Status
Paris Hills ITAFOS is a proposed underground phosphate mine in Bloomington Canyon near Kiesha’s Preserve, the wildlife preserve that Y2U manages, and Paris, Idaho. Due to underground pumping and reinjection issues, the mine permitting process was delayed by two years. Y2U has been negotiating for off-site mitigation for this phosphate mine, submitted sage grouse monitoring and mitigation plans to the mining company as well as State and Federal Agencies, and discussed the lack of air quality monitoring with DEQ. Some of our efforts to date have resulted in an expanded groundwater monitoring program and exploration of the use of more efficient diesel trucks to limit air pollution. There was an additional delay in the permitting process due to the buyout of Agricom by ITAFOS.
Work Plan
- Track permitting and submit comments to the involved agencies.
- Continue negotiations for off-site monitoring and mitigation and cooperate in joint monitoring of Paris Creek and Bloomington Creek flows and water quality.
- Engage with local grazing associations and encourage improved cattle management around sage grouse habitat.
- Utilize local media to educate the public and urge the County to press for full transparency on environmental issues (air, water and noise pollution) related to the mine and surrounding land.
- Request public hearing on air quality issues.
Expected Outcome
Additional concessions from the mining company and cooperation on mitigating wildlife and OHV impacts in the adjacent areas of the Bear River Range.