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The “scoping process” for the Resolution Copper opened March 18, providing an important opportunity for members of the public to give feedback on the project. The scoping process lasts for 60 days. Comments must be received by May 17, 2016. Click here to view the official announcement and complete information.
Below are the ways to provide feedback. You do not have to be present at an open house to provide feedback.
- Send written comments to: Resolution EIS Comments, P.O. Box 34468, Phoenix, AZ 85067-4468
- Send comments via email to Comments@resolutionmineeis.us
- Submit comments via the web site www.resolutionmineeis.us
- Leave a verbal message at 1-866-546-5718
Written and oral comments may also be submitted during open houses that will be held by the U.S. Forest Service, as follows:
- March 31, 2016, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Queen Valley Recreation Hall, 1478 East Queen Valley Drive, Queen Valley, Arizona.
- April 4, 2016, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Superior High School, Multi-purpose room, 100 Mary Drive, Superior, Arizona.
- April 5, 2016, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Elks Lodge, 1775 East Maple Street, Globe, Arizona.
- April 6, 2016, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Southwest Regional Library, 775 North Greenfield Road, Gilbert, Arizona.
The comments collected during this time will direct the Forest Service in evaluating the potential effects of Resolution’s “General Plan of Operations,” as well as the land exchange, which is set to transfer the 2,422-acre “Oak Flat parcel” to Resolution Copper. According to the Forest Service, “The mining itself would take place under the Oak Flat parcel.” Oak Flat was recently named one of the “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
It is important to note that although the document that comes out of the scoping process is called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), it will address issues far beyond the physical environment. Therefore, comments provided by the public during the scoping period should not be limited only to concerns related to the physical environment. According to the Forest Service: “Preliminary issues expected to be analyzed include potential impacts to: Air quality, socioeconomics; groundwater and surface water quality; riparian and aquatic areas and springs; surface water runoff; ground subsidence; historical and cultural resources; traditional cultural properties and cultural landscapes; biological resources, including threatened and endangered species; environmental justice; recreation; transportation; noise; and visual resources.”
Autumn Giles is a freelance writer and recipe developer whose work has appeared in Edible Baja Arizona, Modern Farmer, Punch, Serious Eats, and elsewhere. Her first book, Beyond Canning was published in February 2016.
