Simplot proposing east Idaho phosphate mine with 5 open pits

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal land managers have released a final plan for a phosphate mine with five open pits as well as reclamation work in eastern Idaho proposed by Idaho-based J.R. Simplot Company.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service released the jointly-prepared final environmental impact statement Friday for the Dairy Syncline Mine Project about 14 miles (23 miles) east of Soda Springs.

The five open pits, disposal areas, tailing ponds and other mine workings would cover about 4.3 square miles (11 square kilometers).

The release of the documents begins a 30-day protest period for the bureau and a 60-day objection period for the Forest Service.

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