Resident urges Soda Springs to comment on Bayer’s Canyon Mine draft EIS; suggests separate council briefing

An individual identifying as a consultant and contractor from Soda Springs told the council the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Canyon Mine (Bayer) is expected to be published for public comment this Friday and that the public comment period will run 45 days, closing on Feb. 3. He urged the city to consider submitting comments and recommended scheduling a separate briefing focused on the narrow issues now at stake, particularly sage-grouse habitat and settlement matters that were identified in prior litigation.

Why it matters: The draft EIS will shape federal permitting for a project the speaker said could sustain phosphorus production for decades and that has previously been vacated and returned to the agency by a court. Because the remand focuses on limited ecological issues, the speaker advised that a general briefing may not suffice and that the council should consider a targeted session for the draft EIS discussion.

Council response: Councilmembers agreed a separate meeting to review the draft EIS would be appropriate given the unexpected timing of the public comment period. Staff offered to coordinate scheduling and to help arrange an informational briefing; the speaker offered to coordinate with staff to determine the best forum and to provide an overview for council.

What’s next: Staff and the speaker agreed to work on scheduling a dedicated briefing and to share the federal register link for public access; the council did not take formal action but indicated willingness to receive a targeted update before the comment period closes.