From: Melinda D RothTo: Robert Lefevre; William B Gillespie;
Sarah L Davis; Debby Kriegel; Deborah K Sebesta; Walter Keyes;
Salek
Shafiqullah; Eli Curiel; Beverley A Everson; Kent C Ellett;
Arthur S ElekCc: Richard A Gerhart; Larry Jones; Alan Belauskas;
Tami Emmett; George McKay; Pete Schwab; Kendall Brown;
Christopher C LeBlanc; Mary M Farrell; John Able; Teresa Ann
Ciapusci; [email protected]@swca.com
Subject: Rosemont Issue Statements and Units of MeasureDate:
07/13/2009 09:33 AMAttachments: units_of_measure2.doc
07132009_ issue_statements_for IDT_review.doc
Review and comment by Wed., IDT discussion July 22nd
meeting...
Mindee RothCoronado National Forest300 W. Congress, FB42Tucson,
AZ 85701(520) 388-8319(520) 396-0715 (cell)(520) 388-8305 (FAX)
mailto:CN=Melinda D Roth/OU=R3/O=USDAFSmailto:CN=Robert
Lefevre/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=William B
Gillespie/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Sarah L
Davis/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Debby
Kriegel/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Deborah K
Sebesta/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Walter
Keyes/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Salek
Shafiqullah/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Salek
Shafiqullah/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Eli
Curiel/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Beverley A
Everson/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Kent C
Ellett/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Arthur S
Elek/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Richard A
Gerhart/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Larry
Jones/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Alan
Belauskas/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Tami
Emmett/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=George
McKay/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Pete
Schwab/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Kendall
Brown/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Christopher C
LeBlanc/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Mary M
Farrell/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=John
Able/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Teresa Ann
Ciapusci/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:[email protected].
[email protected]:[email protected]. [email protected]
Issue Category
Units to Measure Change
1. Air
Emissions changes measured via air quality dispersion
modeling
Concentration of air quality constituents (NAAQS)
Concentration of air particulates
2. Heritage Resources
Acres of disturbance (blading)
Number of archaeological sites (NRHP eligible prehistoric and
historic) to be removed/bladed
Number of acres of removed vegetation (for native plant
gathering) relative to overall vegetation availability: ratio
Distance and units of vibration for impacts to standing historic
structures
Qualitative: Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) and cultural
landscape impacts have to do with spiritual connection to land;
difficult to measure.
3. Night Skies
Total existing sky brightness in nanoLamberts (nL)
Total sky brightness in nL due to mine lighting
The fractional increase in sky brightness due to mine lighting.
The fractional increase is a ratio of the sky brightness including
mine lighting to the existing sky brightness1:1 would be a
situation where there is no change in sky brightness; 1.1:1 is a
situation where mine lighting results in a 10% increase in sky
brightness. A fractional increase of 10% is generally only just
perceptible to most people when the two sources of light can be
directly compared, with one appearing directly adjacent to the
other. A fractional increase of 50% (1.5:1) would be visible to
most observers. [We would need to talk to the observatories to
figure out what the changes would mean to them in terms of star
visibility.]
No known quantitative measures for impacts to quality of life
from direct visibility of light sources. Qualitative assessment
based on areas from which light sources may be directly
visible.
No known quantitative measures for impacts to wildlife and
hunters and night time travelers on SR 83. Qualitative assessment
of impacts based on increased sky brightness and areas from which
light sources may be directly visible.
4. Noise & Vibration
Thresholds of Concern [unit to measure change will be ambient
noise now vs. ambient noise with mining operations]
EPA 1974 - Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. EPA 550/9-74-004. Washington, D.C. March
1974.
70 Leq or less to prevent measureable hearing loss [Leq = the
equivalent continuous noise level, which is the dBA average over
time. Because of the greater sensitivity to noise levels at night
10 dBA are added to any night time sounds before calculation Ldn or
Leq]
55 dB or less outdoors to prevent annoyance [dB = decibels]
45 dB or less indoors to prevent annoyance
MSHA (30 CFR 62.130)
If miners are exposed to 85 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
they are required to enroll in a hearing protection program. [dBA =
the A-weighted decibel is the adjusted unit of sound used to
describe human response to noise from industrial and transportation
sources, including mining]
If miners are exposed to 90 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must use feasible engineering and administrative
controls to reduce noise levels.
If miners are exposed to 105 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must ensure that they use both ear plug and earmuff
type hearing protectors.
Miners must not be exposed to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA at
any time.
5. Recreation
Acres of recreation opportunity lost and/or effected
Acres of change in ROS settings
Miles and number of designated trails lost or rerouted (e.g.,
Arizona Trail)
Miles and number of recreation access roads closed
Number of trailheads lost or modified
Estimated revenue lost from reduced tourism
Hunting permits/opportunities modified or lost
Number and type of hazardous sites accessible by recreation
user
6. Riparian Habitat
Acres of riparian vegetation lost
Acres of riparian vegetation disturbed
7. Plants & Animals
If possible, list of all species of conservation concern with
population numbers and locations relative to the Project Area and
region of the project area
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for species of conservation concern
Ratio of regional habitat removed for species of conservation
concern
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations by species
pending hydrologic, noise, light, soil, and air quality
studies..
Acres of habitat lost or changed
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for key species
Ratio of regional habitat removed for key species
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations
Noise levels measured in decibels from distinct distances from
project area (e.g., 500 feet, 1000 feet, 0.5 mile, etc.)
8. Transportation
Traffic counts per day by vehicle type, trip destination and/or
type, load transported, and time of day, and road used
Miles of existing roadway by road classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of new road construction and classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of road proposed for upgrades, type of upgrades, location,
and jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Cost per mile of anticipated roadway upgrades (one-time
cost)
Cost per mile of required roadway maintenance (per unit of time;
daily, weekly, monthly, whatever)
Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine related traffic (SR 83
only)
Traffic modeling for safety and hazardous materials (this is not
a unit of measure)
Trip count per day for all hazardous materials (list by
hazardous material type. Be sure to separate hazmat from hazardous
substances, hazwaste, etc.)
Locations (or linear unit of measure) of important wildlife
crossing corridors
Military operations (discrete overflights or affected flight
time, as applicable) in mine area
9. Water
Mg/l of chemical concentration in potential waste rock
samples
Net acid generation (NAG) of potential waste rock samples
Net neutralization potential (NAP) of potential waste rock
samples
pH of potential waste rock samples
Potential waste rock sample statistics and locations
Elevation of the water table (in feet)
Seasonal flow in seeps and springs (in gallons per minute)
Seepage (gallons per day)
Groundwater chemistry (mg/Kg and standard pH units)
Depth of water in pit (in feet); surface acreage; total
volume
Tracking of seasonal changes, if any.
Concentration of ADEQ-listed contaminants (in milligrams per
liter)
pH
Selection of design criteria
Selection of design methods
Stream discharge volume
Stream discharge constituents
Moisture content over time of the tailings/waste rock storage
piles, containment berms, etc.
10. Visual
Visual Contrast Rating Analysis (including visual simulations)
from sensitive travelways and viewpoints before construction,
during construction, operation, reclamation, post-closure, and
after post-closure.
Meeting Visual Quality Objectives and Scenic Integrity
Objectives in Coronado National Forest Plan.
