Copper World, Inc. - Air Permit

Comment From: Rita Lerwick

9/10/24 @ 12:06 AM

Santa Rita Areas is a renowned hotspot for bird enthusiasts. With its diverse range of bird species and the accessibility of manyTrail, it's an ideal hiking and diverse animal habitat. In any other state it would be a national park not to be sold to...↓

No attachments

Comment From: BRYAN LANE

9/09/24 @ 5:49 PM

I can't help but comment that this public hearing is scheduled in conflict with THE most consequential presidential debate in our lifetime, making it impossible for many who would like to attend both events to do so.

Did ADEQ select this date to del...↓

No attachments

Comment From: David Steadman

9/09/24 @ 3:18 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: lori bryant

9/09/24 @ 2:20 PM

Dear Karen Peters,
I urge you to reject the proposed air pollution permit for Copper World mine. The current drafted permit does not protect the air or environment in any meaningful way. The mine should not receive a free pass to pollute. The const...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Fabiola Delgado

9/09/24 @ 10:07 AM

Please see attached the comments from 1,474 Center for Biological Diversity supporters urging you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine.

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Tom Schmidt

9/09/24 @ 9:37 AM

I have been a resident of Corona de Tucson for 20+ years. Proximity to the natural beauty of the Santa Rita Mountains was a major factor is selecting this area to live. I attended the meeting held in at the Corona Foothills Middle School on 9/8/24....↓

No attachments

Comment From: Nancy Gutierrez

9/09/24 @ 9:19 AM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Thomas Nelson

9/08/24 @ 2:25 PM

ADEQ simply cannot guarantee that airborne toxins emitted on the Copper World site will not negatively effect the health of children at elementary schools within a short distance from proposed tailing piles. Tailing piles will include lead. How can A...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Carolyn Donohue

9/07/24 @ 9:27 PM

Fully oppose this open pit mine.

No attachments

Comment From: Jean Strother

9/07/24 @ 3:38 PM

I don't have any "technical data". All I have is a very strong "gut feeling" that this mine will always be a great potential health hazard to the people living in the surrounding area. We are not some model. We are living, breathing individuals. ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Matthew Kaplan

9/07/24 @ 3:16 PM

No attachments

Comment From: Stephen Yozwiak

9/07/24 @ 12:27 PM

I attended your public meeting Aug. 14 at the Corona Foothills Middle School.
About that location: You can mouth all you want about holding the event near the mine and perhaps closest to the folks most affected, but I can't help thinking that the loc...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Paul Righello

9/06/24 @ 12:54 PM

I oppose this mining project which threatens the lives and health of tens of thousands of people. I urge you to deny this project a permit. This mine makes no sense for this area and offers huge negative consequences to the residents of the surroundi...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Dafne Johnson

9/06/24 @ 9:54 AM

The on-site sulfuric acid processing plant proposed at Copper World poses significant dangers, both from its direct emissions and the potential for accidents and long-term environmental damage. These risks include air pollution, water contamination, ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Andrea Sautter

9/06/24 @ 9:15 AM

I strongly object to the air permit being issued due to inadequate consideration of strong wind gusts that were not factored into the models used by ADEQ. During many storms and especially during the spring we frequently get gusts well in excess of 4...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Marshall Magruder

9/06/24 @ 1:57 AM

Please see attached file

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Patricia Woodbury-Kuvik

9/05/24 @ 7:49 PM

No attachments

Comment From: Lynn Harris

9/03/24 @ 2:35 PM

The proposed Copper World mine location is in the worst possible place: 1) immediately adjacent to an urbanized area with several schools, and thousands of existing homes and businesses; 2) immediately adjacent to US Forest Service land which is reno...↓wned for being ecologically diverse; 3) immediately adjacent to public land which was mandated to be left as undisturbed grassland habitat in perpetuity, (and monitored by the University of Arizona Agricultural College), for researchers to study sustainable grazing methods.

For all of these reasons, ADEQ must require Hudbay Minerals to meet or exceed the highest level, most stringent, requirements for air quality. This mine must be made to comply with a Class I permit at the very least.

Furthermore, monitoring of the Class I permit requirements must be done by a non-biased 3rd party testing agency/lab--not by Hudbay Minerals. Their record of non-attainment in some of their existing mines makes it obvious that "self reporting" is a poor strategy.

There are many years' worth of documented incidents of poor air quality in the Green Valley/Sahuarita region, which are usually recorded in the spring/early summer in the vicinity of the Duval Mine tailing piles. It is obvious that adding more tailing piles created by Hudbay's Copper World project will exacerbate an already bad situation. There is a high population of elderly people already living in Green Valley, Corona de Tucson, Sahuarita and Quail Creek who are particularly susceptible to respiratory diseases caused by poor air quality. In addition, there are several schools within a few miles of the Copper World site. These children will be inhaling dust containing toxic metals which is generated by blasting, processing and transporting rock from the Copper World's operation.

In addition to this massive impact on human health, the computer models presented at the Aug. 14 ADEQ presentation showed the most likely path of airborne pollution will be to the northwest of the Copper World site, which will impact vegetation and the animals that graze that vegetation, on the Santa Rita Experimental Range. And, ADEQ staff stated that the computer model air pollution plume location was somewhat variable. Therefore, vegetation and wildlife in the US Forest Service lands to the south/southeast of the Copper World project will be negatively affected as well.

ADEQ is tasked with protecting the health of the community. It is incumbent upon ADEQ to require a Class I permit at a minimum, with testing and monitoring to be performed by an outside agency (not the permitee), and that additional restrictions be required in order to maintain our air quality.

