Federal judge approves expansion of Smoky Canyon phosphate mine into Idaho roadless area

Judge approves phosphate mine expansion in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho — A federal judge has given approval for the expansion of the Smoky Canyon phosphate mine into a roadless area near Yellowstone National Park, but an environmental group is already promising to appeal the ruling.

In a 53-page decision handed down late Tuesday evening, U.S. District Judge Mikel Williams said the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management followed the necessary steps when considering the expansion request from the J.R. Simplot Company.

Marv Hoyt, executive director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, said the group would appeal the decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Hoyt said they believe the expansion violates several federal environmental and clean water rules.

Simplot spokesman David Cuoio said the company was delighted by the decision and that it looked forward to continuing to mine phosphate in an environmentally responsible manner.