Viewshed analysis for project area relative to Scenic Byway
Corridor Management Plan objectives for SR 83.
11. Reclamation Plan
Presence of pit lake
Acres open to public access at mine closure
12. Soils
Acres of soil disturbance
Cubic yards of topsoil removed
Cubic yards of topsoil stockpiled
Change in chemical composition of soil
Model of potential area of soil contamination from mine
operations
Trucking / shipping routes for hazardous materials
A nL is a unit of luminance of surface brightness. 1 Lambert = I
lumen/sq cm for a uniformly diffusing surface. A naturally dark sky
has a brightness of about 54 nL at the zenith, rising (due to
natural causes) to approximately 100 nL 10 degrees above the
horizon.
07132009
DRAFT ISSUE STATEMENTS
ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT
The extensive process to identify significant issues is in its
final stages. This document presents concise statements for each of
the 12 issue themes identified by Jeanine to be used by the ID Team
to guide the development of alternatives, mitigation measures, and
effects analysis. Using your knowledge and all information received
during the scoping process, please review the issue statements
below that apply to your resource specialty. To finalize these
statements, I need the IDT to validate that statements have
captured the essence of public comments and are appropriately
worded. Issues that are irrelevant to the decision to be made,
already decided (by law, regulation, Forest Plan), not measurable,
are conjectural and not supported by scientific evidence, are of
very low likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed/direction
generally do not need to be discussed in the EIS, hence, you will
notice that some concerns have been consolidated or dropped
altogether. An issue statement should describe a specific action
and the expected effects. Only you know if my assumptions about
what actions cause what effects for your resource area are
appropriate.
As a reminder, CEQ regs tell us to concentrate on issues that
are truly significant to the actionrather than amassing needless
detail and identify issues deserving of studyde-emphasize
non-significant issues. Non-significant issues are only briefly
discussed in the EIS.
Issue statements should also tie to quantifiable measures that
will allow the comparison of alternatives and effects. I have
included suggested units of measure here also. Please identify
which measures should be used in the effects analysis to describe
and compare effects. Measures should be considered in terms of the
following: likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed. These
assignments are to be completed by July 15th. We will be reviewing
and discussing final issues and units of measure at the July 22nd
IDT meeting (0900 in Rm 4B).
AIR
Issue Potential impacts to air quality. Construction, mining,
and reclamation may result in an increase in dust, airborne
chemicals, and vehicular emissions, further leading to the
potential for:
Increased risk of health issues for area residents;
Reduced visibility for local residents, motorists on State Route
83, recreationists, astronomical observatories, and local amateur
astronomers and stargazers.
Units of measure: Air quality dispersion model, PM10 and PM2.5,
Air quality constituents (CO, CO2, NO), Regional Haze standard
HERITAGE RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to heritage resources. Heritage
Resources may be affected by the siting of the open pit, processing
facilities, administrative facilities, and tailings and waste rock
piles; by drilling and blasting; and by the development of
mine-related transportation systems. Potential impacts may
include:
Loss or damage to existing prehistoric and historic sites,
Loss or reduction of cultural practice opportunities,
Loss or reduction of future scientific research potential.
Units of measure: Acres disturbed, sites lost, acres of specific
veg lost, distance and units of vibration. Narrative on TCPs and
cultural landscape
NIGHT SKIES
Issue Potential impacts to night sky values. Increased light
emissions from buildings, light poles, equipment, and vehicles may
diminish dark skies. Impacts include the potential for:
Reduced star visibility;
Increased light directly visible from State Route 83, as well as
from local and distant key observation points;
Altered habitat, mating, migration, and other behaviors for
certain wildlife species.
Units of measure: nanoLamberts (nL)
NOISE AND VIBRATION
Issue Potential increase in noise and vibration. Drilling and
blasting, mine operations, equipment use, and vehicular traffic may
increase noise and ground vibrations in the immediate area of the
mine, and present the potential for:
Damage to historic sites due to vibration;
Decreased recreational opportunities and qualities of solitude,
quiet, and naturalness;
Decreased quality of life for local residents (e.g., through
disturbed sleep patterns, cracking foundations);
Decreased wildlife habitat quantity and quality, accompanied by
changes in wildlife behavior.
Units of measure: change in ambient noise levels in dB, average
dB = L, vibration?
RECREATION
Issue Potential impacts to recreation. Construction, mining, and
reclamation activities may alter recreational quality, access,
opportunities, and tourism revenues, and include the potential
for:
Reduced visitor safety;
Loss or reduction of solitude, remoteness, rural setting, and
quiet;
Changes in the types of recreation activities pursued in the
area;
Increased visitation to other recreational areas;
Increased mine-related tourism;
Reduced nature-based tourism.
Units of measure: Acres lost, change in Recreation Visitor Days
(RVDs), change in Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Forest Plan
amendment?, miles and numbers of road/trail/trailheads lost or
closed to public, reduction in hunting permits and hunting days
lost, tourism revenue lost
RIPARIAN HABITAT
Issue Potential impacts to riparian habitat. Surface disturbance
due to construction of mine facilities and mining operations, as
well as a potential reduction in the water table or alteration of
hydrologic flows due to mine operations, may result in the loss of
riparian vegetation, the loss of unique riparian vegetation
species, and the loss of old-growth native trees. In addition, mine
construction and operation has the potential to result in:
Fragmentation of local riparian systems,
Loss of habitat critical to certain native plant and wildlife
species,
Downstream impacts to unique habitat associated with Davidson
Canyon and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
Units of Measure: Acres lost or disturbed
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Issue Potential impacts to plant and wildlife species. Mine
construction and operation will result in the loss of existing
habitat, habitat fragmentation, species displacement, and increased
wildlife mortality in the immediate vicinity of the mine. In
addition, construction, operation, and reclamation activities have
the potential to result in:
Loss of special status species and species of conservation
concern;
Fragmentation of wildlife movement corridors;
Decreased genetic flow among populations;
Disruption of mating, foraging, and other behaviors of certain
nocturnal species;
Conflicts with existing conservation plans and recovery
goals;
Reduced forage for wildlife and livestock;
Increased potential for establishment and/or expansion of
non-native species.
Units of Measure: (local and regional) Habitat lost or modified,
species and relative populations, acres disturbed, dB measures by
distance
TRANSPORTATION
Issue Potential impacts to traffic patterns and transportation
infrastructure. Transport of supplies and equipment for
construction and operation of the mine, the movement of mine
employees and vendors, and transport of processed ore and other
materials from the mine site will result in increased traffic in
the general project vicinity. In addition, mine-related traffic has
the potential to contribute to:
Congestion and delays along area roadways, particularly along
State Route 83;
Increased dust, noise, light, and litter pollution;
Increased vehicle emissions;
Reduced safety along area roadways;
Increased numbers of collisions and associated vehicle
damage;
Increased vehicle/wildlife collisions;
Accelerated deterioration of roadways and increased maintenance
requirements.
