Mining exploration update along the Salmon River
Main Salmon IRU River Trip 2021 PC: IRU Staff
Locals and visitors alike have forged a deep appreciation for the Salmon River, not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for its role as a haven for fish and wildlife. The river provides a critical habitat for salmon and steelhead, contributing to the delicate balance of the region's ecosystem. What makes the Salmon River truly exceptional is not just its scenic grandeur but also its designation as a Wild and Scenic River, a distinction that underscores its ecological significance and the need for its preservation.
Beyond its ecological significance, the Salmon River holds a special place to many people. Whitewater enthusiasts navigate its rapids, hikers explore its rugged trails, and anglers cast their lines into its pristine waters. Those who are lucky enough to venture out to central Idaho can attest that the Salmon River offers an unparalleled outdoor experience.
However, the extraction industry has been drawn to the area as well with various exploration projects being proposed near the Salmon River corridor. In less than six months, Diamond Creek REE Exploration Project, Megado Silver King Exploration Project, and Lone Pine III Exploration Project have all submitted proposals to the Forest Service to begin the scoping phase.
As the proposals make their way to the Forest Service, the potential for environmental degradation and cumulative impacts on the cherished Salmon River and its tributaries looms large. IRU has raised concerns about the potential for groundwater and surface water pollution, habitat destruction, and harming ESA-listed species. The collective footprint of exploration drilling, road construction, and potential discharges of sediments and pollutants pose a considerable risk to the Salmon River.
The Lone Pine Exploration proposal is located a short seven miles west of Salmon, Idaho, and just a few miles north lies the proposed area for the Diamond Creek Exploration project. Both exploration projects sit on top of tributaries to the Salmon River. The proximity of two projects, both located within less than 10 miles from Salmon, Idaho, raises legitimate concerns about potential negative impacts on the local environment and community. If approved, exploration will bring increased noise, traffic, and altered landscapes, which can negatively impact the tranquil ambiance that draws residents and visitors alike to Salmon.
Furthermore, the potential environmental consequences, such as water contamination and habitat disruption, could compromise the region's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in activities like rafting, fishing, hiking, and camping. The recreation industry, a vital economic driver for the community, may face challenges as the pristine natural environment could be compromised.
The geographical location of the Megado Silver King Exploration Project is especially unsettling as it is proposed at the headwaters of the East Fork Spring Creek, which flows into Spring Creek, a tributary of the Wild and Scenic segment of the Salmon River. The Wild and Scenic designation implies a commitment to preserving the natural character of the river and its surrounding environment.
However, the proximity of the exploration project to this ecologically sensitive area poses potential threats to water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the overall integrity of the Salmon River watershed. Preservation of this critical segment demands careful consideration of the potential impacts of the project on the Salmon River’s abundance of outstanding and remarkable values (ORVs) - fish, ecology, geology, history, prehistory, Native American traditional use, recreation, scenery, wildlife, and water quality.
Each of these projects are currently listed as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) by the U.S. Forest Service – meaning the Forest Service has deemed the projects will not have a significant impact on the environment and is not requiring any further analysis of environmental consequences under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). These exclusions often allow certain projects to bypass in-depth environmental assessments, potentially overlooking critical ecological, social, and cultural factors.
Exploration projects can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and surrounding communities. Relying on CEs leads to an insufficient understanding of the potential consequences, hindering the identification and mitigation of adverse effects. In the context of exploration projects, a more comprehensive evaluation establishes a level of understanding of potential risks and benefits and fosters informed decision-making.
Our concerns are not just with the individual projects, but are also focused on the cumulative impacts that could disrupt the Salmon River ecosystem. As river conservation advocates, we must ensure that the Forest Service considers the long-term consequences on the Salmon River and its tributaries, safeguarding this invaluable natural treasure for generations to come. It's a call to action – a plea for thoughtful stewardship and unwavering commitment to the conservation of our waterways.
