News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Final Decision for Small Hard Rock Mining Operation in Oregon

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 03/14/2007 17:59
Tanya Sommer, tsommer@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: March 14, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation has completed an Environmental Assessment on a request for a contract to locate and mine minerals in an area previously set aside for the Sucker Creek Reservoir in Josephine County, Ore.

Reclamation considered the proposed project and determined it will not have significant impacts on the environment. Reclamation will allow an individual applicant to mine on certain withdrawn lands, according to the provisions of the contract.

The area consists of about 900 acres of Reclamation withdrawn land in the Rogue River Basin Project. The area was set aside in 1967 for the development of the Sucker Creek Reservoir. In 1984, the prohibition on mining on these lands was changed to allow mining in this area subject to contract by Reclamation. The dam was not constructed and Reclamation has no immediate plans to build one at that location.

For a copy of the EA and FONSI contact Tanya Sommer at (503) 872-2846 or Bureau of Reclamation, LCA-6502, 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Portland OR 97232.

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Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/oregon/eafonsi-suckercreek.pdf