No attachments

Comment From: Ted Crisboi

9/02/24 @ 5:21 PM

Besides wasting and polluting many millions of water which Arizona desperately needs., there is no question as to what the exhaust pollution from the monstrous trucks and mining equipment will do to the atmosphere. The fall out will blanket the ve...↓

No attachments

Comment From: David DeGroot

8/28/24 @ 4:20 PM

I am a retired Sahuarita public school teacher and a frequent hiker in the Santa Rita Mountains.

Missing from arguments against Hudbay's mine so far is a close estimate of the number of people living within two miles of a planned tailings dump, TSF...↓

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Rich White

8/28/24 @ 12:40 PM

The numbers indicate that many problems will result if this Hud Bay project continues. It is too close to a major metropolitan center. Please don't allow it to go forward.

Rich White, Biologist

No attachments

Comment From: Pamela Harig

8/21/24 @ 2:55 PM

No attachments

Comment From: Aaron Carranza

8/20/24 @ 8:23 PM

ADEQ,

Copperworld/ HUDBAY is too close to homes and schools, I absolutely 100% oppose any mining activity near Corona de Tucson, especially open pit and tailings so close to homes and schools!

- Corona De Tucson Resident, Aaron Carranza

No attachments

Comment From: Rober Smith

8/19/24 @ 10:34 AM

My wife and I attended the AZDEQ presentation on the Copper World at the Corona de Tucson Middle School last wednesday. We were there to learn and were not prepared to speak. I left that meeting shocked that monitoring was essentially the responsibil...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Lillian Fox

8/17/24 @ 6:08 PM

It's intolerable to allow mining with it's typical emissions and accidental releases to take place so close to an elementary school. There is no level of lead exposure that is safe for children. Children running and vigorously playing outside will br...↓

No attachments

Comment From: james lombardo

8/17/24 @ 11:17 AM

After attending the ADEQ meeting I still remain skeptical about the efficiency of a Class 1 permit system. ADEQ consider: Would you live around this mine? Would you be comfortable with procreating, having your child breastfed, growing up, attending s...↓

No attachments

Comment From: james lombardo

8/17/24 @ 11:10 AM

After listening to the ADEQ presentation, I am skeptical about the efficiency of a Class 1 permit. Models are only models. They are prognosticators. What would be preferable is empirical evidence that Hudbay has implemented their proposed system at o...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Tom McCarty

8/16/24 @ 5:30 PM

I have been in Green Valley for since 1986 and have also lived in New Mexico, Utah, Alaska, and Utah. I have worked for over 35 years as a state environmental compliance officer and am familiar with resource extration industry and all it brings to th...↓e people and environment where it operates. It brings jobs but not in the numbers promised and not necessarily to the local workforce. It brings health and environmental issues when it fails to meet permit compliance and penalties are insufficient to bring about permanent change. It wrecks havic on infrastructure and takes no responsibility to share in the cost of repair and maintenance. And when the resource has been depleted they take no responsibility for clean up and restoring the land to its original form. In short they are poor at keeping promises and being good stewards of the environment and to the health and safety of those that work and live in the area.
Given this, i urge you to reject the proposed air pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it is currently drafted the proposed permit does little to ensure the mine protects our air, water, environment. It basically gives the mine a free pass to pollute. We must remember that operation of large scale open pit mining involves processes that create toxic air pollution and use highly toxic sulfuric acid processes. These processes if not monitored continuously and records kept per stringent permit compliance, will allow releases of these toxic materials into the environment and become health and safety concerns to residents and workers as well.
I am concerned that the current permit has the following deficiencies:

It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. It the mine cannot comply at all times it should not receive a permit to pollute.
It fails to reqire actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
It inappropriately classifies certain missions sources as fugitive allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution control requirements.
It doesnt make Copper World protect our air quality.

So here are my questions to you ADEQ:

Why is ADEQ including loopholes that allow for excess emissions during emergencies, malfunctions and startup/shutdown? Look at the many times our existing mining operators have not had to meet AQ monitoring and the releases have been visible and felt throughout Green Valley and Sahaurita. Is human health not a concern for the ADEQ?
Why did ADEQ categorize ore processing as fugitive emissions sources?
Why does ADEQ accept Hudbay's assertions that their emission control systems work at 99% efficiency in the work environment when we know that is only possible in lab controlled conditions?
How will emissions from blasting be monitored. What is the timing and frequency of blasting. How will ADEQ know if their air permit has been exceeded by these events?
Why was Hudbay allowed to exclude effects of high frequency wind events when assessing ambient air quality impacts of PM10?
ADEQ is relying on Hudbay monitoring of emissions and not doing their own monitoring. In my experience that never works and allows them free rein to run their operations with little regard to air pollution and the health of workers and residents of the area and the environment.

Until these issues and questions are addressed I do not see how ADEQ can allow this permit application to move forward. For far too long thr mining industry in Arizona and most other states and countries has been allowed to operate under an outdated 1872 law which gives wide allowances to pollute with impunity. These operations must be held accountable and a proper permit and adequate(state/fed not just by the company) monitoring. AND appropriate Penalties!

No attachments

Comment From: Jennifer Callaway

8/16/24 @ 4:12 PM

As a person who lives within a half mile of the site in which this mine will be located, I do not support the permits being sought. The vague promises of jobs and economy strengthening have no basis in the realities of those who live in this area. Fr...↓

No attachments

Comment From: C. Schmidt

8/15/24 @ 12:08 PM

Please consider the people in our community. We already have so much dust and pollutants here. Our pets are both prone to asthma now. We moved here because the eastern mountains were so beautiful. That is what makes a community happy, not destroyin...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Helen Greer

8/14/24 @ 3:06 PM

As a long time cyclist, I know from where the wind blows. And in spring time, it's overwhelmingly from the south east. Which is where the proposed mine is located in relation to Tucson. I have grave concerns for springtime air quality in Tucson. A ti...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Lynne Firestone

8/14/24 @ 2:19 PM

Tucson is a precious place to us! Please do all you can to prevent pollution by Copper World.

