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Commission signs support letter for Tesoro exploration in Horn Creek area
Summary
County commissioners agreed to sign a letter supporting Tesoro’s proposed exploratory work in the Horn Creek mountain area and urged the Forest Service to proceed with an environmental assessment and a finding of no significant impact.
Duchesne County commissioners agreed April 22 to sign a letter supporting Tesoro’s proposed mineral exploration in the Horn Creek area of Ashley National Forest and asked the Forest Service to complete an environmental assessment (EA) and, if appropriate, a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).
County staff explained Tesoro proposes to access an old mine opening within an inventoried roadless area on the mountain to test for minerals using modern exploration techniques. The presenter said the company’s proposal complies with the county resource management plan policies and encouraged the Forest Service to proceed with an EA and, if warranted, a FONSI so exploration can proceed.
Commissioners asked a few clarifying questions, including the elevation of the site (staff said about 9,400 feet) and whether the county had information on the mine’s original excavation method. One commissioner suggested the county request that the company call up roads only when needed and discussed whether counties should seek a share of any proceeds; the county representative noted federal locatable-fee mechanisms and that local fiscal benefits are limited by federal law.
A commissioner moved that the county sign the support letter for the Tesoro Exploration Project; another commissioner seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote.
