Looking toward Montanore: KNF supervisor tells Commission EIS draft pending
A revised draft of the Environmental Impact Statement for the mine proposed by the Montanore Minerals Co. should be available for review next month, Paul Bradford, the Kootenai National Forest Supervisor, told Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday.
“We’re coming along with the draft on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Montanore Mine project,” Bradford said. “We had a good briefing on that. Right now, we’re having interactions with other agencies (that) have responsibilities on all aspects of the statement. I thought it was a good meeting,” Bradford said.
Bradford said all agencies were involved in the meeting, and that progress is being made. However, he said, there is one issue that is causing particular concern.
“Key issues we are dealing with involve the grizzly bears,” he said. “Certainly, there will be water issues, but ultimately the key concerns will be the effect on the grizzly bear plans.”
The EIS draft expected next month will be the second, Bradford said, the first coming in February 2009. Bradford said the EIS likely would have a federal Environmental Protection Agency supplement to deal with water quality.
“There is very high interest in this,” Bradford said.
Addressing the grizzly bear issues, Bradford said, concerns emanate from the numbers estimated to be in the area.
“Some believe there are as many as 100 in the area, and I don’t think the facts support that,” Bradford said.
The KNF Supervisor also expressed some concern about jurisdictional differences of the area, citing some alignment with the Forest Service office in Spokane and another in Helana.
“Ultimately, it will probably end up in court,” Bradford said of a jurisdictional decision.
Libby Commissioner Tony J. Berget asked Bradford whether it would do any good to put pressure on the agencies.
“I don’t know that pressure is going to help (define) the grizzly bear issues,” Bradford said. “I think they know what they need to finish the report.”
Bradford indicated the agencies are seeking a mining plan that will protect the water and grizzly bear issues.
“In July, we hope to publish the plan — the draft Environmental Impact Statement — and also have a revised Forest Plan,” he said.
Bradford said after the EIS draft is released there would then be a public comment period that would include feedback and then a revised statement could written that takes into consideration further bear studies.
“Then, maybe, in a year we will see the next plan.”
Lincoln County Presiding Commissioner Marianne B. Roose offered an assessment.
“Seems like the grizzly bears and the wolves are controlling us, Paul,” she mused.
Responding to a question from Berget about a spill at the mine, Bradford said that report was of sand and silica, and not a conventional spill, such as a petroleum or oil byproduct.
“I think there was some concern of sand or silica getting into the streams and affecting spawning,” Bradford said.
Braddford also said the district was close to establishing food-storage guidelines for people using public lands, again an attempt to help control grizzly bears.
“This is important, and to show we are serious about the bears, we need to have this in place,” Bradford said. “I just wanted to give you a heads-up. You can expect this in the next few days. People are going to have to comply or there may be a fine.”
In other action, the Lincoln County Commissioners …:
• … signed an interagency agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct noninvasive sampling, genetic analysis and population modeling related to grizzly and black bears in the county. The collaborative agreement signed by Presiding Commissioner Roose and approved by commissioners Berget and Ron Downey, allows studies of bear population, size, distribution and genetic structure. The agreement also allows the USGS to create a library relating local populations to those of neighboring areas.
• … approved a resolution presented by Lincoln County Forester Ed Levert declaring June as Wildfire Awareness Month. Levert spoke specifically how his visits to schools has helped to educate county students about the dangers of fires both in the timberlands and in the home. Libby Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Wood, who happened to be in the meeting, echoed Levert’s comments, saying he has noticed a reduction of as many as 30 grassfires as a result of public awareness. The resolution, which was complimented by Presiding Commissioner Roose, was drafted by Leverts and Lincoln County Administrator Bill Bischoff.
• … approved the term extensions of three members to the Fortine Trego Cemetery Board, who include Darris Flanagan of Fortine; Betty Pomeroy also of Fortine, and Gayle McCarron of Trego. These terms, which were to expire on June 30, have been extended for three years by unanimous vote.