No attachments

Comment From: Aileen Sluka

8/14/24 @ 12:23 PM

Dear Karen Peters,ADEQ Executive Deputy Director, I urge the rejection on the proposed air spill it I on permit for Copper World mine.permit contains deficiencies: 1. Exempt mine compliance during malfunctions. If the mine can't comply at all tomes. ...↓Shouldn't be too receive a permit to pollute. 2. Fails monitoring emissions of all sources ensuring compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance. 3. Lacks specific terms and conditions enforcing emissions limits. 4. It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as " FUGITIVE " allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution control requirements.5. Doesn't ensure Copper World mine will fully protect the AIR WE BREATHE! ADEQ must require Copper World mine to obtain a Class 1 permit. Under the clean air act. Class 1 permit imposes more stringent requirements. Control emissions, ensures monitoring. And ensure more extensive public involvement. Class 1 permit is necessary so that the mine is ALWAYS accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment. NO EXCEPTIONS! For too long Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impurity. I urge you to hold His at minerals and Copper World mine accountable. Instead of got them a free pass to pollute. 1) Why is ADEQ including loopholes that allow for excess emissions during emergencies, malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns? 2) why did ADEQ categorize ore processing as fugitive emissions source? 3) Why does ADEQ accept Hudbays assertion that many of the pollution control systems, including scrubbers and filters will function at 99% efficiency in the work environment? 4) How will emissions from blasting be monitored, and what is the timing and frequency of b!asting? 5) Why was His at allowed to exclude effects of high frequency wind events when assessing ambient air quality impacts of PM10? 6) How does ADEQ know they can "TRUST" Husband emissions calculations? How will ADEQ monitor? Conclusion I feel we have plenty mines already! I worked hard my whole life for my dreams. My dreams are being affected with disaster and devastation. Majestic scenery demolish, pollution, water limitations, wildlife, native property, property value tanking. God didn't create our beautiful World to demolish it, we are suppose to be Gods stewards. Not Greedy! Thank you. Blessings with helping looking out for the community. Sincerely, Aileen

No attachments

Comment From: Blaine devesty

8/14/24 @ 10:57 AM

I have attached a list of objections.

REJECT this permit. Keep our community safe.

Blaine deVesty, Corona de Tucson Resident

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: William Adamson

8/13/24 @ 3:28 PM

Dear Karen Peters, ADEQ Executive Deputy Director,

I have lived in Green Valley for 30 years and this mine would destroy our quality of life and health. It would use too much water, pollute our air and water, and significantly eliminate too much ...↓recreational areas.
I urge you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it's currently drafted, the proposed permit does little to ensure the mine protects our air or environment. Instead, it gives the mine a free pass to pollute.
The draft permit would allow for the construction of a massive open-pit mining operation in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Daily operations will include blasting, ore crushing, processing, and the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. These activities have the potential to release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution every year, threatening public health and the environment.
I'm especially concerned that the permit contains the following deficiencies:
* It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. If the mine can't comply at all times, it shouldn't get a permit to pollute.
* It fails to require actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
* It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
* It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as "fugitive," allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution-control requirements.
* In short, it doesn't make sure the Copper World mine will fully protect the air we breathe.
For these reasons and more, I call on you to deny the permit application.
At a minimum you must require the Copper World mine to obtain a Class I permit. Under the Clean Air Act, a Class I permit imposes more stringent requirements to control emissions, ensure monitoring, and ensure more extensive public involvement. A Class I permit is necessary so that the mine is *always* accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment — no exceptions.
For too long the Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity. I urge you to hold Hudbay Minerals and the Copper World mine accountable instead of giving them a free pass to pollute.

No attachments

Comment From: Cecilia Vindiola

8/13/24 @ 2:24 PM

The copper and uranium extracted from Rosemont through tunnel mining was exhausted decades ago. The dregs are all that is left and can only be extracted through open pit mining which involves the destruction of the Rosemont hills and the 100 year con...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Marshall Magruder

8/13/24 @ 12:38 PM

A review of the Copper World Air Permit uses the words "Santa Ria Road" only once, in the address of the company.

During the construction, operation, and close down of these mines, there will be millions of heavy ore vehicles, light trucks and auto...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Karoel Laynie Drenske

8/13/24 @ 8:17 AM

I oppose this idea because it would affect all the residents with wells by contaminated the water. Maybe not within a few years but years to come the tailings will seep into the underground water.
There are many families in this area with children w...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Shelley Semler