Units of measure: Change in number and type of traffic, change
in miles of road type by jurisdiction, construction and maintenance
costs, Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine traffic, effects to
overflights
WATER
Issue Potential impacts to groundwater, surface water, and water
quality. Groundwater may flow into the mine pit, lowering the
groundwater table and creating a pit lake. Uncontrolled storm water
runoff or failure of water control features could move contaminants
offsite. Exposure of sulfide-bearing waste rock, tailings, and pit
wall rock to air and water may affect groundwater and surface water
chemistry. These potential consequences could lead to:
Contamination of wells and other waters in the area surrounding
the mine;
Reduced surface and subsurface flows, including to wells,
springs and seeps;
Excessive erosion or destabilization of reclaimed slopes;
Saturation areas in the dry-stack tailings, which may contribute
to a liquefaction failure of the tailings;
Violation of various water quality standards and permits;
Public exposure to contaminated water bodies.
VISUAL RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to visual resources in the Rosemont
Valley. Landscape changes resulting from mine construction and
operation (including vegetation removal; excavation of the open
pit; deposition of the tailing and waste rock piles; construction
of new access roads; and the presence of mine-related buildings,
utilities, flood control facilities, earthmoving equipment and
other vehicles, and fencing) will directly result in alteration of
form, line, texture, and color in Rosemont Valley, and reduced
scenic quality from numerous viewpoints in the project vicinity.
The project also has the potential to result in:
Increased dust and reduced visibility,
Loss of Scenic Byway designation for State Route 83.
Units of Measure: Visual contrast Rating Analysis from KOPs and
travelways, Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) and Scenic Integrity
Objectives Forest Plan Amendment?, Scenic Byway Corridor Management
Plan objectives
RECLAMATION PLAN
Issue Potential impacts of reclamation design, planning,
implementation, and long-term success on multiple resources. Mining
and reclamation will cause long-term or permanent changes to the
landscape and land uses. Concerns with reclamation include:
Adequacy of funding and bonding,
Post-reclamation land use opportunities,
Successful recontouring and revegetation to mimic
pre-disturbance conditions,
Adequacy of monitoring programs,
Long-term or permanent resource impacts.
Units of measure: Presence of pit lake, acres open to public at
mine closure, post-mine uses of area
SOILS
Issue Potential impacts to soils. Mine construction and
operation will result in the loss of approximately 3,600 acres of
topsoil, although the majority of that soil is intended to be
stockpiled for use in reclamation. Clearing of vegetation, grading,
and stockpiling of soils has the potential to result in:
Increased erosion and subsequent sediment flows into riparian
channels,
Loss of key nutrients and bio-organisms,
Reduced soil productivity,
Potential soil contamination.
Units of Measure: Acres disturbed, cubic yards of topsoil
removed and stockpiles, change in chemical composition, potential
for soil contamination, trucking/shipping routes for hazmat
Issue Category
Units to Measure Change
1. Air
Emissions changes measured via air quality dispersion
modeling
Concentration of air quality constituents (NAAQS)
Concentration of air particulates
2. Heritage Resources
Acres of disturbance (blading)
Number of archaeological sites (NRHP eligible prehistoric and
historic) to be removed/bladed
Number of acres of removed vegetation (for native plant
gathering) relative to overall vegetation availability: ratio
Distance and units of vibration for impacts to standing historic
structures
Qualitative: Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) and cultural
landscape impacts have to do with spiritual connection to land;
difficult to measure.
3. Night Skies
Total existing sky brightness in nanoLamberts (nL)
Total sky brightness in nL due to mine lighting
The fractional increase in sky brightness due to mine lighting.
The fractional increase is a ratio of the sky brightness including
mine lighting to the existing sky brightness1:1 would be a
situation where there is no change in sky brightness; 1.1:1 is a
situation where mine lighting results in a 10% increase in sky
brightness. A fractional increase of 10% is generally only just
perceptible to most people when the two sources of light can be
directly compared, with one appearing directly adjacent to the
other. A fractional increase of 50% (1.5:1) would be visible to
most observers. [We would need to talk to the observatories to
figure out what the changes would mean to them in terms of star
visibility.]
No known quantitative measures for impacts to quality of life
from direct visibility of light sources. Qualitative assessment
based on areas from which light sources may be directly
visible.
No known quantitative measures for impacts to wildlife and
hunters and night time travelers on SR 83. Qualitative assessment
of impacts based on increased sky brightness and areas from which
light sources may be directly visible.
4. Noise & Vibration
Thresholds of Concern [unit to measure change will be ambient
noise now vs. ambient noise with mining operations]
EPA 1974 - Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. EPA 550/9-74-004. Washington, D.C. March
1974.
70 Leq or less to prevent measureable hearing loss [Leq = the
equivalent continuous noise level, which is the dBA average over
time. Because of the greater sensitivity to noise levels at night
10 dBA are added to any night time sounds before calculation Ldn or
Leq]
55 dB or less outdoors to prevent annoyance [dB = decibels]
45 dB or less indoors to prevent annoyance
MSHA (30 CFR 62.130)
If miners are exposed to 85 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
they are required to enroll in a hearing protection program. [dBA =
the A-weighted decibel is the adjusted unit of sound used to
describe human response to noise from industrial and transportation
sources, including mining]
If miners are exposed to 90 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must use feasible engineering and administrative
controls to reduce noise levels.
If miners are exposed to 105 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must ensure that they use both ear plug and earmuff
type hearing protectors.
Miners must not be exposed to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA at
any time.
5. Recreation
Acres of recreation opportunity lost and/or effected
Acres of change in ROS settings
Miles and number of designated trails lost or rerouted (e.g.,
Arizona Trail)
Miles and number of recreation access roads closed
Number of trailheads lost or modified
Estimated revenue lost from reduced tourism
Hunting permits/opportunities modified or lost
Number and type of hazardous sites accessible by recreation
user
6. Riparian Habitat
Acres of riparian vegetation lost
Acres of riparian vegetation disturbed
7. Plants & Animals
If possible, list of all species of conservation concern with
population numbers and locations relative to the Project Area and
region of the project area
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for species of conservation concern
Ratio of regional habitat removed for species of conservation
concern
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations by species
pending hydrologic, noise, light, soil, and air quality
studies..
Acres of habitat lost or changed
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for key species
Ratio of regional habitat removed for key species
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations
Noise levels measured in decibels from distinct distances from
project area (e.g., 500 feet, 1000 feet, 0.5 mile, etc.)
8. Transportation
Traffic counts per day by vehicle type, trip destination and/or
type, load transported, and time of day, and road used
Miles of existing roadway by road classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of new road construction and classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of road proposed for upgrades, type of upgrades, location,
and jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Cost per mile of anticipated roadway upgrades (one-time
cost)
Cost per mile of required roadway maintenance (per unit of time;
daily, weekly, monthly, whatever)
Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine related traffic (SR 83
only)
Traffic modeling for safety and hazardous materials (this is not
a unit of measure)
Trip count per day for all hazardous materials (list by
hazardous material type. Be sure to separate hazmat from hazardous
substances, hazwaste, etc.)
Locations (or linear unit of measure) of important wildlife
crossing corridors
Military operations (discrete overflights or affected flight
time, as applicable) in mine area
9. Water
Mg/l of chemical concentration in potential waste rock
samples
Net acid generation (NAG) of potential waste rock samples
Net neutralization potential (NAP) of potential waste rock
samples
pH of potential waste rock samples
Potential waste rock sample statistics and locations
Elevation of the water table (in feet)
Seasonal flow in seeps and springs (in gallons per minute)
Seepage (gallons per day)
Groundwater chemistry (mg/Kg and standard pH units)
Depth of water in pit (in feet); surface acreage; total
volume
Tracking of seasonal changes, if any.
