Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
All three of these outcomes are commonly associated with in-migrating workforces – particularly
those associated with resource development projects. From a public health perspective, these
populations are often referred to as “mobile men with money.”
Figure 80. Links between the project and impacts from in-migration of workers
Change in Social Functioning and Associated Health Effects
The introduction of a transient workforce population into an established community often
changes the social functioning of that community, resulting in increases in the consumption of
alcohol, illegal drugs (e.g., crack cocaine, crystal meth, marijuana), and misuse of prescription
drugs (e.g., OxyContin or Vicodin). Subsequently, there may be increases in violence, crime,
injury, chronic disease, and mental well-being associated with alcohol and substance misuse. The
increases in alcohol and drug use arise from a combination of factors that include increased
disposable income, changing family roles, and increased stress among local residents (Mucha,
1978).
These types of health impacts have commonly been experienced in other resource communities
across North America, and have been documented in Louisiana, Wyoming, British Columbia,
Alberta, and other areas (Goldenberg et al., 2010; Seydlitz and Laska, 1994; Bush and Medd,
2005). These impacts have also been observed in the project area during previous “boom” periods
(Milkman et al., 1980; Brodeur, 2003).
The changes to social functioning and the related health impacts listed above are common
impacts associated with resource development projects and they are expected to occur as a result
of the project; however, it is not possible to predict the size of the effect—for example, the
number of people that will turn to illegal drug use or the absolute increase in traffic accidents
resulting from alcohol use. Based on conclusions made about workforce need and local
availability in the “Socioeconomics” section, it is estimated that most in-migration would occur
during development and operations phases, where the project will require more workers from
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 419