Black Hills and nearby residents are voicing concerns about a proposed gold exploration project west of the city of Custer.
That came during a sometimes-tense National Forest Service public information hearing on Thursday.
Minnesota-based F3 Gold is a prospecting company with several claims around the Black Hills.
The company specializes in drilling 3-inch holes to locate any gold underground.
Lea Anne McWhorter is a resident of Custer and lives near the proposed exploration site. She said she was hoping to hear from the company, but was disappointed when they didn’t show.
“I’m not necessarily against it or for it. I don’t have enough information. That’s what I came here for tonight and the mining company did not provide it," McWhorter said. "That’s not a vote of confidence from there.”
McWhorter gets her water from a private well and is concerned about drilling near it.
The Forest Service cannot approve or deny an exploratory drilling project. Rather, they can set restrictions to protect natural resources and minimize surface damage.
F3 Gold wants to start the Newark Exploratory Drilling Project in May of this year. The Black Hills National Forest is proposing the project be approved as a categorical exclusion, which would not require either an environmental assessment nor impact statement. Many called for both.
Others attended the hearing to the oppose gold exploration as a treaty violation.
“We have a long history of handling situations like this,” said Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. “It’s kind ironic how the people of Custer are expressing the same questions we do.”
Star Comes Out said the tribe will support Custer residents in their opposition to the exploration project.
Hell Canyon District Supervisor Rob Hoelscher said the forest service will hold more public hearings on the project.
Those wanting to leave comment about the proposed project can click the link below.
US Forest Service NEPA Project Public Reading Room (usda.gov)