EPA will not veto PCS phosphate mine permit

Aurora, N.C.-The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared that it will not seek further review of an Army Corps permit allowing expansion of PCS Phosphate’s mining operations in Beaufort County, N.C. “After more than eight years in this permitting process, we are obviously pleased to have the 404 wetlands permit in-hand,” said Steve Beckel, general manager of the PCS Phosphate Aurora facility. “Yesterday’s decision by the EPA demonstrates the company’s commitment to protecting the environment for current and future generations.” The final step in this 8+ year permitting process will be receiving the necessary state mining permits and certifications from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Once those permits are received, the company will have the necessary authorizations to extend its mining operations in Aurora until 2045. “We would like to thank our employees, elected officials at all levels, as well as the community at-large, for their support throughout this permitting process,” added Beckel. Not everyone was happy with the decision. “After elevating the permit to the national level in a rare move, EPA could have vetoed the destruction of 1,200 acres of the most critical wetlands and nurseries while still allowing continued mining by the company for 29 years,” said the Southern Environmental Law Center. SELC and other groups are likely to file a lawsuit over the permit.