Plan for proposed Caldwell Canyon phosphate mine available for review
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SODA SPRINGS, Idaho – Today the Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing a mine and reclamation plan (M&RP) that P4 Productions, LLC submitted for the proposed Caldwell Canyon Mine. P4, a subsidiary of Bayer, has proposed a plan to develop several phosphate leases that the company owns on Schmidt Ridge about 13 miles east northeast of Soda Springs, Idaho. The BLM and other agencies cooperating on the Draft EIS are seeking public input to ensure all aspects of the Proposed Action have been thoroughly analyzed.
The preferred alternative analyzed in the EIS seeks a balance between resource extraction and conservation, while providing opportunities for high paying jobs in the local community. If approved, the Caldwell Canyon Mine would sustain approximately 185 mining jobs and 585 plant jobs for an additional 40 years, and would aid the region by providing $49 million annually in payroll, taxes, royalties, purchases, as well as sustaining support and service jobs.
P4 would use mining methods at the Caldwell Canyon Mine similar to those used at the Blackfoot Bridge Mine, and would begin in time to allow a transition from the Blackfoot Bridge Mine when it is depleted. The preferred alternative includes use of an earthen cover, combined with a geo-synthetic cover, over selected portions of the mine waste rock to meet water quality standards.
The BLM will make decisions related to approval of the Mine and Reclamation Plan and/or alternatives; enlargement of the existing leases; and issuing authorizations for infrastructure.
Public meetings will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the following locations:
- BLM Pocatello Field Office, 4350 Cliffs Drive, Pocatello, Idaho 83204; Tues., Dec.18, 2018.
- FS Soda Springs Ranger District, 410 E. Hooper Ave. Pocatello, Idaho 83276; Wed. Dec. 19, 2018.
An electronic copy of the Draft EIS is available on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA Register website at https://bit.ly/2SaxWcO. To ensure comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Caldwell Canyon Mine Draft EIS by Jan. 14, 2019.
Comments can be submitted through the following methods;
- on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA Register website at https://bit.ly/2SaxWcO,
- by e-mail at blm_id_caldwell_canyon_mine_eis@blm.gov,
- by mail sent to Caldwell Canyon Mine EIS, C/O Tetra Tech, 2525 Palmer Street, Suite 2, Missoula, MT 59808.
Before including your phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
For further information contact Bill Volk, Bureau of Land Management, Pocatello Field Office, phone (208) 236-7503; email: wvolk@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.