8/12/24 @ 12:19 PM

I strongly object to this Class 2 Air Pollution Permit being issued due to inadequate monitoring around the most affected areas, as well as the risk of introducing airborne contaminants to the air that residents and surrounding communities breathe. ...↓More research is needed to determine the potential for air contamination and potential health risks to the community due to the close proximity of the to the proposed mine site. There are two factors that could contribute to airborne contamination and require further study: The nighttime inversion of the Sonoran desert consists of a layer of cooler air is trapped near the ground by a layer of warm air above the surface. This is visible from higher elevations and essentially traps dust and pollen in the air, triggering sensitive groups such as those with reactive airways, i.e. asthma or COPD patients. If airborne contaminants were introduced, they will effectively stay in the air and become a health threat to our community. It should be given special consideration that two elementary schools (Copper Ridge Elementary and Sycamore Elementary) are in close proximity to the mine site, and over 850 children will be breathing in contaminants from the copper mining process if this permit is approved. The area surrounding the mine site exhibits notoriously strong gusts of wind (known as the Vail Gale), especially during Spring and monsoon seasons. I ask that ADEQ study a meteorological report for a more complete understanding of the winds affecting the Vail/Corona de Tucson area. Airborne contaminants from the proposed mine could easily be carried through thousands of homes, and most importantly thousands of students in the two elementary schools (Copper Ridge, Sycamore) and one middle school (Corona Foothills).If approved without further scientific study, this Class 2 Air pollution Permit is a threat to the health and safety of our community. As a resident, I ask ADEQ to pay special attention to the current air quality concerns that residents of Patagonia AZ are facing with the South32 Hermosa mine, as well as the air quality hazards caused by the Freeport Sierrita Mine. The 2018 ADEQ violations against Freeport, resulting in $450,000 in penalties for Asarco —$100,000 in fines and $350,000 in contributions toward county environmental projects should serve as a warning for us all! Mining such as this should be carried out in less densely populated areas, certainly not where thousands of residents, many of whom are children, will be exposed to the contamination resulting from the mining process. As a resident of Corona de Tucson, I object to this permit in its entirety. Sincerely Shelley, Ed and James Semler

No attachments

Comment From: Marylee Adamson

8/11/24 @ 8:39 PM

Copper World plans for operation are much too dangerous to air quality to be allowed to proceed. They are too close
to residential areas, schools and to Tucson.The prevailing south wind
would send any objectionable
particles all the way to large p...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Joy Shipman

8/11/24 @ 5:52 PM

I and, my husband, Fred, are residents of Corona de Tucson since 2012. We are seriously concerned with the ADEQ permitting the Air Quality Permitting with Copper World mining corporation. The mine will create mounds of tailing dust hundreds of feet h...↓

No attachments

Comment From: martha lynne

8/10/24 @ 5:39 PM

The Air Permit request by Hudbay for Copper World is alarming. This facility is 35 miles from Tucson. It is the largest planned facility in the world this close to a city of half million people. The average distance for copper mines on our planet ...↓to spew toxic waste is 35 miles. We in the SW desert are used to winds of 35mph as a regular occurrence. To think this pollution won't be a significant addition to Tucson skies is akin to believing in fairy tales. The only kind of permit that even addresses the threat Copper World poses to us is a Class I Permit under the Clean Air Act. ADEQ must require it, as the consequences on our city is in your hands. The pollution will increase respiratory disease, as we know the toxins in these released emissions do. We in Tucson are currently seeing ozone obscure our mountains from fires hundreds of miles away. We are grateful when the monsoons wash it away, and Tucson looks like we know it again. We are fortunate those fires tend to be seasonal, and more predominant during monsoon season. Indeed, the health of the Sonoran Desert dictates, by its history of evolution, that those fires occur primarily during a season they can be mitigated. A year-round bombardment of blowing mine waste can't be mitigated by our seasonal 7" of annual rain. Our unique desert city requires the geologic conditions dictated by this desert to remain healthy, beautiful, desirable to live in and visit. It affects our economy, our health, and our happiness. This desert city has much to offer; and what it offers, from food to entertainment to lifestyle and economy is overwhelmingly dependent on the health of the Sonoran Desert and its skies. Hudbay has not included Tucson in the discussion. There are no presentation meetings, no hearings, no townhall meetings in Tucson. They think they can skirt their impact on this city by claiming a lesser mine's presence with a more permissive permit. They can claim "fugitive" emissions, no accounting for releases during start-ups, shut-downs, and air spills by requesting a lesser permit from you. That permit is not appropriate for a mine the size of Copper World, utilizing half the Santa Rita mountain range, part of the Rincons, and all of the Santa Cruz River basin's water. (You can permit the water usage, but you can't keep them from using it all. Their dreams for this mine, especially with a copper bar facility equal to a smelter, will continually drain the aquifer.) My point is Hudbay plans a very large copper mine 35 miles south of this city. Everyone in Tucson deserves included in the whole process, not just in these Comments. Require them to do this. This Permit should be a Class I Permit. Require it, please.

No attachments

Comment From: Brenda Eddy

8/10/24 @ 10:29 AM

I oppose this permit and it should be denied - sell the land and leave. Thank you

No attachments

Comment From: Clarence Chaplin

8/10/24 @ 10:18 AM

Dear Karen Peters, ADEQ Executive Deputy Director,

I urge you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it's currently drafted, the proposed permit does little to ensure the mine protects our air or environment. Inst...↓ead, it gives the mine a free pass to pollute.
The draft permit would allow for the construction of a massive open-pit mining operation in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Daily operations will include blasting, ore crushing, processing, and the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. These activities have the potential to release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution every year, threatening public health and the environment.

I'm especially concerned that the permit contains the following deficiencies:
It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. If the mine can't comply at all times, it shouldn't get a permit to pollute.
It fails to require actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as "fugitive," allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution-control requirements.
In short, it doesn't make sure the Copper World mine will fully protect the air we breathe.

For these reasons and more, I call on you to deny the permit application.
At a minimum you must require the Copper World mine to obtain a Class I permit. Under the Clean Air Act, a Class I permit imposes more stringent requirements to control emissions, ensure monitoring, and ensure more extensive public involvement. A Class I permit is necessary so that the mine is *always* accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment — no exceptions.
For too long the Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity. I urge you to hold Hudbay Minerals and the Copper World mine accountable instead of giving them a free pass to pollute.

