Payette National Forest releases Final Environmental Impact Statement

MCCALL, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — On September 6, the Payette National Forest will release the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision for the Stibnite Gold Project with a 45-day pre-decision objection period. Stibnite is a proposed mining operation in central Idaho on the Payette and Boise National Forests that would create one of the largest gold, silver and antimony mines in the United States.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Project analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the mining operation proposed by Perpetua Resources, Idaho, Inc. through a general operations plan. The Draft Decision outlines the Forest Service’s decision to authorize the 2021 Amended Mining Plan and approve a special use authorization for the installation of a new power transmission line with transmission line upgrades and supporting infrastructure. Additionally, the decision approves project-specific plan amendments to the 2003 Payette National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and the 2010 Boise National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

“As an agency with a multi-purpose mission, we balance the demand for mineral extraction and the associated social and economic benefits with our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” said Kevin Knesek, assistant forest manager for the Payette National Forest. “The Forest Service is required by regulation to evaluate mining plans for operations on our public lands open to extractable minerals, ensure the plans comply with environmental regulations and minimize adverse impacts to the extent possible.

“This project is complex, and its impacts have been rigorously analyzed over the past seven years,” Knesek continued. “Projects of this scale and type present unique challenges, and this is especially true when they involve tribal interests, whether those interests are treaty-related or tied to cultural use and identity. The Forest Service can only understand and respond to these concerns through meaningful consultation, and I am grateful for the tribal input we received. I want to thank the many individuals and stakeholders who contributed to this analysis. Whether it was our collaborating organizations who met with us regularly throughout this process or the thousands of individuals who took the time to comment on draft versions during comment periods, this participation contributed meaningfully and made our analysis better for it,” Knesek added. “The Final Environmental Impact Statement and the resulting Draft Record of Decision include numerous changes and mitigations intended to minimize environmental impacts from mining operations.”

The objection process provides an opportunity for those who have previously participated in a formal public comment period for this project to have their unresolved concerns reviewed before the Forest Officer makes a final decision. Individuals must have submitted substantive formal comments regarding the project during previous comment periods to object, except if the issue is based on new information that comes to light after the comment opportunities (36 CFR 218.8(c)). Objections will be accepted for 45 days after the legal notice is published in the Idaho Statesman. Those wishing to submit objections should not rely on dates or timeframes provided by any other source.

On September 6, the Final Environmental Impact Statement, the Draft Decision and information on the appeal will be published. Project website.