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Debate over Santa Rita Road ordinance centers on Copper World mine; hearing recessed to Dec. 16
Summary
Public hearing on a proposed ordinance to regulate heavy-duty truck traffic on Santa Rita Road drew industry and environmental testimony; proponents said voluntary mitigation and economic benefits justify opposing the ordinance, while opponents warned of dust, road damage, and legal vulnerability. Board recessed the hearing to Dec. 16 for more staff and legal guidance.
A public hearing on proposed county code text changes that would regulate heavy-duty truck traffic on Santa Rita Road — a corridor tied to the proposed Copper World mine project — drew both industry and environmental testimony and was recessed for further work.
Supporters including Copper World and allied business groups described the mine as a major private investment, promising jobs and tax revenue; they argued dust and roadway concerns have been addressed through a voluntary dust mitigation working group and urged the board not to adopt a targeted ordinance they called unlawful and likely to be challenged in court.
Opponents and conservation groups, including Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and local residents, urged the county to protect the Santa Rita Experimental Range and neighborhoods from heavy truck traffic and dust. They cited federal environmental-impact documentation for similar projects and warned of potential safety, health and habitat impacts if truck traffic increased to the levels projected for an active mine.
County staff told the board the ordinance draft is intended to maintain air quality and public health, described interdepartmental input (county attorney, DEQ, transportation) and noted the planning and zoning commission recommended approval. Several supervisors asked staff to return with a brief, plain-language summary for the public and for legal counsel to outline potential county exposure and liability. The board recessed the hearing and will reconvene the item Dec. 16 to allow additional analysis and permit more public comment.
