USFS SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Supplemental Environmental Assessment Report
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has released its Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the CuMo Exploration Project. The report, issued August 15, 2013, follows the Forest Service’s 2011 Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact and will enable fulfillment of a federal judge’s order to carry out studies necessary for completion of the exploration phase of the CuMo Project’s large strategic metals asset in Idaho. The new report demonstrates that by following proper procedures, the exploration program can avoid or mitigate groundwater quality impacts – a key consideration for the federal district court.
The Forest Service’s response to the court focuses on the following subject areas:
- Deeper analysis directed by the court on potential impacts to groundwater quality;
- Additional reporting required by the court addressing mitigation and monitoring measures;
- An update to changes in status of the wolverine and gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act;
- Additional monitoring information performed in 2011 and 2012 on the great gray owl and northern goshawk;
- Rare plant inventories performed on Sacajawea’s bitterroot;
- Additional narrative about the CuMo Project’s Comprehensive Plan of Operation and Best Management Practices Checklist concerning approved temporary roads and drill pad construction and reconstruction.
Click to view the CuMo Exploration Project Team Summary of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment – PDF >
Click to view the entire Supplemental Environmental Assessment Report – PDF >
Your Input Needed
The release of the Supplemental EA begins a 30-day public comment period, beginning August 20 and ending Sept. 18, 2013.
You can submit comments directly on the Boise National Forest Service web form at: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=21302.
You can also submit comments via email at: comments-intermtn-boise@fs.fed.us.
For more information on the project, please visit the Boise National Forest website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=21302.
Subscribe to U.S. Forest Service Bulletins for CuMo Exploration Project
- Visit the CuMo Exploration Project webpage at U.S. Forest Service website (link provided below step #3)
- On the right side look for “Get Connected“
- Click on “Subscribe to Email Updates“