The 45 day scoping period of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Smith River mine started today, October 2nd. This process will determine what the DEQ needs to focus on and what the public is most concerned about when it comes to this mine. Now is the time to comment!
For more information on the public hearings and ways to comment click here.
Bozeman Mayor Carson Taylor issued a proclamation at the September 25th Commission meeting in favor of protecting the Smith River. He joins Helena and Missoula whose City Commissions passed resolutions last year in favor of protecting the Smith River and skeptical of any mining activity in the Smith River watershed.
To read the entire proclamation, click here
A recent Helena IR story points out how the proposed Smith River mine includes minerals that are directly under Sheep Creek, a historically navigable stream. This important fact means the State, and the people of Montana, owns the river bed and the minerals under it.
Click here for the whole story.
On Monday, September 18th, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality announced that it will begin review of the Black Butte Copper Project under the Montana Environmental Policy Act. This is a year plus long process that must include public comment and public hearings. Stay tuned for updates on when and where these public hearings will be.
For 30 days during the month of September, Trout Unlimited will be celebrating public lands by highlighting 30 American Places. Of course, the Smith River was picked as one of them. Follow and read up on this public land celebration here!
On Monday, August 14th the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) informed Tintina Resources that its application for a permit to mine has met its completeness and compliance review. This is just the beginning of a long permitting process.