We are deeply grateful to everyone who submitted comments in response to the BLM's Draft Environmental Assessment of the Copper Creek exploratory mining project, before their April 14 deadline.
We've received positive feedback from many who were able to attend the comments-writing workshop led by Russ McSpadden of the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) in Oracle, as well those who afterwards were accessed the resources provided (see below).
It is now up to BLM to respond. While this may take some time, we will keep everyone posted as soon as we learn of their decision, at which point we will also find out how many comments were received.
To keep fully up to date and in the loop, consider becoming an LSPWA member. There is no cost and you'll be sure to receive timely updates, including our quarterly Still Wild Newsletter.
The Workshop was sponsored by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Lower San Pedro Watershed Alliance and RLV Oracle Art (Wilson Barn Arts). Many thanks to Russ McSpadden for generously sharing his time and expertise, and to our volunteers for their hands-on efforts.
Writing comments that meet the Bureau of Land Management's "substantive" standards helps strengthen the efforts of LSPWA, CBD and partners in the fight to protect the Lower San Pedro Watershed from threatened industrial destruction. Our major concern is that industrial mining at Copper Creek will deplete both community and wildlife water sources, while irreparably harming the San Pedro River, one of Arizona’s last pristine and unfragmented wilderness areas (second only to the Grand Canyon). Note: All U.S. residents are welcome to comment; proposed activities are on public lands, which belong to every one of us.
A. FROM THE WORKSHOP
Letter-Writing Workshop Presentation given by Russ McSpadden (MP4, with sound)
Letter-Writing Workshop Powerpoint (PDF, no sound)
B. KEY PHRASES
In addition to consulting Key Issues to Consider for Public Comments, feel free to use some of these phrases when writing your response:
An Environmental Assessment is not sufficient. BLM should proceed with a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The EA doesn’t take into consideration…
The EA fails to address…
BLM failed to identify the best available science for [fill in the blank]
BLM failed to consider [fill in the blank]
I’m concerned this project will have impacts on [aquifers, downstream effects, wildlife, air quality, personal and public wells, birding, hunting, recreation]
I’m concerned 67 drill sites will lead to [list concerns]
The EA doesn’t properly analyze what the impacts would be to [fill in the blank]
Ask questions in your letter, such as:
How will you enforce speed limits, light shields, noise reduction?
Will you monitor water use and impacts on our communities?
Why wasn’t any data presented regarding baseline air quality from existing mining projects and possible future impact?
Why doesn’t the EA include the Mexican spotted owl or ocelots when they’ve been discovered in the area?
C. NEWS STORIES
Looking for more background? Check out these recent news stories:
Guest Editorial – Hydrology in the San Pedro (San Manuel Miner)
How 7B Ranch will be impacted by Faraday/Redhawk mining (Arizona Republic)
BLM opens Environmental Assessment for Copper Creek Mine Project to public comment (Arizona Public Media)
Arizona’s groundwater laws mean proposed copper mine near Mammoth could pump unlimited water (Inside Climate News)
Local opinion: Proposed mine threatens San Pedro River, Aravaipa Canyon (Arizona Daily Star)
Community concerned about future of San Pedro Watershed environment (ABC15 News)
Sonora ranchers warn imperiled San Pedro aquifer will impact Arizona, too (Arizona Daily Star)
D. BLM RESOURCES
Draft Environmental Assessment released by the Bureau of Land Management (PDF, 175 pp.)
BLM Public meeting for proposed Copper Creek Exploration, March 6, 2025 (Zoom Recording)
E. WAYS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS
Must be postmarked or submitted by April 14, 2025
Write a letter and mail it to:
Sharisse Flatt, Safford Field Manager
BLM – Safford Field Office
711 S. 14th Ave.
Safford, AZ 85546
Online via the "Participate Now" tab on the BLM NEPA register:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2022124/510
F. NO TIME TO WRITE A COMMENT, BUT KEEN TO HELP?
Consider signing onto the Center for Biological Diversity's Action Alert! It’s a simple click-and-fill-in form that you can also add a few personalizations to, if you want. You can do that here:
https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/jg9E7g9P9U2syMY-SWcnQQ2?
G. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please contact Russ McSpadden (RMcSpadden@biologicaldiversity.org ) or LSPWA (lowersanpedro@gmail.com) if you have additional questions.