Administrative Law Judge Thomas Shedden ruled Friday in the appeal of Rosemont Mine’s Aquifer Protection Permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Judge Shedden’s decision contained 506 findings of fact and 33 conclusions of law.
Judge Shedden rejected all of the issues appellants raised due to their failure to provide evidence supporting their assertions. Instead, the record showed ADEQ conducted a thorough review of Rosemont’s application and supporting studies and data, the Judge concluded.
“At every step of the permitting process, opposition groups have appealed rulings and filed lawsuits,” said Jamie Sturgess, Augusta Resource Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Government Affairs. “To date, none have been successful because the federal and state agencies are conducting thorough and detailed analyses through transparent and open public processes.”
Rosemont expects the Water Quality Appeals Board to affirm the ruling within the next 30 days.