TRICO Adds Electric Transmission Line Across Tortolita Fan

The Tortolita Alliance, a powerful advocate for Marana's Tortolita Preserves, reports that an astute TA member alerted them to a new electric transmission line currently being constructed across the Tortolita Fan not far from the Preserve.

TA was not aware of this project (nor was the Living Desert Alliance) and their research has found that the Town of Marana was also unaware. TA has arranged a meeting with TRICO's CEO to learn more and have specific questions answered.

Click here to review their report and a photo collage of these monstrous electric lines and the work it takes to install them.

Kudos to the TA for taking immediate action and to the member who took the time to alert the TA leadership of this project. Membership participation is crucial to the success of all civic-minded organizations. The LDA encourages our members to become involved by reporting to us and to appropriate organization, issues they feel need attention. Working together, we can make a difference.

Notice of Public Zoning Meeting

Wednesday, September 25th at 6pm

The Marana Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on September 25th at or after 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Marana Municipal Complex located at 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona.

The meeting is to consider an application submitted by The Planning Center, representing the property owner, SBH Marana, LP, petitioning the Town to rezone approximately 249 acres of property located between Barnett Rd and Moore Rd, and west of the I-10 Frontage Rd, in portions of Section 26 & 27, Township 11S, Range 11E.



The intent of the rezone is to amend the existing Rancho Marana West Specific Plan to create a separate planning area called Monarch at Rancho Marana West. Any person may appear and be heard before the Planning Commission.

If this decision impacts you or your community, this is your opportunity to speak.

For additional information regarding this request, contact Scott Radden, Town of Marana Development Services Department, Planning Division at (520) 382-2600 and reference file number PCZ2403-001.

Sixth Annual Beavers and Brews Event

Watershed Management Group is “Calling all beaver believers new and old, to join this year’s Beavers and Brews immersive experience.”

Participants will gather at their Living Lab on Tuesday, September 24th, to eat, drink, dive into river restoration, and be informed on the latest beaver projects.

Not only will they be sharing the results of their 3rd annual beaver survey, but you’ll also learn about the beaver reintroduction in Ciénega Creek planned for next year.

Click here for tickets and to

learn more about this fun and educational evening.

Pima County &

Center for Biological Diversity Respond to ADEQ Draft Air Quality Permit

PIMA COUNTY

Pima County and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) submitted comments to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) regarding the Hudbay/Copper World inc.'s Draft Air Quality Permit for the proposed Copper World mining project.

This 19-page document outlines critical objections to enforcement provisions, asks for revisions for clarity, and requests a robust dust mitigation plan for Santa Rita Road.

PDEQ's comment summary:

1. Questions concerning ADEQ's authority and ability to enforce provisions of Pima County Code that are included in the draft permit.
2. Requests for revisions to certain permit section to provide more clarity and ensure compliance, and
3. Request that Copper World develop a dust mitigation plan for Santa Rita Road and the associated utility corridor in coordination with PDEQ since the road and utility corridor are outside of the Draft Permit area, and increased fugitive dust from increased Copper World traffic may contribute to exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and lead to a nonattainment area designation.

Click here to review submitted comments.

Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity, joined by the Living Desert Alliance, Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe and multiple environmental organizations, submitted technical comments to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ’s) objecting to the proposal to issue an air pollution permit authorizing Hudbay's subsidiary, Copper World, Inc., to construct and operate the Copper World Project, Permit No. 96659.

The proposal, if approved, will lead to the construction and operation of a massive new mining operation that threatens to release hundreds of tons of toxic air pollution, putting public health and communities at risk in the Santa Rita Mountain areas.

The comments explain and document in detail that the draft permit submitted by Hudbay fails to comply with applicable requirements under the Clean Air Act and Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP). Accordingly, the draft permit cannot be issued and must be denied.

The submission goes on to state that If ADEQ is to issue any permit for the Copper World Mine, it must, at a minimum, meet the following:

• The Copper World Mine must be permitted as a Class I source of air pollution. 
• The Copper World Mine must also be permitted as a major source under Clean Air Act PSD requirements and must comply with best available air pollution control technology requirements
• Any permit must establish enforceable limits on air pollution and operational limitations and requirements that assure compliance.

“Ultimately, ADEQ must ensure that any permit for the Copper World Mine is understandable, enforceable, and effective in limiting emissions and protecting people, communities, and the environment.”

Click here to review submitted comments.