Concentration of ADEQ-listed contaminants (in milligrams per
liter)
pH
Selection of design criteria
Selection of design methods
Stream discharge volume
Stream discharge constituents
Moisture content over time of the tailings/waste rock storage
piles, containment berms, etc.
10. Visual
Visual Contrast Rating Analysis (including visual simulations)
from sensitive travelways and viewpoints before construction,
during construction, operation, reclamation, post-closure, and
after post-closure.
Meeting Visual Quality Objectives and Scenic Integrity
Objectives in Coronado National Forest Plan.
Viewshed analysis for project area relative to Scenic Byway
Corridor Management Plan objectives for SR 83.
11. Reclamation Plan
Presence of pit lake
Acres open to public access at mine closure
12. Soils
Acres of soil disturbance
Cubic yards of topsoil removed
Cubic yards of topsoil stockpiled
Change in chemical composition of soil
Model of potential area of soil contamination from mine
operations
Trucking / shipping routes for hazardous materials
A nL is a unit of luminance of surface brightness. 1 Lambert = I
lumen/sq cm for a uniformly diffusing surface. A naturally dark sky
has a brightness of about 54 nL at the zenith, rising (due to
natural causes) to approximately 100 nL 10 degrees above the
horizon.
07132009
DRAFT ISSUE STATEMENTS
ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT
The extensive process to identify significant issues is in its
final stages. This document presents concise statements for each of
the 12 issue themes identified by Jeanine to be used by the ID Team
to guide the development of alternatives, mitigation measures, and
effects analysis. Using your knowledge and all information received
during the scoping process, please review the issue statements
below that apply to your resource specialty. To finalize these
statements, I need the IDT to validate that statements have
captured the essence of public comments and are appropriately
worded. Issues that are irrelevant to the decision to be made,
already decided (by law, regulation, Forest Plan), not measurable,
are conjectural and not supported by scientific evidence, are of
very low likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed/direction
generally do not need to be discussed in the EIS, hence, you will
notice that some concerns have been consolidated or dropped
altogether. An issue statement should describe a specific action
and the expected effects. Only you know if my assumptions about
what actions cause what effects for your resource area are
appropriate.
As a reminder, CEQ regs tell us to concentrate on issues that
are truly significant to the actionrather than amassing needless
detail and identify issues deserving of studyde-emphasize
non-significant issues. Non-significant issues are only briefly
discussed in the EIS.
Issue statements should also tie to quantifiable measures that
will allow the comparison of alternatives and effects. I have
included suggested units of measure here also. Please identify
which measures should be used in the effects analysis to describe
and compare effects. Measures should be considered in terms of the
following: likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed. These
assignments are to be completed by July 15th. We will be reviewing
and discussing final issues and units of measure at the July 22nd
IDT meeting (0900 in Rm 4B).
AIR
Issue Potential impacts to air quality. Construction, mining,
and reclamation may result in an increase in dust, airborne
chemicals, and vehicular emissions, further leading to the
potential for:
Increased risk of health issues for area residents;
Reduced visibility for local residents, motorists on State Route
83, recreationists, astronomical observatories, and local amateur
astronomers and stargazers.
Units of measure: Air quality dispersion model, PM10 and PM2.5,
Air quality constituents (CO, CO2, NO), Regional Haze standard
HERITAGE RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to heritage resources. Heritage
Resources may be affected by the siting of the open pit, processing
facilities, administrative facilities, and tailings and waste rock
piles; by drilling and blasting; and by the development of
mine-related transportation systems. Potential impacts may
include:
Loss or damage to existing prehistoric and historic sites,
Loss or reduction of cultural practice opportunities,
Loss or reduction of future scientific research potential.
Units of measure: Acres disturbed, sites lost, acres of specific
veg lost, distance and units of vibration. Narrative on TCPs and
cultural landscape
NIGHT SKIES
Issue Potential impacts to night sky values. Increased light
emissions from buildings, light poles, equipment, and vehicles may
diminish dark skies. Impacts include the potential for:
Reduced star visibility;
Increased light directly visible from State Route 83, as well as
from local and distant key observation points;
Altered habitat, mating, migration, and other behaviors for
certain wildlife species.
Units of measure: nanoLamberts (nL)
NOISE AND VIBRATION
Issue Potential increase in noise and vibration. Drilling and
blasting, mine operations, equipment use, and vehicular traffic may
increase noise and ground vibrations in the immediate area of the
mine, and present the potential for:
Damage to historic sites due to vibration;
Decreased recreational opportunities and qualities of solitude,
quiet, and naturalness;
Decreased quality of life for local residents (e.g., through
disturbed sleep patterns, cracking foundations);
Decreased wildlife habitat quantity and quality, accompanied by
changes in wildlife behavior.
Units of measure: change in ambient noise levels in dB, average
dB = L, vibration?
RECREATION
Issue Potential impacts to recreation. Construction, mining, and
reclamation activities may alter recreational quality, access,
opportunities, and tourism revenues, and include the potential
for:
Reduced visitor safety;
Loss or reduction of solitude, remoteness, rural setting, and
quiet;
Changes in the types of recreation activities pursued in the
area;
Increased visitation to other recreational areas;
Increased mine-related tourism;
Reduced nature-based tourism.
Units of measure: Acres lost, change in Recreation Visitor Days
(RVDs), change in Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Forest Plan
amendment?, miles and numbers of road/trail/trailheads lost or
closed to public, reduction in hunting permits and hunting days
lost, tourism revenue lost
RIPARIAN HABITAT
Issue Potential impacts to riparian habitat. Surface disturbance
due to construction of mine facilities and mining operations, as
well as a potential reduction in the water table or alteration of
hydrologic flows due to mine operations, may result in the loss of
riparian vegetation, the loss of unique riparian vegetation
species, and the loss of old-growth native trees. In addition, mine
construction and operation has the potential to result in:
Fragmentation of local riparian systems,
Loss of habitat critical to certain native plant and wildlife
species,
Downstream impacts to unique habitat associated with Davidson
Canyon and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
Units of Measure: Acres lost or disturbed
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Issue Potential impacts to plant and wildlife species. Mine
construction and operation will result in the loss of existing
habitat, habitat fragmentation, species displacement, and increased
wildlife mortality in the immediate vicinity of the mine. In
addition, construction, operation, and reclamation activities have
the potential to result in:
Loss of special status species and species of conservation
concern;
Fragmentation of wildlife movement corridors;
Decreased genetic flow among populations;
Disruption of mating, foraging, and other behaviors of certain
nocturnal species;
Conflicts with existing conservation plans and recovery
goals;
Reduced forage for wildlife and livestock;
Increased potential for establishment and/or expansion of
non-native species.
