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Scott asks residents to learn more about
proposed silica smelter |
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November 22, 2017 |
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from the HiTest Silicon-HiTest Sands
website |
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Idaho District 1 Representative Heather Scott
recently sent her Bonner County constituents a
letter alerting them to plans by a Canadian
corporation to establish a silica smelter plant
on land straddling the Bonner County, Idaho, and
Pend Oreille County, Washington, between Oldtown
and Newport, and encouraging those interested to
a public meeting to be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday,
November 29, in Newport.
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| Idaho
District 1 Representative Heather Scott |
"I wanted to make you aware of the plans under
way for HiTest Silicon-HiTest Sands,
http://hitestsand.com,
a Canadian corporation, to locate a large silica
smelter plant adjacent to the towns of Oldtown,
Idaho, and Newport, Washington," she wrote
November 18.
"Various government entities including the State
of Washington and Pend Oreille County have been
actively promoting this venture. I believe
Bonner County residents have not been adequately
included in many of these discussions. This
project has the possibility of significant
impacts to our rural area, and Bonner County
residents will directly feel the effects, both
good and bad, from this proposed plant.
"I fully understand the importance of good
paying jobs in our area but also understand that
environmental, communal, cultural and economic
safeguards must not be overlooked in a zealous
pursuit to land new businesses to our area. I
believe the best and most proper way to address
all concerns would be through the National
Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) as opposed
to fast-tracking it through the Washington State
Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) process.
"I encourage you to educate yourselves on this
topic, the company and the players involved, and
understand how it can potentially impact you,
your family and your communities. Know where
your elected officials and agencies involved at
all levels stand on this issue and let them know
what you think.
"I have set up a page at my website,
http://repheatherscott.com/smelter/, where
you can find the links to current information
about the project and groups involved. It also
includes the contact information for state,
county, city government agencies you may want to
contact with your concerns.
"There will be an important public meeting held
on the smelter November 29th at 6:00pm at the
Newport Sadie Halstead Middle School, S331
Calispel Road, Newport, Washington.
"HiTest Sands representatives will be there to
answer questions and take comments. I encourage
you to attend and become informed so you can
provide input when you find it necessary.
"Thank you for being educated and engaged so you
are not overlooked and unheard." |
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