In a move that is sure to miff multinational mining and cement giant Arizona California Portland Cement Company (CalPortland), both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have called upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an escalation in the review of CalPortland’s application to build a haul road through the middle of Davidson Canyon.

CalPortland’s application to dig pits and a haul road spanning the protected canyon drew a public outcry in recent weeks. Led by The Empire-Fagan Coalition, over 200 governmental bodies, conservation groups, residential organizations, and concerned residents filed formal protests, contending that the proposed operations are not in the public interest, and that CalPortland has practicable alternatives.

The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in his letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, went further, stating that “the proposed work described in this permit application will have substantial and unacceptable impacts on aquatic resources of regional and national importance.”

In a similar letter, the regional director of the EPA wrote “We respectfully reaffirm our objections to permit approval for the Empire Mountain Limestone Quarries.” The EPA letter cites Davidson Canyon as “a rare, spring-fed low elevation desert stream, supporting a variety of rare flora and fauna.” They also note the Canyon’s recent designation as an “Outstanding Water of Arizona,” which calls for “the highest level of protection”.

Resources About This Story
The EPA Letters to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The Fish and Wildlife Letters to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A Brochure Describing ARNI

With just a few permits already granted, the Community already has a preview of how CalPortland might operate, were their operations to begin in Davidson Canyon.  On Friday, September 4th, Pima County Flood Control inspectors found several significant deviations from the permit granted for preliminary site preparation.

Empire-Fagan Coalition members have for months been warning that it seemed that CalPortland was taking liberties in this critically-important canyon wash.  After EFC members presented their concerns to the Board of Supervisors on September 1st, Chairman Elias ordered the county inspection.

They Look Nice, But They Bite!

Over 110 engaged and energized citizens packed the Corona de Tucson Firehouse this past Wednesday in a community-wide effort to stop CalPortland in their tracks.

Members of local government, all major conservation organizations, and the Tohono O’Odham nation were on hand to hear presentations, chime in, and lend perspectives.

Speakers: Gayle Hartman, Ray Carroll, Roger Featherstone

Over 30 new comment emails were sent on the spot by concerned residents who object to CalPortland’s plan for two open-pit quarries in Davidson Canyon.  In a sign that the issue is building momentum, all 4 major networks were on hand to interview residents.

Claire Zucker from PAG explains the complexities of hydrology

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers has extended the public comment period by one calendar week.  All public comments must be received by 5 pm September 11th.

For address and commenting guidelines, please see this Guidelines for 404 Letters.