Units of Measure: (local and regional) Habitat lost or modified,
species and relative populations, acres disturbed, dB measures by
distance
TRANSPORTATION
Issue Potential impacts to traffic patterns and transportation
infrastructure. Transport of supplies and equipment for
construction and operation of the mine, the movement of mine
employees and vendors, and transport of processed ore and other
materials from the mine site will result in increased traffic in
the general project vicinity. In addition, mine-related traffic has
the potential to contribute to:
Congestion and delays along area roadways, particularly along
State Route 83;
Increased dust, noise, light, and litter pollution;
Increased vehicle emissions;
Reduced safety along area roadways;
Increased numbers of collisions and associated vehicle
damage;
Increased vehicle/wildlife collisions;
Accelerated deterioration of roadways and increased maintenance
requirements.
Units of measure: Change in number and type of traffic, change
in miles of road type by jurisdiction, construction and maintenance
costs, Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine traffic, effects to
overflights
WATER
Issue Potential impacts to groundwater, surface water, and water
quality. Groundwater may flow into the mine pit, lowering the
groundwater table and creating a pit lake. Uncontrolled storm water
runoff or failure of water control features could move contaminants
offsite. Exposure of sulfide-bearing waste rock, tailings, and pit
wall rock to air and water may affect groundwater and surface water
chemistry. These potential consequences could lead to:
Contamination of wells and other waters in the area surrounding
the mine;
Reduced surface and subsurface flows, including to wells,
springs and seeps;
Excessive erosion or destabilization of reclaimed slopes;
Saturation areas in the dry-stack tailings, which may contribute
to a liquefaction failure of the tailings;
Violation of various water quality standards and permits;
Public exposure to contaminated water bodies.
VISUAL RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to visual resources in the Rosemont
Valley. Landscape changes resulting from mine construction and
operation (including vegetation removal; excavation of the open
pit; deposition of the tailing and waste rock piles; construction
of new access roads; and the presence of mine-related buildings,
utilities, flood control facilities, earthmoving equipment and
other vehicles, and fencing) will directly result in alteration of
form, line, texture, and color in Rosemont Valley, and reduced
scenic quality from numerous viewpoints in the project vicinity.
The project also has the potential to result in:
Increased dust and reduced visibility,
Loss of Scenic Byway designation for State Route 83.
Units of Measure: Visual contrast Rating Analysis from KOPs and
travelways, Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) and Scenic Integrity
Objectives Forest Plan Amendment?, Scenic Byway Corridor Management
Plan objectives
RECLAMATION PLAN
Issue Potential impacts of reclamation design, planning,
implementation, and long-term success on multiple resources. Mining
and reclamation will cause long-term or permanent changes to the
landscape and land uses. Concerns with reclamation include:
Adequacy of funding and bonding,
Post-reclamation land use opportunities,
Successful recontouring and revegetation to mimic
pre-disturbance conditions,
Adequacy of monitoring programs,
Long-term or permanent resource impacts.
Units of measure: Presence of pit lake, acres open to public at
mine closure, post-mine uses of area
SOILS
Issue Potential impacts to soils. Mine construction and
operation will result in the loss of approximately 3,600 acres of
topsoil, although the majority of that soil is intended to be
stockpiled for use in reclamation. Clearing of vegetation, grading,
and stockpiling of soils has the potential to result in:
Increased erosion and subsequent sediment flows into riparian
channels,
Loss of key nutrients and bio-organisms,
Reduced soil productivity,
Potential soil contamination.
Units of Measure: Acres disturbed, cubic yards of topsoil
removed and stockpiles, change in chemical composition, potential
for soil contamination, trucking/shipping routes for hazmat
From: Melinda D RothTo: Robert Lefevre; William B Gillespie;
Sarah L Davis; Debby Kriegel; Deborah K Sebesta; Walter Keyes;
Salek
Shafiqullah; Eli Curiel; Beverley A Everson; Kent C Ellett;
Arthur S ElekCc: Richard A Gerhart; Larry Jones; Alan Belauskas;
Tami Emmett; George McKay; Pete Schwab; Kendall Brown;
Christopher C LeBlanc; Mary M Farrell; John Able; Teresa Ann
Ciapusci; [email protected]@swca.com
Subject: Rosemont Issue Statements and Units of MeasureDate:
07/13/2009 09:33 AMAttachments: units_of_measure2.doc
07132009_ issue_statements_for IDT_review.doc
Review and comment by Wed., IDT discussion July 22nd
meeting...
Mindee RothCoronado National Forest300 W. Congress, FB42Tucson,
AZ 85701(520) 388-8319(520) 396-0715 (cell)(520) 388-8305 (FAX)
mailto:CN=Melinda D Roth/OU=R3/O=USDAFSmailto:CN=Robert
Lefevre/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=William B
Gillespie/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Sarah L
Davis/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Debby
Kriegel/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Deborah K
Sebesta/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Walter
Keyes/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Salek
Shafiqullah/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Salek
Shafiqullah/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Eli
Curiel/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Beverley A
Everson/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Kent C
Ellett/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Arthur S
Elek/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Richard A
Gerhart/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Larry
Jones/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Alan
Belauskas/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Tami
Emmett/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=George
McKay/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Pete
Schwab/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Kendall
Brown/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Christopher C
LeBlanc/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Mary M
Farrell/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=John
Able/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:CN=Teresa Ann
Ciapusci/OU=R3/O=USDAFS@FSNOTESmailto:[email protected].
[email protected]:[email protected]. [email protected]
Issue Category
Units to Measure Change
1. Air
Emissions changes measured via air quality dispersion
modeling
Concentration of air quality constituents (NAAQS)
Concentration of air particulates
2. Heritage Resources
Acres of disturbance (blading)
Number of archaeological sites (NRHP eligible prehistoric and
historic) to be removed/bladed
Number of acres of removed vegetation (for native plant
gathering) relative to overall vegetation availability: ratio
Distance and units of vibration for impacts to standing historic
structures
Qualitative: Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) and cultural
landscape impacts have to do with spiritual connection to land;
difficult to measure.
3. Night Skies
Total existing sky brightness in nanoLamberts (nL)
Total sky brightness in nL due to mine lighting
The fractional increase in sky brightness due to mine lighting.
The fractional increase is a ratio of the sky brightness including
mine lighting to the existing sky brightness1:1 would be a
situation where there is no change in sky brightness; 1.1:1 is a
situation where mine lighting results in a 10% increase in sky
brightness. A fractional increase of 10% is generally only just
perceptible to most people when the two sources of light can be
directly compared, with one appearing directly adjacent to the
other. A fractional increase of 50% (1.5:1) would be visible to
most observers. [We would need to talk to the observatories to
figure out what the changes would mean to them in terms of star
visibility.]
No known quantitative measures for impacts to quality of life
from direct visibility of light sources. Qualitative assessment
based on areas from which light sources may be directly
visible.
No known quantitative measures for impacts to wildlife and
hunters and night time travelers on SR 83. Qualitative assessment
of impacts based on increased sky brightness and areas from which
light sources may be directly visible.
4. Noise & Vibration
Thresholds of Concern [unit to measure change will be ambient
noise now vs. ambient noise with mining operations]
EPA 1974 - Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. EPA 550/9-74-004. Washington, D.C. March
1974.
