DEQ seeks comments for Draft Environmental Assessment of proposed Montana Limestone Resources Mine
HELENA – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality seeks public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed limestone quarry near Drummond.
Montana Limestone Resources, LLC, is seeking an operating permit to extract and process limestone at a 546-acre site on property owned by Washington Limestone Resources. The property is approximately 2.5 miles west of Drummond in Granite County. Approximately 7,000 tons of limestone per week would be extracted from the open pit mine. The material would be processed on site into lime for water treatment and mill workings at the Montana Resources copper and molybdenum mine in Butte.
The Draft Environmental Assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed project, pursuant to the requirements of the Montana Environmental Policy Act. Public scoping was conducted between May 20 and June 19, 2019. The public identified noise, air quality, ground water, and aesthetics as the primary concerns. The Draft Environmental Assessment analyzes two alternatives—the Proposed Action and a No Action alternative.
The EA is available on DEQ’s website at: http://deq.mt.gov/mining/hardrock/mlr_apppg Hard copies will be available upon request. You may submit your comments on the proposed project electronically (mlr-ea@eroresources.com) or by postal mail to the following address:
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Attn: Jen Lane, MEPA Coordinator
PO Box 200901
Helena, MT 59620-0901
Please include your address, phone number, and email address in your comment. Questions on the environmental review may be directed to Jen Lane at jlane2@mt.gov or (406) 444-4956. Comments must be submitted to DEQ no later than end of business day, December 18, 2019.
The permit application is also available for public review at DEQ’s main office in Helena at 1520 E. 6th Ave., or by visiting DEQ’s website: deq.mt.gov/Land/hardrock/mlr_apppg
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