HELENA – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality released the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Black Butte Copper Project Monday.
The underground copper mine would be operated by Tintina Montana, Inc. and would be located about 15 miles north of White Sulphur Springs.
According to the EIS, the mine would impact just over 300 acres of land with little to no direct impact on hunting, fishing or other recreation opportunities in the area.
The mine would disturb 283 acres of soil with more than a half a million cubic yards salvaged and stockpiled.
The document states the project could substantially lower groundwater levels around the mine reducing some flows in nearby creeks, but would have little impact on surface water levels and water quality.
Tintina could bring in as many as 200 contractors during construction and 235 employees once the mine is operational. Project operations would lead to up to 525 vehicle movements a day. The vast majority of which would be employee vehicles.
The company would construct, operate and reclaim the project site over 19 years.
Public meetings on the impact statement are planned for April and May in Livingston and White Sulphur Springs. Written feedback can be submitted online at TintinaDraftEIS@mt.gov.
Go to the Montana DEQ’s website to see the full copy of the EIS and public comment periods.
-Reported by Eric Jochim/MTN News