Copper World Air Permit Questions:

Why is ADEQ including loopholes that allow for excess emissions during emergencies, malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns?
Why did ADEQ categorize ore processing as fugitive emissions sources?
Assumed control efficiencies for many of the pollution control systems, including scrubbers and filters, are as high as 99%. With such a messy and variable process, how is it possible that Hudbay will assure compliance with these high control efficiencies at all times?
How will emissions from blasting be monitored?
Why was Hudbay allowed to exclude PM10 monitoring data when assessing ambient air quality impacts?

No attachments

Comment From: Fred Shulman

8/09/24 @ 10:48 AM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Jennifer Callaway

8/08/24 @ 5:23 PM

I live at the very foot of the Santa Ritas, and I'm extremely concerned, as are all my neighbors, about the impact that this mine will have on our air and water quality. Because of the high winds we experience at this elevation, we already deal with ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Charles Spies

8/08/24 @ 2:30 PM

My wife Donna and I are 16 year residents of the Sycamore Canyon community, just west of Corona de Tucson, at the base of the Santa Rita mountains. We are writing your agency to adamantly and emphatically request that you deny any air quality compli...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Thomas Brown

8/08/24 @ 11:59 AM

No attachments

Comment From: LUCILLE MCCOY

8/08/24 @ 10:31 AM

No attachments

Comment From: Sara Grimm

8/08/24 @ 9:58 AM

No attachments

Comment From: Cathy Christopherson

8/08/24 @ 7:47 AM

The air quality in and around Tucson is already atrocious. The existing mines in the area have devastated the ecosystems and polluted our air and water. Water which we DONOT have. The proposed mine in the Santa Rita's would be a horrendous impact to ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Lon Richardson

8/07/24 @ 6:09 PM

I urge you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it's currently drafted, the proposed permit does little to ensure the mine protects our air or environment. Instead, it gives the mine a free pass to pollute.

The ...↓draft permit would allow for the construction of a massive open-pit mining operation in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Daily operations will include blasting, ore crushing, processing, and the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. These activities have the potential to release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution every year, threatening public health and the environment.

I'm especially concerned that the permit contains the following deficiencies:
• It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. If the mine can't comply at all times, it shouldn't get a permit to pollute.
• It fails to require actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
• It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
• It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as "fugitive," allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution-control requirements.
• In short, it doesn't make sure the Copper World mine will fully protect the air we breathe.

For these reasons and more, I call on you to deny the permit application.
At a minimum you must require the Copper World mine to obtain a Class I permit. Under the Clean Air Act, a Class I permit imposes more stringent requirements to control emissions, ensure monitoring, and ensure more extensive public involvement. A Class I permit is necessary so that the mine is *always* accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment — no exceptions.
For too long the Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity. I urge you to hold Hudbay Minerals and the Copper World mine accountable instead of giving them a free pass to pollute.
Copper World Air Permit Questions:
Why is ADEQ including loopholes that allow for excess emissions during emergencies, malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns?
• Why did ADEQ categorize ore processing as fugitive emissions sources?
• Assumed control efficiencies for many of the pollution control systems, including scrubbers and filters, are as high as 99%. With such a messy and variable process, how is it possible that Hudbay will assure compliance with these high control efficiencies at all times?
• How will emissions from blasting be monitored?
• Why was Hudbay allowed to exclude PM10 monitoring data when assessing ambient air quality impacts?

I urge you to consider that Hudbay's history has not gone well in support of the general citizenry and locales impacted by their methods.

Best Regards,

Lonell Richardson

No attachments

Comment From: Kevin Pakulis

8/07/24 @ 5:07 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Gary Townsend

8/07/24 @ 4:51 PM

No attachments

Comment From: Michelle Royal

8/07/24 @ 4:42 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Michelle Royal

8/07/24 @ 4:34 PM

Air quality is a huge concern with a mining operation. They are going to be transporting rock with large trucks on dirt roads. Why can't they pave these roads with concrete? Then, they won't disperse dust to surrounding children playing in school ...↓playgrounds or for those who live close by. Also, rock creates dust when mined. We already know that this rock contains uranium and other elements that will harm public health. How are you guaranteeing that this dust does not get to those who are around it......children and homeowners. This area has high winds and monsoon rains. EXAMPLE: Sulfur dust with water and it produces bad things......sulfuric acid, maybe? Why would we allow for this to occur with school districts close by and homeowners within 1/2 mile of this proposed mine? Why is this even being considered when we already know that these issues will exist if the mining operation is allowed to proceed? Why doesn't public health matter? This is not even an American company. Are we really going to allow them to put in a mine when the Canadian government doesn't even allow them to put in a mine in Canada? They know how much devastation and destruction Copper World (and other mining companies) cause, but us Americans are not smart enough to realize it??????!!!!!! Why jeopardize the American people's health while the Canadian mining company gets extremely rich? Human health will be sacrificed due to poor air quality IF this air permit is granted. Please consider the after effects and physical and health damage that will result to poor air quality for all of us American people who live close by. The Canadians will be able to breathe, while the Americans will not. The Canadians will be healthy, while the Americans will be sick. Animals will suffer and die. Americans will suffer and die. Think about what you are doing. You must consider all of the after effects to health and well being of everything in the environment. Have you studied any of this? Have you looked at all of the Canadian reports written with respect to this topic? Have you studied the environmental air quality of areas affected by this kind of mine? The data is vast and readily available. Please reference these studies before we all get sick and the environment and animals all suffer because of it.