70 Leq or less to prevent measureable hearing loss [Leq = the
equivalent continuous noise level, which is the dBA average over
time. Because of the greater sensitivity to noise levels at night
10 dBA are added to any night time sounds before calculation Ldn or
Leq]
55 dB or less outdoors to prevent annoyance [dB = decibels]
45 dB or less indoors to prevent annoyance
MSHA (30 CFR 62.130)
If miners are exposed to 85 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
they are required to enroll in a hearing protection program. [dBA =
the A-weighted decibel is the adjusted unit of sound used to
describe human response to noise from industrial and transportation
sources, including mining]
If miners are exposed to 90 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must use feasible engineering and administrative
controls to reduce noise levels.
If miners are exposed to 105 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must ensure that they use both ear plug and earmuff
type hearing protectors.
Miners must not be exposed to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA at
any time.
5. Recreation
Acres of recreation opportunity lost and/or effected
Acres of change in ROS settings
Miles and number of designated trails lost or rerouted (e.g.,
Arizona Trail)
Miles and number of recreation access roads closed
Number of trailheads lost or modified
Estimated revenue lost from reduced tourism
Hunting permits/opportunities modified or lost
Number and type of hazardous sites accessible by recreation
user
6. Riparian Habitat
Acres of riparian vegetation lost
Acres of riparian vegetation disturbed
7. Plants & Animals
If possible, list of all species of conservation concern with
population numbers and locations relative to the Project Area and
region of the project area
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for species of conservation concern
Ratio of regional habitat removed for species of conservation
concern
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations by species
pending hydrologic, noise, light, soil, and air quality
studies..
Acres of habitat lost or changed
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for key species
Ratio of regional habitat removed for key species
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations
Noise levels measured in decibels from distinct distances from
project area (e.g., 500 feet, 1000 feet, 0.5 mile, etc.)
8. Transportation
Traffic counts per day by vehicle type, trip destination and/or
type, load transported, and time of day, and road used
Miles of existing roadway by road classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of new road construction and classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of road proposed for upgrades, type of upgrades, location,
and jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Cost per mile of anticipated roadway upgrades (one-time
cost)
Cost per mile of required roadway maintenance (per unit of time;
daily, weekly, monthly, whatever)
Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine related traffic (SR 83
only)
Traffic modeling for safety and hazardous materials (this is not
a unit of measure)
Trip count per day for all hazardous materials (list by
hazardous material type. Be sure to separate hazmat from hazardous
substances, hazwaste, etc.)
Locations (or linear unit of measure) of important wildlife
crossing corridors
Military operations (discrete overflights or affected flight
time, as applicable) in mine area
9. Water
Mg/l of chemical concentration in potential waste rock
samples
Net acid generation (NAG) of potential waste rock samples
Net neutralization potential (NAP) of potential waste rock
samples
pH of potential waste rock samples
Potential waste rock sample statistics and locations
Elevation of the water table (in feet)
Seasonal flow in seeps and springs (in gallons per minute)
Seepage (gallons per day)
Groundwater chemistry (mg/Kg and standard pH units)
Depth of water in pit (in feet); surface acreage; total
volume
Tracking of seasonal changes, if any.
Concentration of ADEQ-listed contaminants (in milligrams per
liter)
pH
Selection of design criteria
Selection of design methods
Stream discharge volume
Stream discharge constituents
Moisture content over time of the tailings/waste rock storage
piles, containment berms, etc.
10. Visual
Visual Contrast Rating Analysis (including visual simulations)
from sensitive travelways and viewpoints before construction,
during construction, operation, reclamation, post-closure, and
after post-closure.
Meeting Visual Quality Objectives and Scenic Integrity
Objectives in Coronado National Forest Plan.
Viewshed analysis for project area relative to Scenic Byway
Corridor Management Plan objectives for SR 83.
11. Reclamation Plan
Presence of pit lake
Acres open to public access at mine closure
12. Soils
Acres of soil disturbance
Cubic yards of topsoil removed
Cubic yards of topsoil stockpiled
Change in chemical composition of soil
Model of potential area of soil contamination from mine
operations
Trucking / shipping routes for hazardous materials
A nL is a unit of luminance of surface brightness. 1 Lambert = I
lumen/sq cm for a uniformly diffusing surface. A naturally dark sky
has a brightness of about 54 nL at the zenith, rising (due to
natural causes) to approximately 100 nL 10 degrees above the
horizon.
07132009
DRAFT ISSUE STATEMENTS
ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT
The extensive process to identify significant issues is in its
final stages. This document presents concise statements for each of
the 12 issue themes identified by Jeanine to be used by the ID Team
to guide the development of alternatives, mitigation measures, and
effects analysis. Using your knowledge and all information received
during the scoping process, please review the issue statements
below that apply to your resource specialty. To finalize these
statements, I need the IDT to validate that statements have
captured the essence of public comments and are appropriately
worded. Issues that are irrelevant to the decision to be made,
already decided (by law, regulation, Forest Plan), not measurable,
are conjectural and not supported by scientific evidence, are of
very low likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed/direction
generally do not need to be discussed in the EIS, hence, you will
notice that some concerns have been consolidated or dropped
altogether. An issue statement should describe a specific action
and the expected effects. Only you know if my assumptions about
what actions cause what effects for your resource area are
appropriate.
As a reminder, CEQ regs tell us to concentrate on issues that
are truly significant to the actionrather than amassing needless
detail and identify issues deserving of studyde-emphasize
non-significant issues. Non-significant issues are only briefly
discussed in the EIS.
Issue statements should also tie to quantifiable measures that
will allow the comparison of alternatives and effects. I have
included suggested units of measure here also. Please identify
which measures should be used in the effects analysis to describe
and compare effects. Measures should be considered in terms of the
following: likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed. These
assignments are to be completed by July 15th. We will be reviewing
and discussing final issues and units of measure at the July 22nd
IDT meeting (0900 in Rm 4B).
AIR
Issue Potential impacts to air quality. Construction, mining,
and reclamation may result in an increase in dust, airborne
chemicals, and vehicular emissions, further leading to the
potential for:
Increased risk of health issues for area residents;
Reduced visibility for local residents, motorists on State Route
83, recreationists, astronomical observatories, and local amateur
astronomers and stargazers.
Units of measure: Air quality dispersion model, PM10 and PM2.5,
Air quality constituents (CO, CO2, NO), Regional Haze standard
HERITAGE RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to heritage resources. Heritage
Resources may be affected by the siting of the open pit, processing
facilities, administrative facilities, and tailings and waste rock
piles; by drilling and blasting; and by the development of
mine-related transportation systems. Potential impacts may
include:
Loss or damage to existing prehistoric and historic sites,
Loss or reduction of cultural practice opportunities,
Loss or reduction of future scientific research potential.
Units of measure: Acres disturbed, sites lost, acres of specific
veg lost, distance and units of vibration. Narrative on TCPs and
cultural landscape
NIGHT SKIES
Issue Potential impacts to night sky values. Increased light
emissions from buildings, light poles, equipment, and vehicles may
diminish dark skies. Impacts include the potential for:
Reduced star visibility;
Increased light directly visible from State Route 83, as well as
from local and distant key observation points;
Altered habitat, mating, migration, and other behaviors for
certain wildlife species.
