Last night – Monday, June 5th – the Spearfish City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing Solitario Zinc’s ‘Golden Crest’ gold exploratory drilling. Additionally, they demanded an Environmental Impact Statement. This is exactly the kind of courageous leadership we need to bring these issues to the forefront as companies continue to move into the Black Hills with hopes of ‘striking it rich’. Many thanks to the members of the City Council and the residents of Spearfish and the Northern Black Hills for raising their voices and concerns.
While this is a great achievement, we still have a lot of work to do. There are still 48 hours left to submit a comment on this project – and you can submit them Here. Remember, in addition to voicing why you oppose the project, let the Forest Service know that you want a FULL Environmental Impact Statement.
Let’s keep this thing rockin’!
Alexander Massa, Northern Black Hills Organizer
Black Hills Clean Water Alliance
Please take a few minutes to share your concerns with the Forest Service.
Pick two or three topics and explain why they are important to you. Here are some things you might want to say in your comments:
- Why you are interested in this project.
- Why you oppose this project [give your reasons].
- The Forest Service should do a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on this project, not just a short Environmental Assessment (EA).
- All potential cumulative impacts of this project should be considered, including the possibility of mining in this area, the fact that Solitario Zinc has proposed a second project just to the south, the impacts of the nearby Wharf Mine, other existing gold drilling in the area, etc.
- Tribal consultation on this project was inadequate, and the Forest Service is required to do full and complete meaningful tribal consultation.
- The Draft EA indicates that a number of plans should be prepared, such as a fire safety plan, a hazardous materials plan, and an erosion control plan. These plans should be part of the EA.
- This project would take place in a special area that feeds directly into Spearfish Canyon, a National Scenic Byway.
- Environmental Justice is not considered in the Draft EA.
TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT TO THE FOREST SERVICE:
Comments may also be submitted by mail at:
USDA Forest Service, ATTN: Steve Kozel, 2014 N. Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783, or drop your comment off at the NHRD office at 2014 N. Main St, Spearfish, SD
Help BHCWA Continue to Protect the Black Hills
Black Hills Clean Water Alliance 