No attachments

Comment From: Jerry H. Gill

8/07/24 @ 3:09 PM

Dear Karen Peters, ADEQ Executive Deputy Director,

I urge you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it's currently drafted, the proposed permit does little to ensure the mine protects our air or environment. Inst...↓ead, it gives the mine a free pass to pollute.
The draft permit would allow for the construction of a massive open-pit mining operation in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Daily operations will include blasting, ore crushing, processing, and the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. These activities have the potential to release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution every year, threatening public health and the environment.

I'm especially concerned that the permit contains the following deficiencies:
• It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. If the mine can't comply at all times, it shouldn't get a permit to pollute.
• It fails to require actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
• It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
• It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as "fugitive," allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution-control requirements.
• In short, it doesn't make sure the Copper World mine will fully protect the air we breathe.

For these reasons and more, I call on you to deny the permit application.
At a minimum you must require the Copper World mine to obtain a Class I permit. Under the Clean Air Act, a Class I permit imposes more stringent requirements to control emissions, ensure monitoring, and ensure more extensive public involvement. A Class I permit is necessary so that the mine is *always* accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment — no exceptions.
For too long the Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity. I urge you to hold Hudbay Minerals and the Copper World mine accountable instead of giving them a free pass to pollute.

Copper World Air Permit Questions:

● Why is ADEQ including loopholes that allow for excess emissions during emergencies, malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns?
● Why did ADEQ categorize ore processing as fugitive emissions sources?
● Assumed control efficiencies for many of the pollution control systems, including scrubbers and filters, are as high as 99%. With such a messy and variable process, how is it possible that Hudbay will assure compliance with these high control efficiencies at all times?
● How will emissions from blasting be monitored?
● Why was Hudbay allowed to exclude PM10 monitoring data when assessing ambient air quality impacts?

These comments are derived from technical analysis conducted by the Center for Biological Diversity.

No attachments

Comment From: Debra Veo

8/07/24 @ 3:08 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Mari Sorri

8/07/24 @ 3:06 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Robert Smith

8/07/24 @ 2:49 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Tracy Scheinkman

8/07/24 @ 1:38 PM

Dear ADEQ,

I urge you to reject the proposed air pollution permit for the Copper World (formerly Hudbay, formerly Rosemont) mine in the beautiful Santa Rita Mountains of southern Arizona. The air quality permit as drafted gives the mine free rein ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Judith Wehrmeister

8/07/24 @ 1:16 PM

No attachments

Comment From: Donna Hutchinson-Muri

8/07/24 @ 1:15 PM

This is a real example of how the "mines" presence is impacting real estate in southern AZ, notably Green Valley and communities south. My husband and I recently viewed a home for sale that included a whole house air quality filter that was in additi...↓

No attachments

Comment From: carissa sipp

8/07/24 @ 11:11 AM

Dear Karen Peters, ADEQ Executive Deputy Director,

I write this letter to you on a day when, finally after days of ozone and BAD air quality alerts, we have a day off. I am tired of burning my lungs in Pima county due to excessive pollution. It ha...↓s gotten insanely worse since coming to Tucson years ago. My children now are regulated to 'outdoor activity after 8pm' when the alert is 'to be lifted' and the air (AQI) is in the 'safe zone'.

With this daily AQI warning and air on par with Beijing some days, I am writing to beg you to do the right this as the AZ ENVIRONMENTAL Quality guru and authority. Reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As this permit stands today it will be unreasonable for citizens of Pima to live here and expect a high quality of life. Citizens even closer to the mine will be inundated with air pollution and the recreational tourism and travel to the Santa Rita Mountains will tank. No one wants to inhale air that can enable cardiac arrest or literally burn young children's developing lungs (Ozone).

The current permit allows for the construction of a massive open-pit mining operation in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson. Daily operations can and will include blasting, ore crushing, processing, and the construction of a sulfuric acid plant. These activities have the potential to release thousands of tons of toxic air pollution every year, threatening public health and the environment. This is going to be a bad AQI reporting daily by AZEQ.

With this permit and if you approve it, you are placing profit over the health and quality of life for my family and all other families in southern AZ. You are asking for a sacrifice of our lives for corporate greed. You can do better and require and stronger permit to help citizens and the mine co-exist. You need to hold Copper World accountable to the people.

I'm especially concerned that the permit contains the following deficiencies:
1.) It exempts the mine from compliance during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns. If the mine can't comply at all times, it shouldn't get a permit to pollute.
2.) It fails to require actual monitoring of emissions from all sources to ensure compliance with all limits. Monitoring must be required to ensure compliance.
3.) It lacks specific terms and conditions to ensure the enforceability of all emissions limits.
4.) It inappropriately classifies certain emissions sources as "fugitive," allowing the mine to avoid more stringent permitting and pollution-control requirements.
5.) It doesn't make sure the Copper World mine will fully protect the air we breathe and will be catastrophic for daily AQI in our region.

I call on you to deny the permit application. You must require the Copper World mine to obtain a Class I permit.

Under the Clean Air Act, a Class I permit imposes more stringent requirements to control emissions, ensure monitoring, and ensure more extensive public involvement. A Class I permit is necessary so that the mine is *always* accountable for limiting its air pollution and protecting the environment — no exceptions.

For too long the Arizona mining industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity. And we, the citizens, pay for this lack of oversight by our representatives and government agencies that were supposed to protect us. If you allow this permit you will be responsible for an increase in illness and death in southern AZ. This is not a statement to be taken lightly as we know air pollution is causing millions of premature death worldwide and in the US (https://airquality.gsfc.nasa.gov/health). A pass for Copper World to pollute as desired is just another notch in that statistic if you allow this permit to be approved. I urge you to hold Hudbay Minerals and the Copper World mine accountable instead of giving them a free pass to pollute.

