Resident urges Queen Creek to reconsider support for Resolution Copper, citing groundwater and subsidence concerns
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Summary
A long‑time resident told the council she is concerned about a proposed Resolution Copper filter/loadout facility and associated groundwater pumping, saying 30 wells would each pump 400 gallons per minute for 40 years and citing the 2025 FEIS's projection of 2–4 feet of subsidence in the area.
Sylvia Barrett, who said she has lived in Queen Creek for more than 30 years, used public comment time to urge the council to rescind its support for the Resolution Copper project and to press state officials to intervene.
Barrett summarized the project as she understands it and described potential impacts on groundwater, rail traffic and land stability. “Each of these 30 wells will be pumping 400 gallons per minute for 40 years,” she said, characterizing the proposed facility as a 24‑7 operation that would increase noise and rail traffic. She referenced the 2025 Final Environmental Impact Statement and said it projected 2 to 4 feet of subsidence in the area.
Barrett warned of pipeline failures and environmental damage if a concentrate pipeline were to break and asked the council to contact the governor and attorney general to examine the project’s impacts and to “save our water.”
Her remarks were presented during the public comment period; the council did not take action on the topic during the meeting and no staff presentation or town‑sponsored analysis was offered in response at the dais.
The council did not vote or direct staff to take further action during the meeting. Barrett’s comments identify concerns that, if pursued, would involve state and federal permitting and review processes outside the town’s sole control.