Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
during the mine’s lifetime could hypothetically create adverse impacts to low-income and
minority populations. The majority of the NOX, SO2, CO, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC),
and CO2 emissions are associated with the vehicle/equipment exhaust. Most of the particulate
matter emissions would result from surface disturbances associated with the ore haul trucks and
other vehicle and equipment travel over paved and unpaved surfaces. Since these emissions
would occur at ground level and would likely cause temporary increases in air pollutant emissions
in the immediate vicinity of the permit site, it is unlikely that these emissions would be
transported more than a few miles, except on windy days and during significant wind events (see
“Air Quality” for detailed discussion).
Based on hourly data from 1992 to 2002 and defined as the direction with the highest percent of
frequency, the prevailing wind direction at Grants Airport is from the northwest (WRCC, 2002).
Therefore, on windy days and significant wind events, the residents of San Mateo may be subject
to some air pollutant and air particulate matter emissions.
As noted in the “Air Quality” section above, the magnitude of adverse impacts on air quality from
the proposed action during the main phases would range from minor to moderate. The overall
impact on air quality was rated as insignificant. Thus, potential impacts to nearby minority
communities related to air pollution would be adverse but insignificant as well.
The proposed action would potentially entail adverse impacts to the quality of life for
environmental justice communities in the study area. In particular, tribal environmental justice
communities—Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo—have an intimate spiritual relationship
with the landscape and specifically with Mt. Taylor, a traditional cultural property (TCP). See the
EIS section on “Cultural and Historic Resources” for a far more detailed discussion of these
issues. All of the aforementioned tribal nations have expressed strong concerns about mining
activity on Mt. Taylor. For some tribal members, mining here is desecrating a sacred site. Tribes
also express particular concern about water—both the potential for its contamination and/or
waste. Negative mental health impacts stemming from other realties or perceptions associated
with the mine could also occur, and are discussed further under “Human Health and Safety.”
Traffic and Roadways
As discussed under the “Transportation” section of this EIS, there are very few roadways and
trails in this area and travel is minimal. Because of the remote location and light traffic patterns,
roadways surrounding the proposed mine are free flowing during both the a.m. and p.m. peak
periods. The proposed action is not expected to cause traffic and produce time delays. Therefore,
access to recreation, hospitals and public health facilities, and places of worship would be neither
delayed nor restricted and potential impacts would be minimal.
Issues of traffic accidents are discussed in “Human Health and Safety – Traffic Safety;” however,
potentially health and safety impacts to environmental justice populations are discussed below.
Vehicle crashes in Cibola and McKinley Counties have been decreasing over the past decade, due
in large part to a concerted effort by the local police departments. However, traffic fatality rates
remain significantly higher in Cibola and McKinley Counties than for New Mexico as a whole.
Rates of alcohol and drug related deaths and injuries are higher in New Mexico than in the rest of
the country, and rates in McKinley and Cibola Counties appear to be significantly higher than the
rates for New Mexico.
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 273