No attachments

Comment From: Fred Leonard

8/07/24 @ 10:59 AM

As a resident of southern Arizona, and someone who taught graduate-level courses in toxicology, I urge you to reject the proposed air-pollution permit for the Copper World mine. As it is currently drafted, the proposed permit does little to ensure th...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Douglas Biggers

8/07/24 @ 10:47 AM

No attachments

Comment From: L Renee Daniel

8/07/24 @ 10:45 AM

To Whom it May Concern:

I suffer from asthma. We have lived in Green Valley for 9 years and moved here from Oregon to because of the beauty of the Santa Rita Mountains, and the treasured ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert. The environmental degradati...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Thomas Knox

8/07/24 @ 10:44 AM

Monitoring mudt be 360 degrees. Smelters historically placed monitors strategically to reduce detection by locating away from prevailing air flows. Sneeky and illegal!

No attachments

Comment From: Ayda MacDuff

8/05/24 @ 8:25 PM

From a healthcare provider standpoint, the proposed air quality permit that has been requested by Copper World does not meet my standards of health and safety for my family or myself. This proposed permit authorizes the construction and operating of ...↓the Copper World Project which would pose the health risk of many Corona de Tucson residents. There have been many studies regarding the health risks associated with copper open pit mines throughout Arizona.
According to the U.S Dept of Health & Human Services ATSDR division (2022) "copper usually attaches to particles (particulate matter) and can travel far from its source. The exposure of too much copper can lead to illnesses and or disease and cause side effects associated with vomiting nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea and ingestion at higher amounts than recommended can lead kidney and liver damage (para 3), which I have seen firsthand.
According to Baum & Arnold (2023) the aerosolization of silica can be hazardous to anyone's health as "typical immune mechanisms cannot clear these particles from the lung, initiating a pathologic cycle of inflammation and parenchymal damage" which can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and restrictive lung disease which significant morbidity and mortality that has no cure. As you can imagine this could be detrimental to community members including young children and those who are immunocompromised.
As you have noted in your proposal, you have a plan to avoid such emissions by using dust suppression sprays, but the reality is that none of your plans you have outlined can 100% guarantee that no community members will be exposed to the particulate matter that includes nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants and greenhouse gasses. Additionally, I am sure you are not aware of our wind patterns in this area. I implore you to educate yourselves on such topic and ask yourselves and develop a workflow that would correspond to such phenomena.
At this juncture, from my perspective, the health risk associated with the closeness of this open pit mine poses a greater health risk to the community than a benefit.

Baum, L. & Arnold, T. C. (2023) Silicosis. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594245/
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2022). ToxFAQs for Copper. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Retrieved from https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=205&toxid=37

No attachments

Comment From: Iliana Orduno

8/05/24 @ 4:57 PM

I OPPOSE the construction and operation of the Copper World to be located at 9025 E Santa Rita Rd in Sahuarita, Pima County, Arizona!!!

No attachments

Comment From: Carolyn Leigh

8/05/24 @ 10:38 AM

I oppose Hudbay's request for a Class II permit. The mine's location near Green Valley, plus watersheds, including the Santa Cruz River, additional areas protected by both AZ and the US government, require the higher Class I level. Air pollution can...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Ernest Wittenbreder

8/04/24 @ 9:34 PM

It has been pointed out by reliable sources that Copper World did not properly calculate its proposed mine's potential emissions. Is this by intention or ignorance, or both? Shame on ADEQ for allowing such a sham to continue. Besides toxic emissions ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Nina Luxenberg

8/04/24 @ 9:09 PM

Copper World's permit application indicates that it intends to enclose the copper concentrate stockpile at the proposed mine. This intention is acceptable for fugitive emissions, but as the Center for Biological Diversity has already pointed out, Cop...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Phoebe Diaz

8/04/24 @ 4:20 PM

This permit is premature. Hudbay's plans show three Tailings Storage Facilities (areas).This permit only covers two. This air permit should not be granted until all tailings dump areas are studied and evaluated, especially when the one not listed is ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Mandy Dash

8/04/24 @ 4:17 PM

I object to this Class 2 Air Pollution Permit being issued as written due to inadequate meteorological monitoring around the most affected populated areas. Hudbay has three planned storage areas, only two are in the permit. The third will be added as...↓

No attachments

Comment From: John Mitchel

8/04/24 @ 9:36 AM

The Santa Rita mountains, and the nearby city of Tucson, have good air quality most of the time. That air quality could be degraded by a new source of pollutants if it is not regulated adequately. The Copper World Project needs to be subjected to t...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Nancy Kraushaar

8/04/24 @ 6:04 AM

I lived in Green Valley for ten years. We moved because of the poor air quality. When the wind blew—and it did a lot—particulate matter became an issue. Several times I contacted ADEQ, but nothing happened to resolve the unstable mounds of dirt that ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: David Wickliff

8/03/24 @ 12:28 PM

I will make this short, sweet and simple. Copper World's Air Quality Permit must be denied! When returning from Green Valley to South of Corona de Tucson over the last several weeks, the amount of destruction on the West side of the Santa Rita's is a...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Suzanne Burke

8/03/24 @ 7:18 AM

I write to encourage disapproval of of an Air Quality Permit for the Copper World open pit mining project in Sahuarita. Copper World's claim they will prevent 99% of harmful toxic dust release is unproven and simply unbelievable. The damage already b...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Rick Johnson

