Timberline Resources Corp (TLRS)

[silver100]

Mine plan wins support; only one dissenter at meeting on Highlands Project

http://mtstandard.com/news/local/mine-plan-wins-support-only-one-dissenter-at-meeting-on/article_d2e0aa96-3adc-11e3-9635-0019bb2963f4.html

All but one of about 20 residents who spoke at a Monday night meeting for a proposed underground gold mine south of Butte support the proposal.

Most voiced excitement for the more than 50 jobs the Butte Highlands Project would bring to the area.

The main point of contention is the location of the haul road for the proposed mine, which is 15 miles south of Butte. The Department of Environmental Quality, which hosted the gathering, will not have final say in the placement of the road. That decision belongs to the Forest Service, and no decision has been announced at this time.

The comments made by the public on the mine permit will be used to sculpt the final report composed by DEQ and will contain the concerns about using north from the site on Highland Road to Roosevelt Drive as the main haul route. The residents in the area would suffer, people at the meeting said.

Jeffrey Herrick, a coordinator with DEQ, said the sentiments of those who spoke are consistent with the comments from previous meetings as well as written comments.

“It reinforces some concerns,” Herrick said after the gathering. “That makes for a better report.”

The original permit submitted by the Butte Highlands Project, which is jointly owned by Timberline Resources Corp. and Montana State Gold Co. LLC, was deemed complete and compliant, Herrick said. The draft report, available at http://deq.mt.gov/eis.mcpx, explores potential

consequences and alternatives.

An overwhelming majority of speakers said they welcome the economic development mining would produce. Others spoke of their concern about the quality of water discharged from the mine.

Dennis Henderson, county commissioner representing District 5, said the council and chief executive have already written their support of an alternative route west on Highland Road. Henderson said his main concern is safety and the Roosevelt route presents many dangers.

Not only do 80-plus families who live along Roosevelt Road use it, but also recreationists, said Lori Gates, a Roosevelt Drive resident.

“It is a big hazard and a big accident waiting to happen,” Gates added.

Erik Fredlund was the lone voice against the mine. His concerns include the watershed, wildlife fleeing the area and the many people who use the neighboring roads.

“This is a bad idea,” said Fredlund, also a Roosevelt Drive area resident.

Comments will be collected until Nov. 9.

Written statements on the proposed mine may be submitted to Jeffrey Herrick, DEQ Director’s Office, Box 200901, Helena 59620-0901 or electronically to [e-mail].

The Forest Service decision on the mine haul route will announced at a later date.

— Reporter Angela Brandt may be reached via email at [e-mail] or [phone].