TUCSON, Ariz. — A proposed mining project in the Patagonia Mountains is facing strong opposition from local conservation groups. They are suing the EPA over air quality permits that they believe contain serious loopholes.
Jeremy Nichols from the Center for Biological Diversity expressed frustration, saying, “ADEQ didn’t address our concerns or strengthen the permit as we asked.” Many feel that officials are not acting fast enough to review important permits for the project.
The Hermosa project has raised alarms among environmental advocates, who worry about its potential effects on life in Patagonia. Nichols stated, “This mine could release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution, including heavy metal dust and harmful gases from machinery.”
Mining projects like South32’s Hermosa Project must secure environmental permits to begin construction. Last fall, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) approved an air quality permit, but several advocates believe it was poorly constructed, potentially harming the environment.
In response, groups like the Patagonia Resource Alliance have called on the EPA for more thorough analysis. Chairperson Joni Stellar indicated that there are concerns about ADEQ’s permitting process. “We reached out to the EPA because we see problems with how ADEQ is handling permits,” she said. However, as of now, the EPA has not responded to their inquiry.
After months without a reply, Nichols and other advocates decided to take action, filing a lawsuit against the EPA to prompt action on the permits.
In a response to the concerns, South32 stated that after ADEQ issued the air permit, the EPA conducted a review and had no objections. Their approval allows construction to proceed on privately held land, which is supposed to start as soon as construction is complete.
Even with this approval, many in the community remain uneasy about the lack of oversight from the EPA. Nichols expressed concern that political changes may influence air quality regulations. “The current administration seems less interested in enforcing clean air standards,” he noted, referencing discussions during the Trump administration about easing regulations.
Residents in Patagonia worry that if this project goes ahead without strict standards, it could create serious long-term issues. Stellar said, “Most people here are deeply concerned about the mine. The air we breathe and the water we drink could be at risk for decades.”
Currently, the Hermosa Project is about 30% complete, with mining operations expected to start in 2027.
Source link
EPA,South32,zinc,mining,Patagonia,Center for Biological Diversity,Hermosa Project,Patagonia Area Resource Alliance,Sean Mahoney,Southern Arizona