Units of measure: nanoLamberts (nL)
NOISE AND VIBRATION
Issue Potential increase in noise and vibration. Drilling and
blasting, mine operations, equipment use, and vehicular traffic may
increase noise and ground vibrations in the immediate area of the
mine, and present the potential for:
Damage to historic sites due to vibration;
Decreased recreational opportunities and qualities of solitude,
quiet, and naturalness;
Decreased quality of life for local residents (e.g., through
disturbed sleep patterns, cracking foundations);
Decreased wildlife habitat quantity and quality, accompanied by
changes in wildlife behavior.
Units of measure: change in ambient noise levels in dB, average
dB = L, vibration?
RECREATION
Issue Potential impacts to recreation. Construction, mining, and
reclamation activities may alter recreational quality, access,
opportunities, and tourism revenues, and include the potential
for:
Reduced visitor safety;
Loss or reduction of solitude, remoteness, rural setting, and
quiet;
Changes in the types of recreation activities pursued in the
area;
Increased visitation to other recreational areas;
Increased mine-related tourism;
Reduced nature-based tourism.
Units of measure: Acres lost, change in Recreation Visitor Days
(RVDs), change in Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Forest Plan
amendment?, miles and numbers of road/trail/trailheads lost or
closed to public, reduction in hunting permits and hunting days
lost, tourism revenue lost
RIPARIAN HABITAT
Issue Potential impacts to riparian habitat. Surface disturbance
due to construction of mine facilities and mining operations, as
well as a potential reduction in the water table or alteration of
hydrologic flows due to mine operations, may result in the loss of
riparian vegetation, the loss of unique riparian vegetation
species, and the loss of old-growth native trees. In addition, mine
construction and operation has the potential to result in:
Fragmentation of local riparian systems,
Loss of habitat critical to certain native plant and wildlife
species,
Downstream impacts to unique habitat associated with Davidson
Canyon and the Las Cienegas National Conservation Area.
Units of Measure: Acres lost or disturbed
PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Issue Potential impacts to plant and wildlife species. Mine
construction and operation will result in the loss of existing
habitat, habitat fragmentation, species displacement, and increased
wildlife mortality in the immediate vicinity of the mine. In
addition, construction, operation, and reclamation activities have
the potential to result in:
Loss of special status species and species of conservation
concern;
Fragmentation of wildlife movement corridors;
Decreased genetic flow among populations;
Disruption of mating, foraging, and other behaviors of certain
nocturnal species;
Conflicts with existing conservation plans and recovery
goals;
Reduced forage for wildlife and livestock;
Increased potential for establishment and/or expansion of
non-native species.
Units of Measure: (local and regional) Habitat lost or modified,
species and relative populations, acres disturbed, dB measures by
distance
TRANSPORTATION
Issue Potential impacts to traffic patterns and transportation
infrastructure. Transport of supplies and equipment for
construction and operation of the mine, the movement of mine
employees and vendors, and transport of processed ore and other
materials from the mine site will result in increased traffic in
the general project vicinity. In addition, mine-related traffic has
the potential to contribute to:
Congestion and delays along area roadways, particularly along
State Route 83;
Increased dust, noise, light, and litter pollution;
Increased vehicle emissions;
Reduced safety along area roadways;
Increased numbers of collisions and associated vehicle
damage;
Increased vehicle/wildlife collisions;
Accelerated deterioration of roadways and increased maintenance
requirements.
Units of measure: Change in number and type of traffic, change
in miles of road type by jurisdiction, construction and maintenance
costs, Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine traffic, effects to
overflights
WATER
Issue Potential impacts to groundwater, surface water, and water
quality. Groundwater may flow into the mine pit, lowering the
groundwater table and creating a pit lake. Uncontrolled storm water
runoff or failure of water control features could move contaminants
offsite. Exposure of sulfide-bearing waste rock, tailings, and pit
wall rock to air and water may affect groundwater and surface water
chemistry. These potential consequences could lead to:
Contamination of wells and other waters in the area surrounding
the mine;
Reduced surface and subsurface flows, including to wells,
springs and seeps;
Excessive erosion or destabilization of reclaimed slopes;
Saturation areas in the dry-stack tailings, which may contribute
to a liquefaction failure of the tailings;
Violation of various water quality standards and permits;
Public exposure to contaminated water bodies.
VISUAL RESOURCES
Issue Potential impacts to visual resources in the Rosemont
Valley. Landscape changes resulting from mine construction and
operation (including vegetation removal; excavation of the open
pit; deposition of the tailing and waste rock piles; construction
of new access roads; and the presence of mine-related buildings,
utilities, flood control facilities, earthmoving equipment and
other vehicles, and fencing) will directly result in alteration of
form, line, texture, and color in Rosemont Valley, and reduced
scenic quality from numerous viewpoints in the project vicinity.
The project also has the potential to result in:
Increased dust and reduced visibility,
Loss of Scenic Byway designation for State Route 83.
Units of Measure: Visual contrast Rating Analysis from KOPs and
travelways, Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) and Scenic Integrity
Objectives Forest Plan Amendment?, Scenic Byway Corridor Management
Plan objectives
RECLAMATION PLAN
Issue Potential impacts of reclamation design, planning,
implementation, and long-term success on multiple resources. Mining
and reclamation will cause long-term or permanent changes to the
landscape and land uses. Concerns with reclamation include:
Adequacy of funding and bonding,
Post-reclamation land use opportunities,
Successful recontouring and revegetation to mimic
pre-disturbance conditions,
Adequacy of monitoring programs,
Long-term or permanent resource impacts.
Units of measure: Presence of pit lake, acres open to public at
mine closure, post-mine uses of area
SOILS
Issue Potential impacts to soils. Mine construction and
operation will result in the loss of approximately 3,600 acres of
topsoil, although the majority of that soil is intended to be
stockpiled for use in reclamation. Clearing of vegetation, grading,
and stockpiling of soils has the potential to result in:
Increased erosion and subsequent sediment flows into riparian
channels,
Loss of key nutrients and bio-organisms,
Reduced soil productivity,
Potential soil contamination.
Units of Measure: Acres disturbed, cubic yards of topsoil
removed and stockpiles, change in chemical composition, potential
for soil contamination, trucking/shipping routes for hazmat
Issue Category
Units to Measure Change
1. Air
Emissions changes measured via air quality dispersion
modeling
Concentration of air quality constituents (NAAQS)
Concentration of air particulates
2. Heritage Resources
Acres of disturbance (blading)
Number of archaeological sites (NRHP eligible prehistoric and
historic) to be removed/bladed
Number of acres of removed vegetation (for native plant
gathering) relative to overall vegetation availability: ratio
Distance and units of vibration for impacts to standing historic
structures
Qualitative: Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) and cultural
landscape impacts have to do with spiritual connection to land;
difficult to measure.
3. Night Skies
Total existing sky brightness in nanoLamberts (nL)
Total sky brightness in nL due to mine lighting
The fractional increase in sky brightness due to mine lighting.
The fractional increase is a ratio of the sky brightness including
mine lighting to the existing sky brightness1:1 would be a
situation where there is no change in sky brightness; 1.1:1 is a
situation where mine lighting results in a 10% increase in sky
brightness. A fractional increase of 10% is generally only just
perceptible to most people when the two sources of light can be
directly compared, with one appearing directly adjacent to the
other. A fractional increase of 50% (1.5:1) would be visible to
most observers. [We would need to talk to the observatories to
figure out what the changes would mean to them in terms of star
visibility.]
