By MARK JOHNSON

From 2000 through 2009, we completed an exhaustive public Environmental Impact Statement (or “EIS”) process to analyze locations to continue mining operations that are essential for our company and so important to the region’s economy. This process involved 11 different state and federal agencies and two environmental advocacy groups. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Division of Water Resources issued wetlands and water quality permits to PCS Phosphate Company, Inc. (PCS) in 2009 that included this area of Richland Township.

In the Record of Decision for the EIS, Colonel Ryscavage of the Army Corps wrote the following four statements: (1) “Based on the information available to me I find that with the implementation of the proposed permit special conditions, the project will not adversely affect or significantly degrade surface waters, ground waters or the terrestrial environment;” (2) “I find that with the implementation of the compensatory mitigation plan, the mining and mine related activities authorized by the modified Alternative L will have minimal adverse effect on and will not significantly degrade the aquatic ecosystem or the organisms that depend on it;” (3) “I find Alternative L, PCS’s proposed plan, as modified by additional avoidance and minimization of wetlands and streams and special conditions listed below, to be acceptable in light of my analysis of the available alternatives in relation to applicable factors including engineering, economics, social criteria and the environment;” and (4) “It is my determination that the authorization of modified Alternative L will allow PCS reasonable use of its property while sufficiently protecting the rights of surrounding property owners and the general public.”

There is no water discharged from the mining operation into area creeks. An outside consulting firm conducts comprehensive monitoring of all of the creeks surrounding our mining operation, with the annual reports reviewed by environmental agencies and university personnel. No significant impacts have been identified.

In addition to the permit approvals for wetlands and water quality, we also have Capacity Use permits for groundwater withdrawal, an NPDES permit for groundwater and stormwater discharge to the Pamlico River and an air permit, all with conditions attached to them to assure protection of the environment.

The mining operation has been located adjacent to homes on two separate occasions in the last 20 years, with no long-term impact to land values, quality of life, neighboring houses or adjacent roads. As we have done for years, if it is determined that the mine depressurization has caused an issue with a landowner’s water supply, we will address it. We have conducted surveys for cemeteries within the permit area, and the one that was found was moved, according to all rules and regulations and with respect and dignity, in cooperation with the community. Bonnerton Road has been affected by logging trucks. We have discussed road conditions with NCDOT and it is our understanding that they intend to repair or resurface in the near future.

In closing, please note that the PCS mine has operated in Richland Township for more than 50 years, and it is important that we continue to do so. We will continue to focus on safe operations, environmental stewardship and community support.

Mark Johnson is the general manager of PotashCorp-Aurora (PCS Phosphate Company, Inc.). The above comments were also read at the NCDENR public hearing on Aug. 26.