Rosemont Mine Light Pollution

Light pollution from night operations  

ARS-11-830 - exempts mining operations of more than 5 acres from Pima County zoning ordinances.  While Augusta has volunteered to adhere to these ordinances, there is no law requiring it.  They could simply change their mind, or sell the mine to another corporation that will not adhere to these rules. http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/11/00830.htm&Title=11&DocType=ARS 

At the Patagonia Forestry service meeting members of our community were told by an Augusta Resources official that they have been working with the Mt. Hopkins observatory to address light pollution issues.  The same members visited the observatory to meet with their representatives and were told this was not true.  They are very concerned about light pollution from the proposed Rosemont Mine.  

Sounds like Augusta will tell us whatever we want to hear, true or not. According to Augusta's lighting plan "The project, although not required to do so, will make every attempt to comply with the Pima county Outdoor lighting code.  It should be noted, however, that federal and state laws also require Rosemont operations to give utmost attention to the safety of its employees and the public"  Click Here to see Augusta's lighting plan 

Questions concerning Light Pollution

1.      What will the mine do to assure the light pollution does not adversely impact the observatories on Mt Hopkins?

2.      If it is later discovered that the lights do interfere with the Mt Hopkins observatories will Augusta Resources guarantee in writing that they will either reduce the lighting to acceptable levels, or if that is not possible to stop mining during the night?  According to Augusta's lighting plan "The project, although not required to do so, will make every attempt to comply with the Pima county Outdoor lighting code.  It should be noted, however, that federal and state laws also require Rosemont operations to give utmost attention to the safety of its employees and the public" 

What can you do to help stop this mine?

Get involved, sign petitions, write your congressman Click here to find out more

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