SCID wins mining permit approval

The Squaw Creek Irrigation District (SCID) has won county approval to mine dirt from its Watson Reservoir east of Sisters and sell the dirt to fund conservation projects.

SCID proposes to remove between 5,000 and 20,000 cubic yards per year.

However, the district must complete a "geologic investigation plan" to separate native materials from sediment built up in the reservoir. SCID cannot remove native materials without receiving a separate conditional use permit.

In order to protect an eagle's nesting site nearby, the district may not "excavate, stockpile or transport accumulated sediment" from January 15 through August 1, according to the hearings officer's decision. The district may seek an exemption from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The mining application was opposed by the Cyrus family of Sisters, who argued that silt accumulation is far less than what SCID claims it needs to clean up.

In a letter submitted before the June hearing on the application, Keith Cyrus said, "The applicant (SCID) is correct in that 'normal operation and maintenance' include the removal of accumulated silt. The applicant is in error in stating that the historic use is to remove anywhere near the quantities suggested..."

The Cyruses also argued that the mining operation could damage the reservoir, potentially causing sinkholes.

Hearings Officer Karen Green found that SCID's "'geological investigation plan' will assure the design integrity of Watson I -- including the partial clay lining and the 'native material" forming the floor of the reservoir -- will be protected."

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Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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