The U.S. Forest Service has extended the comment period for the draft environmental impact statement for the Rock Creek Mine project near Noxon.
Residents will now have until April 19 to submit comments on the proposed copper and silver project. Kootenai National Forest officials said in a press release announcing the extension that they wanted to give people more time to review the draft supplemental environmental impact because it is a “complex document.”
The draft study released in February addresses concerns about sediment control and ground water at Rock Creek.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based Hecla Mining Company is spearheading the Rock Creek project. The copper and silver deposit has the potential to produce 2 billion pounds of copper and 200 million ounces of silver. In full operation, the mine would employ more than 300 people, according to the company.
Written comment can be submitted to Michael Huffine, Kootenai National Forest, 31374 U.S. 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022, or by email to: [email protected]. Comments can also be hand-delivered to the KNF between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
For more information concerning the Rock Creek Project contact Michael Huffine, Project Coordinator, Kootenai National Forest, 31374 U.S. 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022, 406-293-6211. More information on the proposed Rock Creek Project can be found on the KNF’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kootenai/landmanagement/projects