Help us Take Action Now!
Quarry Application Has Been Withdrawn
Cascade Big Bear Mine – Process summary and conclusion
After reviewing the permit application materials, updates, and clarifications submitted by the applicant for the Cascade Big Bear mine proposal, DNR conducted an informal consultation process including input from affected tribes and agencies with subject matter expertise, including Northwest Clean Air Agency, Department of Ecology, and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Based upon DNR’s review of the application documents, and with consideration of the input received in DNR’s consultation process, DNR issued an intended SEPA threshold Determination of Significance (DS) because DNR determined that “probable significant adverse environmental impacts” are likely to result from the proposed mining operation.
On December 6, 2021 DNR met with the applicant’s SEPA consultant and conveyed its intent to issue a Determination of Significance (DS) because of these probable significant adverse environmental impacts. DNR also stated that in accordance with SEPA regulations, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be required to be completed by a consultant under the direction of DNR. If the applicant agreed to proceed, the applicant would bear the expense of the EIS process by obtaining a consultant to complete an EIS under the direction of DNR or by agreeing to reimburse DNR for the costs of retaining and overseeing the work of a consultant.
DNR requested that the applicant respond by February 25 if they agreed to proceed with this intended DS so that DNR could issue a scoping notice by March 7 (90 days from notice of intended DS in accordance with SEPA) outlining the purpose of the proposal and allowing the public, tribes, and other agencies the chance to comment on proposed alternatives and on the elements that should be included in the EIS. Upon completion, the draft EIS would go out for public, tribal, and agency comment, after which a final EIS document would be completed which would inform DNR’s decision on whether to approve or disapprove the mining application.
On February 21 the applicant requested a 30 day extension of the threshold determination which was granted by DNR.
This Monday, April 4, 2022 the applicant informed DNR that they have decided to withdraw their application.
In conclusion, DNR stated “There was no open/active SEPA process for this application. As such, no formal notification will go out, and DNR will not be issuing a determination of significance or initiating a scoping period for an EIS. In the event that the applicant decides to pursue the project in the future, a new SEPA process will be initiated. Should this occur and if DNR is SEPA lead agency, DNR will notify interested parties via our SEPA Center.”
As an interested party you will likely not hear anything further from DNR regarding this latest ”informal” SEPA process for the Cascade Big Bear Mine.Thanks for your interest and concern for our environment.
Jose Vila
Skagit River Alliance
[Photo of Big Bear Mountain by John Scurlock]
New Comments and Articles
DNR SEPA Determination: Mark Your Calendars for April 6, 2022 Because of Last Minute Extension
March 1, 2022
Marblemount Quarry Permit Review Assumed by DNR, not Skagit County, Sparks Outcry
Feb. 26, 2021
Swinomish Tribal Community says "no permit should issue without a complete and thorough EIS."
Nov. 13, 2020
Opposition from Mount Baker Group of the Washington State Chapter of the Sierra Club
Nov. 13, 2020
Archived Articles
On September 16, 2019, citizens were informed by the county that Kiewit is pulling out of both the permit application process and the comprehensive plan amendment process, "Marblemount Quarry", PL19-0033. The information in this archive, along with over 800 citizen comments to our county, was part of the process that helped defeat this massive project. The new proposal, “Cascade Big Bear Mine”, DNR permit number 70-013279, is for 20 years and different is scale, but most of the environmental, health, economic and other concerns remain the same. This archive is presented as a reference and background relevant to the new proposal. The full application for last year’s threat and all comments sent to the county are still available here
Skagit Land Trust Requests “Threshold Determination of Significance” and a Full Environmental Impact Statement
May 25, 2019
Skagit Audubon Society: An Environmental Impact Statement Should be Required
Aug. 10, 2019
Anything Short of a Full Study of These Impacts Would Undermine SEPA’s Purpose
July 22, 2019
The Swinomish Tribe’s Response to a Dismissive Letter to Skagit County From Kiewit’s Attorneys
July 22, 2019
Skagit River Alliance Letter to U. S. Senators Cantrell and Murray, U. S. Reps Larson, Kilmer, Jayapal, Schrier, Smith and Heck
June 12, 2019
Mount Baker Group of the WA State Chapter of the Sierra Club Opposes Permitting Quarry Mine
May 13, 2019
RE Sources for Sustainable Communities Sees Many Damaging Impacts of Quarry Mine
May 5, 2019
Join Mark and Joan in Urging Your Outdoor Recreation Organization to Oppose Quarry Mine
May 6, 2019
Kiewit’s proposed mining activities are expressly prohibited by Skagit County zoning
July 15, 2019
Proposed Marblemount Mine Site Cannot Be Permitted Without Comprehensive Plan Revision
April 27, 2019
Seattle City Light Sees Significant Adverse Environmental Effects of Proposed Quarry Mine
April 26, 2019
Marblemount Permit Application: Kiewit’s Use of the Term “Expansion” is Misleading
April 16, 2019
Skagit River System Cooperative’s Letter Requesting Extension of Public Comment Period and Environmental Impact Statement
April 1, 2019
Kiewit’s proposed mining activities are expressly prohibited by Skagit County zoning
April 14, 2019
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Letter Requesting Extended Comment Period and Environmental Impact Statement
March 31, 2019
American Rivers’ Letter Asking for an Environmental Impact Statement for Quarry Mine
March 16, 2019
Vancouver, WA, Company Trying to Leverage Old Gravel Pit Permit to Blow Up Mountain
March 16, 2019
Help anyway you can
Please email us with questions or comments: [email protected]
Contact
Please email us with questions or comments: [email protected]