Kaibab Forest seeks public comments on proposed pozzolan exploration

WILLIAMS, Ariz. — The Kaibab National Forest is collecting public comments on a proposal from Drake Cement, LLC for mineral exploration south of the City of Williams at the eastern base of Bill Williams Mountain near Perkinsville Road. This 45-day scoping period is the beginning of the Forest Service’s environmental review process, as described by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for Drake’s draft Pozzolan Exploration Plan of Operations.

Although all feedback is welcome, the most helpful comments include detailed thoughts, questions and concerns related to how the proposed activities might affect the forest resources. The comments received during the public scoping period will help the Forest Service determine the level of analysis that will be conducted, and through that analysis the Forest will outline the potential impacts to forest resources and identify any mitigations and reclamation activities that would be incorporated into Drake’s Plan of Operations.

This is not a proposal to mine. The environmental review will analyze proposed activities to explore for – collect samples to determine the quality of – pozzolan in the area. This involves excavating and subsequently backfilling eight trenches, each 20 ft L x 10 ft W x 10 ft D. Each trench site, including a location for a backhoe, excavated

material stockpile and space for maneuvering is estimated to be approximately 800 sq ft. The draft plan includes information such as specific locations for each trench, access, equipment, anticipated ground disturbance and timing.

The Forest Service will host a public meeting on March 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Williams High School Viking Grill located at 440 S 7th St. This is an open house without any scheduled presentations and visitors may come and go at their convenience. Kaibab National Forest specialists and managers will be on hand to answer clarifying questions about the proposal, the Forest Service’s role in minerals management and the overall analysis process. An additional public meeting is tentatively planned for late March.

Comments must be submitted in writing by April 10, 2023 via email to comments-southwestern-kaibab-williams@usda.gov, mail or hand delivery (during business hours) to 742 S. Clover Road, Williams, AZ 86046, fax to 928-635-5680, or at the public meeting.

Additional information, including the draft Plan of Operations, can be found on the Kaibab NF website, www.fs.usda.gov/gotoDrakeProposedExploration.