Suspension of "navigable" designation could impact Rosemont Mine debate
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords wants the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide an immediate and detailed explanation for its sudden decision to suspend its finding that two stretches of the Santa Cruz River qualify as traditional navigable waters.
In a July 10 letter to John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Giffords notes that it was less than two months ago that the Corps issued a memorandum finding that two stretches of the river constitute traditional navigable waters, and therefore qualify for protection under the federal Clean Water Act. The Tucson lawmaker wants to know what prompted the Corps to suspend that finding. She is asking Woodley to explain the purpose of the suspension decision, the process used to arrive at it, who initiated it and who ultimately made it.
Suspension of the designation has prompted wide concern throughout Southeastern Arizona. As has been noted in numerous recent news accounts, opponents of the proposed Rosemont Mine believe the determination may pose an obstacle to opening the controversial copper mine.
Giffords tells Woodley that if the "suspension were to become permanent, it would leave the entire Tucson watershed without protection under the Clean Water Act. This possibility is of great concern to me and my constituents."
Click here to view a copy of the letter.