The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.
Residents living near the South32 Hermosa Project recently received a letter notifying them that their groundwater levels could be affected by the developing mine.
The company states in a letter shared with AZPM that, “Based on scientific modeling included in the U.S. Forest Service’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement, specific wells located within a projected ‘cone of depression’ could experience a change of groundwater levels exceeding 10 feet over the life of the project.”
Although no immediate impacts are anticipated, South32 is offering a voluntary Well Protection Program for potentially affected landowners.
However, local residents are worried says Robin Lucky, president of the Calabasas Alliance, a community environmental advocacy group made up of concerned Santa Cruz County residents.
“Basically you’re turning over your water and a portion of that of your property to the mine to manage and that is scary for people,” Lucky said.
According to the agreement, landowners waive any and all claims against South32, for potential or actual damage to the property or water resources in connection with the project's operational use and groundwater management efforts.
South32 says those who opt in the program would receive at the cost of the company, ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures such as deepening wells, lowering pumps, or providing alternate water sources if water levels are impacted if they sign the agreement.
“The way the contract reads, we have some real concerns that there’s not enough negotiation room for these residents,” Lucky said. “We’re very concerned about that.”
The agreement is in effect through May 1, 2055, or 20 years following the date which the company permanently stops operations.
South32 says it is scheduling individual, case-by-case conversations with affected landowners to discuss the agreement and offered a point of contact, Troy Kimball who is the Lead Communities.
Information provided by South32 states that the program is an extension of an existing program and expands existing monitoring efforts including newly identified wells based on the Forest Service’s DEIS modeling.
“South32 initiated a voluntary well monitoring program in 2021 for private well owners located within three miles of the Hermosa project area. We are actively monitoring 23 private wells as part of this effort.”
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