No known quantitative measures for impacts to quality of life
from direct visibility of light sources. Qualitative assessment
based on areas from which light sources may be directly
visible.
No known quantitative measures for impacts to wildlife and
hunters and night time travelers on SR 83. Qualitative assessment
of impacts based on increased sky brightness and areas from which
light sources may be directly visible.
4. Noise & Vibration
Thresholds of Concern [unit to measure change will be ambient
noise now vs. ambient noise with mining operations]
EPA 1974 - Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. EPA 550/9-74-004. Washington, D.C. March
1974.
70 Leq or less to prevent measureable hearing loss [Leq = the
equivalent continuous noise level, which is the dBA average over
time. Because of the greater sensitivity to noise levels at night
10 dBA are added to any night time sounds before calculation Ldn or
Leq]
55 dB or less outdoors to prevent annoyance [dB = decibels]
45 dB or less indoors to prevent annoyance
MSHA (30 CFR 62.130)
If miners are exposed to 85 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
they are required to enroll in a hearing protection program. [dBA =
the A-weighted decibel is the adjusted unit of sound used to
describe human response to noise from industrial and transportation
sources, including mining]
If miners are exposed to 90 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must use feasible engineering and administrative
controls to reduce noise levels.
If miners are exposed to 105 dBA or more over an 8-hour period,
mine operators must ensure that they use both ear plug and earmuff
type hearing protectors.
Miners must not be exposed to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA at
any time.
5. Recreation
Acres of recreation opportunity lost and/or effected
Acres of change in ROS settings
Miles and number of designated trails lost or rerouted (e.g.,
Arizona Trail)
Miles and number of recreation access roads closed
Number of trailheads lost or modified
Estimated revenue lost from reduced tourism
Hunting permits/opportunities modified or lost
Number and type of hazardous sites accessible by recreation
user
6. Riparian Habitat
Acres of riparian vegetation lost
Acres of riparian vegetation disturbed
7. Plants & Animals
If possible, list of all species of conservation concern with
population numbers and locations relative to the Project Area and
region of the project area
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for species of conservation concern
Ratio of regional habitat removed for species of conservation
concern
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations by species
pending hydrologic, noise, light, soil, and air quality
studies..
Acres of habitat lost or changed
Ratio of removed habitat compared to overall habitat
requirements for key species
Ratio of regional habitat removed for key species
Acres of habitat disturbed by mining operations
Noise levels measured in decibels from distinct distances from
project area (e.g., 500 feet, 1000 feet, 0.5 mile, etc.)
8. Transportation
Traffic counts per day by vehicle type, trip destination and/or
type, load transported, and time of day, and road used
Miles of existing roadway by road classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of new road construction and classification and
jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Miles of road proposed for upgrades, type of upgrades, location,
and jurisdiction (ADOT, County, State Land, USFS, Rosemont, Other
private.
Cost per mile of anticipated roadway upgrades (one-time
cost)
Cost per mile of required roadway maintenance (per unit of time;
daily, weekly, monthly, whatever)
Miles of Scenic Byway used for mine related traffic (SR 83
only)
Traffic modeling for safety and hazardous materials (this is not
a unit of measure)
Trip count per day for all hazardous materials (list by
hazardous material type. Be sure to separate hazmat from hazardous
substances, hazwaste, etc.)
Locations (or linear unit of measure) of important wildlife
crossing corridors
Military operations (discrete overflights or affected flight
time, as applicable) in mine area
9. Water
Mg/l of chemical concentration in potential waste rock
samples
Net acid generation (NAG) of potential waste rock samples
Net neutralization potential (NAP) of potential waste rock
samples
pH of potential waste rock samples
Potential waste rock sample statistics and locations
Elevation of the water table (in feet)
Seasonal flow in seeps and springs (in gallons per minute)
Seepage (gallons per day)
Groundwater chemistry (mg/Kg and standard pH units)
Depth of water in pit (in feet); surface acreage; total
volume
Tracking of seasonal changes, if any.
Concentration of ADEQ-listed contaminants (in milligrams per
liter)
pH
Selection of design criteria
Selection of design methods
Stream discharge volume
Stream discharge constituents
Moisture content over time of the tailings/waste rock storage
piles, containment berms, etc.
10. Visual
Visual Contrast Rating Analysis (including visual simulations)
from sensitive travelways and viewpoints before construction,
during construction, operation, reclamation, post-closure, and
after post-closure.
Meeting Visual Quality Objectives and Scenic Integrity
Objectives in Coronado National Forest Plan.
Viewshed analysis for project area relative to Scenic Byway
Corridor Management Plan objectives for SR 83.
11. Reclamation Plan
Presence of pit lake
Acres open to public access at mine closure
12. Soils
Acres of soil disturbance
Cubic yards of topsoil removed
Cubic yards of topsoil stockpiled
Change in chemical composition of soil
Model of potential area of soil contamination from mine
operations
Trucking / shipping routes for hazardous materials
A nL is a unit of luminance of surface brightness. 1 Lambert = I
lumen/sq cm for a uniformly diffusing surface. A naturally dark sky
has a brightness of about 54 nL at the zenith, rising (due to
natural causes) to approximately 100 nL 10 degrees above the
horizon.
07132009
DRAFT ISSUE STATEMENTS
ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT
The extensive process to identify significant issues is in its
final stages. This document presents concise statements for each of
the 12 issue themes identified by Jeanine to be used by the ID Team
to guide the development of alternatives, mitigation measures, and
effects analysis. Using your knowledge and all information received
during the scoping process, please review the issue statements
below that apply to your resource specialty. To finalize these
statements, I need the IDT to validate that statements have
captured the essence of public comments and are appropriately
worded. Issues that are irrelevant to the decision to be made,
already decided (by law, regulation, Forest Plan), not measurable,
are conjectural and not supported by scientific evidence, are of
very low likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed/direction
generally do not need to be discussed in the EIS, hence, you will
notice that some concerns have been consolidated or dropped
altogether. An issue statement should describe a specific action
and the expected effects. Only you know if my assumptions about
what actions cause what effects for your resource area are
appropriate.
As a reminder, CEQ regs tell us to concentrate on issues that
are truly significant to the actionrather than amassing needless
detail and identify issues deserving of studyde-emphasize
non-significant issues. Non-significant issues are only briefly
discussed in the EIS.
Issue statements should also tie to quantifiable measures that
will allow the comparison of alternatives and effects. I have
included suggested units of measure here also. Please identify
which measures should be used in the effects analysis to describe
and compare effects. Measures should be considered in terms of the
following: likelihood/magnitude/extent/duration/speed. These
assignments are to be completed by July 15th. We will be reviewing
and discussing final issues and units of measure at the July 22nd
IDT meeting (0900 in Rm 4B).
AIR
Issue Potential impacts to air quality. Construction, mining,
and reclamation may result in an increase in dust, airborne
chemicals, and vehicular emissions, further leading to the
potential for:
Increased risk of health issues for area residents;
Reduced visibility for local residents, motorists on State Route
83, recreationists, astronomical observatories, and local amateur
astronomers and stargazers.
Units of measure: Air
