PDEQ public hearing for ASARCO Permit Renewal tomorrow | Environment

The public is invited to attend public meetings to be held by the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) on ASARCO’s Mission Complex air quality permit renewal.

PDEQ will be hosting public hearing about ASARCO’s request for an air quality permit renewal for their Mission Complex copper mine (at 4201 W. Pima Mine Road in Sahuarita). 

The formal public hearing will be at the following time and location:

• November 27, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rancho Resort Clubhouse (15900 S. Rancho Resort Blvd., Sahuarita) 

This will be an opportunity for the public to speak about the proposed renewal of the air quality permit, or to drop off written comments about the permit. 

ASARCO currently operates under a permit issued in 2003 and revised in 2011.  The existing permit (a five-year permit) will remain in effect until the Control Officer (Director) of PDEQ makes a final determination regarding the new renewal. 

Requirements for ASARCO’s new permit are – continue to control particulate emissions from the tailings (minute dust in the air from the rock being moved), by incorporating a tailings management plan.  This is in addition to the following requirements as well:  control particulate emissions from crushers, conveyor belts, and processing equipment through the use of various pollution control equipment. 

All ASARCO equipment is subject to local and/or federal standards that limit or control overall emission from the facility, and there are no changes in relation to the renewal permit.

October 1 began the official comment period for the proposed permit and will end on November 30.  Copies of the permit application and relevant background material may be reviewed by going online to www.deq.pima.gov or during normal business hours at the PDEQ offices (33 N. Stone Ave, Ste. 700, in Tucson).  For any additional information please call (520) 243-7400.