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Officials at ASARCO are looking to expand the tailings at its Ray Mine to continue operations. The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comment by the public.
The Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it is soliciting comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Ray Mine Proposed Tailings Storage Facility. The storage facility is near Ripsey Wash, the Gila River and other unnamed washes in the area. The comment period is open from Jan. 29, 2016 – March 14, 2016.
The Corps’ regulatory division is soliciting comments from the public, federal, state and local agencies, Native American tribes and local agencies. The draft EIS has been prepared to evaluate the effects of the proposed project not the natural and human environment. This comment period is the appropriate time for the public to express their concerns or support for the new tailings facility. To view the draft EIS you can read it online here.
The new ASARCO tailings facility is needed to continue mining into the future as current permitted tailings sites are close to maximum capacity. The federal permitting process along with proper construction are time consuming so the company must plan for the future for tailing locations.
For more information on the proposed tailing sites or to submit your public comments you may contact Michael Langley, project manager at 602-230-6953 or via email at michael.w.langley@usace.army.mil.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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