DEADLINE: Comment letters are due to Nevada County by August 17, 2020
On July 17, the County published a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to identify what issues should be addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to assess the impacts associated with re-opening the Idaho Maryland Mine. The community has less than a month to provide input!
Now is the time to make sure the County is asking the right questions!
Let’s make sure everyone’s voices are heard on this mine proposal. Here’s how you can participate.
Review the Mine Proposal
- County’s Notice of Preparation (NOP)
- Video of the County scoping meeting
- Frequently Asked Questions about the mine
Formulate questions about the mine’s impacts
- Identify your areas of concern
- Write down concrete, specific requests for investigation
- If you have questions, contact the County or email CEA at mineconcerns@cea-nc.org
Call or send a letter to the County with your comments
- Call or send a letter to Nevada County Planner, Matt Kelley, no later than August 17th
- Share your ideas about the mine proposal with other people
- Please send a copy of your comments to CEA at mineconcerns@cea-nc.org
What points should I make?
Make your letter or call about what concerns you the most. Some people focus on the environmental impacts of the mine on the land, water and wildlife. Others are concerned about air pollution, traffic impacts and neighborhood safety. Some people want to know what impacts there might be to climate change. Make your specific requests and questions clear, for example “I’m concerned how this proposal impacts wells in the area. The EIR should analyze the impacts to area wells.”
Some tips for writing an effective comment letter
- Focus your study requests on the environmental process, what you want analyzed, and what environmental impacts you want considered.
- Make sure that your specific requests are clear, concise and singular (bullet points are fine)
- Include your name and contact information in case the County needs to contact you to clarify a point.
- NOP comments are divided into various categories. Reviewing these categories may help spark your thinking and may help organize your comments. The comment categories are:
• Aesthetics
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Air Quality
• Terrestrial & Aquatic Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Tribal Cultural Resources
• Geology / Soils
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Hazards & Hazardous Material
• Hydrology / Water Quality
• Land Use / Planning
• Mineral Resources
• Noise • Population / Housing
• Public Services Recreation
• Transportation & Traffic
• Utilities & Service Systems
• Economic Study
How do I communicate with the Nevada County Department of Planning?
Call or send your letter (email or regular mail) to Nevada County by August 17, 2020
Mr. Matt Kelley
Senior Planner
Nevada County Planning Department
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA 95959-8617
email: matt.kelley@co.nevada.ca.us
phone: 530-265-1222 option 2
Is there a sample letter I can use as a template?
It’s always best to use your own words, but a sample letter is provided below. Start with your personal experience like how long you’ve lived in the area, and briefly share your connection to the project. Most important: be specific about your key concerns and questions about the project.
<FULL NAME>
<ADDRESS>
<CITY, STATE, ZIP>
<EMAIL ADDRESS>
<PHONE>
Dear Mr. Kelly,
I have been a Grass Valley resident for 10 years. Like many others in the area, I was drawn to this community because of its incredible natural beauty, commitment to music and the arts, and compassionate culture.
I am concerned about the proposed Idaho Maryland Mine. Below are my requests for analyses to be included in the Environmental Impact Report. Regarding impact to private wells in the area, the EIR should analyze the total number of private wells that could potentially be impacted, within and beyond the boundaries of the mine’s mineral rights area. The EIR should further analyze:
o The full cost of providing water to those homes if wells become unusable, including connecting neighborhoods to the NID system or providing a separate water supply
o The full cost of connecting each home to that system.
o The full cost of remediation to private well owners to compensate them for the higher ongoing price of water.
o The full cost of treating private wells for the full 80 year life of the lease if water quality is compromised and can be treated locally.
o A clear definition of what constitutes “compromised” water quality that would trigger action for private well owner remediation.
I would be happy to talk with you directly to clarify any questions you might have.
Sincerely,
<SIGNATURE>
Help get others involved in this effort.
1. Share your letter or concerns on social media.
2. Write letters to local publications.