Comments on CuMo Project Environmental Assessment (July 2010)
via email: comments-intermtn-boise-idaho-city@fs.fed.us
USDA Forest Service
Idaho City Ranger District
P.O. Box 129
Idaho City, ID 83631
Re: Comments on CuMo Project Environmental Assessment (July 2010)
Dear Sir or Madam:
Mosquito Consolidated Gold Mines, Ltd. (Mosquito) has reviewed the Environmental Assessment (EA) on Mosquito’s CuMo exploration project in Boise County, Idaho, and feels that the EA adequately addresses this project. Mosquito respectfully submits the following comments:
- The EA notes at pp. 1 and 17 that pits to receive and hold drilling mud will be 25’ x 25’ x 8’ deep. Please note that the Plan of Operations proposes compartmentalized mud pits that are approximately 25’ x 6’ x 8’ deep.
- The EA states at p. 9 that water for drilling would be supplied by pumping from Grimes Creek and from an existing well. On April 27, 2010, the Idaho Department of Water Resources issued a temporary water right permit for this drilling project. Mosquito anticipates very little consumptive use from these diversions. Most of the water is recycled through the drilling process.
- With regard to visual effects, the EA states at p. 33 that 2 miles of roads may be visible from the Banks to Lowman Highway under Alternative A and 1.5 miles under Alternative B. Mosquito does not believe any roads it will construct, or the drilling using these roads, will be visible from the Banks to Lowman Highway or any other public highway.
- As noted in the Plan of Operations (p. 7), Mosquito expects little air quality impact other than an insignificant amount of dust from road construction and use. However, Mosquito will dampen the roads as necessary to hold down dust.
- As a further clarification of the EA’s description of the Project Area (pp. 6 and 84) project exploration will be carried out within Mosquito’s validly-located unpatented mining claims.
- The EA appropriately notes that the roads involved in the project will be temporary and used for moving mining equipment, and that Mosquito “will as necessary” obtain state stream alteration permits for crossings of perennial streams. P. 28. Mosquito does not anticipate building any roads crossing perennial streams as part of this exploration project. Mosquito plans to construct all roads so that they do not result in discharges of storm water to any stream or other water body through any ditch, drain, or similar structure. Mosquito will prepare a
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and file appropriate notices concerning storm water with state and federal authorities. - The EA states, p. 39, that Mosquito plans 13.3 miles of new temporary roads for the drilling project (Alternative A). However, Mosquito anticipates that it will construct fewer than 13.3 miles of roads for this exploration project.
- The EA correctly notes, p. 43, that fuel spill and containment equipment will be provided. Mosquito will employ a spill prevention, control, and containment plan that will include berms, control equipment and spill kits (such as absorbent mats) at fuel storage and drilling locations.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide input. Please contact me with any questions at (604) 520-6511, or geologic@telus.net, and also feel free to contact our consultant, John Moeller, at Forsgren Associates, Inc. in Boise at 863-7343.
Sincerely,
Shaun M Dykes, P. Geo. MSc (Eng)
Exploration Manager, Director
Mosquito Consolidated Gold Mines Ltd.