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Feb 1 2009 -- Mar 30 2009 Update on Seven Devils Chromite Sands Strip Mining |  A Coos County proposal to mine chromite sands seems to be stalled at this time. Oregon Resources Corporation (ORC) is proposing to mine for chromite in an area 15-20 miles south of Coos Bay, in the area of Seven Devils Road. According to the application, about 360 acres of the total property (2,151 acres) will be mined.
The mineral sands are proposed to be extracted and taken to Coos Bay to an existing plant for screening, washing and separating. The mining takes place in 60 ft deep pits. Oregon Shores has concerns based on the dust, and possible toxicity of some components of the chromite sands, as well as leachate into the waters of the state.
The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) turned down the arguments of the local opponents, Bandon Woodlands Community Association (BWCA). ORC has applied to the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) for its operating permit. However, DOGAMI has ruled the application incomplete, as of December 2008 (see attached letter).
In addition, ORC will ultimately have to file a form called the 1200A permit, certifying that its operations will not harm the waters of the state, and that all the stormwater will be contained onsite. ORC has not yet filed for this permit. But for those who are interested, a copy of the permit form is attached. This shows the standards ORC must meet in order to receive approval. Oregon Shores does not believe this chromite mining proposal can meet the required standards to protect the waters of the state.
More information:
11/26/2008: DOGAMI letter to ORC
DOGAMI's 1200A Permit form, with standards
7/8/2008: Oregon Shores ACOE Request
7/8/2008: Cam Perry letter to ACOE re salmon habitat
11/9/2007 article: Coos County Approves open-pit Chromite Sands Mining
Articles on topic 'Coos: Chromite Mining':
Aug 9 2010 Chromite Mine Receives Permit Despite Environmental Threats
May 19 2010 Oregon Shores Continues to Oppose Chromite Mining
Apr 5 2010 Decisions Make Chromite Mining a Looming Threat
Feb 1 2009 Update on Seven Devils Chromite Sands Strip Mining
Jul 20 2008 ACOE to decide on Chromite Sands mining
Nov 9 2007 Coos County Approves open-pit Chromite Sands Mining
 Contact: Cameron La Follette, Land Use Director, (503) 391-0210, or EMAIL |
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