Hot Springs council weighs joint comment on Forest Service exploratory drilling amid public concern

Hot Springs councilors and members of the public urged the city to submit a collective comment to the Black Hills National Forest opposing proposed exploratory drilling (referred to in the meeting as the October Jinx exploration project). Public commenters described environmental and water concerns and encouraged a joint submission before the Forest Service comment period closes March 3.

Council debated procedure: some members said a council-level comment might constitute council action and require a posted agenda, while others argued the council could reiterate an existing resolution (previous 'protect our water' language) to express the city's position. Ariel (city administrator) agreed to draft proposed wording and circulate it to council members for review and potential submission; several councilors and residents said a joint submission would carry more weight than individual comments.

Several public speakers emphasized the scope of the federal Forest Service process versus a state permitting process and urged the council to act collectively. One resident summarized: "I think we would have a lot more power if you guys would collectively or at least as a quorum submit something to the Forest Service," reflecting requests recorded during the public comment discussion.

Next steps: Ariel will prepare draft language based on the council's prior 'protect our water' resolution and circulate it by email for council review so the city can submit comments before the March 3 deadline if the council concurs.