Plan of Operations submitted by Cimbar Resources for three phases of definition drilling at the Santa Rita Quarry to confirm the presence, extent (volume), and assess the grade of limestone.
Opportunity to Object to the Santa Rita Quarry – IMERYS Environmental Assessment
The Nogales Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and draft decision notice (DN) for the Santa Rita Quarry – IMERYS project. This decision selects the modified proposed action to the Plan of Operations submitted by Cimbar Resources Inc. This alternative only includes the three-phase exploratory drilling program, not the potential pit expansion included in the original analysis. Total new disturbance for the 17 drill pads is 1.31 acres in a setting that was previously mined in the Santa Rita Ecosystem Management Area.
The EA, FONSI, and draft DN are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/projects/288997.
Additional information can be obtained from Manuel Silva, Minerals and Geology Program Manager, at manuel.silva@usda.gov or (520) 388-8327.
The proposed project is an activity implementing a land management plan not authorized under the HFRA and is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.
How to file an Objection and Timeframe
Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with §218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.
Objections, including attachments, must be submitted to the Reviewing Officer: Kurt J. Davis, Deputy Forest Supervisor, 300 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ, 85701. Objections may be submitted via mail or electronically. Electronic objections, in common (.doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt) formats, may be submitted on the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/projects/288997 (under the heading “Get Connected,” select Comment/Object on Project). If the comment function is unavailable for any reason, electronic comments may also be submitted by email to: objections-southwestern-coronado@usda.gov with subject: “OBJECTION: Santa Rita Quarry - IMERYS Project.”
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Nogales International, the newspaper of record. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection.
At a minimum, an objection must include the following (36 CFR 218.8(d)):
1. The objector’s name and address, with a telephone number, if available;
2. A signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection);
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector (verification of the identity of the lead objector shall be provided upon request);
4. The name of the proposed project, the name and title of the Responsible Official, and the name(s) of the National Forest(s) and/or Ranger District(s) on which the proposed project will be implemented;
5. A description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed project if applicable, how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider; and
6. A statement that demonstrates connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection.
Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in §218.8(b). It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer pursuant to §218.9. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The form below can be used to submit your comments to the responsible project official.
National Forests have the option to post comments for public viewing on this web site via a public reading room. Active reading rooms allow the public to read or download your letter, including your contact information. If this project has an active reading room, a link labeled “Public Comment Reading Room” will appear on the main project page. The agency may withhold letters containing proprietary information, sensitive cultural or habitat locations, profanity, etc. All letters, including those not posted, will be considered and included as part of the project record.
Disclaimer: All contact information is optional; however, anonymous comments will not provide standing to object.
