Positive Decision On Butte Highlands Mine Haul Road

 

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - Timberline Resources Corporation reported that the US Forest Service (USFS) has completed its Environmental Assessment (EA) and has released a Draft Decision Notice, which, when finalized, authorizes haulage by the Butte Highlands Joint Venture (BHJV) and provides a route for mine support vehicles on two alternative routes from the proposed underground gold mine.

In announcing his decision, District Ranger David Sabo noted, "Upon thorough review of the EA and Montana Department of Environmental Quality's (MDEQ) Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Butte Highlands Joint Venture Mine, the effects of allowing BHJV to use either the west or north route is mitigated, allowing me to determine a Finding of No Significant Impacts for either route."

Based on his analysis, Sabo determined that both of the alternatives analyzed, Highland Road (west) and Roosevelt Drive (north), would not have significant effects on the quality of the human environment considering the context and intensity of impacts. Thus, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required by the USFS. BHJV has proposed using the Highland Road (west) alternative.

The USFS final decision is expected following completion of a mandatory 45-day Federal objection period during which objections are allowable only from parties who have already submitted comments either during scoping or on the draft EA. The USFS has scheduled a final decision on or around April 30, 2015, or, pending possible objections, in June 2015.

Kiran Patankar, Timberline's President and CEO, commented, "After a lengthy, detailed evaluation, we are very pleased with the decision released by the Forest Service, which will facilitate implementation of the mine plan proposed by BHJV and approved by the MDEQ. This represents another significant permitting milestone toward development of the Butte Highlands gold mine. We now look forward to the USFS completing their final decision and delivering the road permit. With the recent receipt of the positive Record of Decision by the MDEQ, and this positive decision by the USFS, our operating partner, Highland Mining, has begun evaluations to update plans for re-initiating mine development required for gold production. Timberline continues to support the efforts to move the Butte Highlands project forward to production."