Idaho Phosphate Mine Permitting & Mitigation

Quick Facts:

• Site Size: 420 Acres
• Critical Habitats: Aspen Forest, High Altitude Shrubland, Sagebrush, & Wetlands

Project Summary:

Great Ecology served as the lead consultant on the novel application of Habitat Equivalency Analysis (HEA) to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting of a large phosphate mine in Idaho. Great Ecology was part of a large project team including the BLM, other consultants and mining companies, to develop the unique HEA application, which may be replicated on other projects across the country. Great Ecology validated the BLM’s HEA model and utilized HEA and other functional assessments to evaluate and identify on-site mitigation and off-site habitat restoration alternatives that offset potential mining impacts. Mitigation projects were designed and implemented in following the Record of Decision in 2016. Additionally, Great Ecology conducted the wetland delineation and permitting in compliance with the mine permitting process. Great Ecology also evaluated remedial sites and potential mitigation properties to determine the value of natural resource services across the region.