of Decision (DROD) was released in February of 2020.
Work Plan
- Y2U will file an Objection of the FEIS and ROD because they did 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 will be consulting with other environmental organizations that submitted comments on the DEIS regarding litigation options. The outcome is unknown at this time.
See attachment below for full objection.
