In the News

News Clips about Smoky Canyon with Corrections & Clarifications

Simplot seeks mineral
Idaho State Journal; Set 26, 2007
Clarifications and corrections:
- correct name is Dairy Syncline
- Simplot concluded drilling program in 2005
- EIS process takes so long, company must keep options open
- Current EIS for Panels F&G has taken five years so far
Idaho State Journal article with comments - (29K)

Impact statement due - Feds gauge effect of planned Simplot mine expansion
Idaho State Journal; Sept 25, 2007
Clarifications and corrections:
- Most comments were from email solicitation
- Roadless rules do not prohibit development of mining leases
- Road across private land developed in EIS process
- Agencies decided not to select private land road although it may be best route
- Cap is 7-8 feet thick
- Simplot has addressed historic impacts from selenium
- Pipeline problem were identified and corrected.
-There are a number of differences between DEIS and final EIS
- Assertions of collusion are insulting to agencies and Simplot
Idaho State Journal article with comments - (125K)

Study: Risk of mining pollution ignored by John Miller (AP)
Idaho Statesman : Sept 21, 2007
Clarifications and corrections:
- FEIS was released in late Oct 2007
- Simplot has completed projects to address selenium
- Selenium contamination not known earlier
- Only 3 years of ore remaining at SMC
Idaho Statesman article with comments (78K)

Clean Water - Letter to Editor
Star Valley Independent ; Aug 16, 2007
Clarifications and corrections:
- Deer Creek has not been impacted due to mining
- Sage Creek and Hoopes Springs do not exceed water standards
- Research was done and paid for by activists not Idaho State University
- We are all looking for successful methods to deal with selenium

News Clip Summary: Wendi Bell, a Greater Yellowstone Coalition organizer, asserts mining has contaminated Deer Creek, Sage Creek and Hoopes Spring and that a study shows loss of 90 percent of trout due to selenium contamination.
Letter to Editor with comments - PDF 47K

Idaho mines harm Yellowstone fish, ISU report states
Idahostatesman - Jan. 12, 2007
Clarifications:
- Idaho State University did not release the study
- Study was paid for and released by an activist group
- Article claims Yellowstone cutthroat decline based on selenium
- Wildlife service says Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are not "endangered"

News Clip summary: Two of the West's largest remaining populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout face sharp declines due to contamination from phosphate mines in Southeast Idaho, Idaho State University professors say. Balanced information on this issue is available in the Idaho Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Management Plan.- http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/programs/yellowstone.pdf

News Clip with comments - PDF 29K