8/01/24 @ 3:46 PM

According to the University of Arizona,Tucson ranks 7th out of 12 western Metropolitan Statistical Areas for air quality. Particulate matter air pollution in the Tucson, Sahuarita, and Green Valley areas, regularly exceed safe levels already. The cl...↓

No attachments

Comment From: colleen verge

7/31/24 @ 10:54 AM

I am sure you are aware of the ongoing issues with Copper World here in Arizona. In the past several months we have seen the further scarring of the Santa Rita mountains, we know that Copper World is polluting the water of our Santa Rita neighbors a...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Su Libby

7/31/24 @ 7:44 AM

Late in the evening, air currents often move toward Green Valley and Sahuarita.
These currents will push toxic dust particles toward hundreds of homes and public schools such as Copper Ridge Elementary (1 ¼ miles from Copper World property) and Coron...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Jean Martin

7/30/24 @ 5:09 PM

Because ADEQ has no ongoing standardized method of checking the air quality, this permit should not be granted. The chemicals that will be released into the air will adversely affect the flora and fauna of the Santa Rita's as well as the animals and...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Rustyn Sherer

7/30/24 @ 3:26 PM

I strongly urge ADEQ to support the issuance of an Air Quality Permit for Hudbay's Copper World Complex. In addition to quality jobs and tax revenues for the county and state, it is imperative that Arizona continue to mine copper and other critical m...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Deirdre Rosenberg

7/30/24 @ 8:17 AM

I am so against this as is literally every other person I know. This should require a Class I permit for Hudbay, with stricter regulations that would help protect people and the environment from air pollution. Money is being put before people or envi...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Joy Facio

7/27/24 @ 12:10 PM

Please do not approve Hudbay's Arizona Air Permit for the mining operations in the Santa Rita Mountains because the pollution will NOT be mitigated by the proposal from Hudbay/Copper World primarily because they submit something for approval which is...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Trina Wallace

7/27/24 @ 11:33 AM

My husband and I live in Sycamore Canyon Estates and we have very high winds quite often. We are seeing an big increase in air quality alerts with the wind, dust storms and monsoons. I am concerned with mine operations contributing to this condition....↓

No attachments

Comment From: Dennis Wallace

7/27/24 @ 11:32 AM

I live in Sycamore Canyon Estates and we have very high winds quite often. We are seeing an increase in air quality alerts with the wind, dust storms and monsoons. I am concerned with mine operations contributing to this condition. I object to this C...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Tom Hannagan

7/26/24 @ 5:38 PM

For the air safety of the region around the Santa Rita mountains and Pima County, I would like you to require Copper World to adhere to the Class I Permit. Thanks you.

No attachments

Comment From: David DeGroot

7/26/24 @ 4:54 PM

When toxic, microscopic dust particles escape from the proposed Copper World mine in the northern Santa Rita Mountains, in which direction will they blow?
The short answer is this: during the main part of a typical workday, Tucson's winds generally b...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Keith Cliver

7/26/24 @ 4:24 PM

I urge you to require a Class 1 Permit for Hudbay's Copper World Project. Considering climate change, increased development, increasing wildfires and drought. there needs to be MORE stringent protections for the environment & citizen's health, NOT le...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Scott Olmstead

7/26/24 @ 3:49 PM

I urge you to require a Class I permit for Copper World. This type of mine generates significant particulate pollution, which can be toxic to people and harmful to the environment.

No attachments

Comment From: Joni Stellar

7/26/24 @ 2:17 PM

As a resident of the Sky Islands region of Arizona, I cherish our clear skies. I firmly believe a Class 1 permit would be far more appropriate for the level of air pollution possible from operation of the Copper World mine. With Tucson near, air poll...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Anne Pentland

7/26/24 @ 1:42 PM

To whom it may concern: I am a 15 + year resident of Sycamore Canyon development in Vail, Arizona. Our community is fast growing with many schools, parks, trails etc. We knew when we moved to Vail in 2009 that there could be a mine in the area, and t...↓

No attachments

Comment From: David Barker

7/26/24 @ 8:58 AM

I am very concerned about this project regarding air, water, and impact to the delicate Sonoran Desert ecosystem. I encourage the ADEQ to honor its mission to PROTECT Arizona residents by rejecting this project. At the very least, the requirements ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Dawn Brigham

7/26/24 @ 7:04 AM

To whom it may concern, being new to the area & finding out about a mine going in behind me is troubling, with all the digging & dust blowing of poisoned soil that will get in to our homes and ground water, and to what degree of cancer it will genera...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Jeanie Chapman

7/25/24 @ 10:29 PM

100 per cent against this permit.
Hudbay is notorious for polluting all past mining projects - both air and water. With the heavy monsoon seasons and the intense gusts of winds the mining tailings will destroy all quality of life for miles and mil...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Helen Gardner

7/25/24 @ 5:18 PM

A Class 1 Permit requires stricter regulations that better protect people and the environment from air pollution. Pima County has just experienced several bad air quality days that warned certain groups of people to stay inside, do do drive or pump g...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Ernest Wittenbreder

7/25/24 @ 4:59 PM

Copper World gives an unrealistic claim in its Class II permit application that it will achieve 99% control efficiency for all pollutants with fogging sprays, scrubbers, and dust collectors. Even though these methods are known to achieve high control...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Nina Luxenberg

7/25/24 @ 4:29 PM

I contend that Copper World's application for a Class II air pollution permit for the Copper World Mine Project, a new open pit copper mine in the Santa Rita Mountains in Pima County, is based on false data. Copper World did not appropriately calcula...↓

No attachments

[ Previous Page / Next Page ]