The 9th item that the Elmore County Commissioners identified as subject matter that the public can provide testimony about during the July 26, 2018, Cat Creek Energy Project Rehearing is “Communication with governmental agencies regarding fish and wildlife habitats and other matters.”

9. “Communication with governmental agencies regarding fish and wildlife habitats and other matters.” ~ Elmore County Commissioners

Hunting & Outdoor Interests

Hunting and other outdoor interests in Elmore County may want to look into the mitigation plans Cat Creek Energy has in place to avoid greatly affecting big game migration routes and what the transfer of water between water basins could do. The new “private” 100,000 acre-foot reservoir will be interconnected to Anderson Ranch Reservoir and Little Camas Reservoir. Is blue-green algae a concern to you? Remember, the Central Health District issued a health advisory for Little Camas Reservoir in 2017 and the reservoir currently has a new health advisory in place for this toxic algae.

“Central District Health Department (CDHD) and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), have issued a health advisory for Little Camas Reservoir in Elmore County, due to the presence of blue-green algae. The reservoir is located northeast of Mountain Home off of Highway 20. People are urged to avoid recreating in or near the water.” Issued on June 23, 2018

The 50-story tall wind turbines will noticeably affect the viewshed but there are studies that suggest elk, deer, and pronghorns will all feel the effects of them. The 589 acres of security fenced solar farm land on Camas Prairie certainly won’t help allow the free-range of big game animals either.

Are you aware of any communication between Cat Creek Energy and the government agencies involved with the protection of Idaho’s wildlife and big game?

And Other Matters

When the Elmore County Commissions posted their 20 item guidance document as to what the public would be allowed to testify about during the July 26 rehearing, they seem to have incorporated a lot of unknowns. We already read what subject matter #9 says but let’s look at the last three words.

9. Communication with governmental agencies regarding fish and wildlife habitats and other matters.”

Not only is the allowable subject matter unclear, the supporting documents are difficult to access unless you can visit the County’s Land Use and Building Department during work hours. And then you’ll have to fill out a form to get copies of the document. I’m unsure what supporting documents would cover the “and other matters” but you’ll likely need to wade through 10,000 different documents to find out if they are applicable.

Please Attend the Rehearing and Consider Testifying Against the Project

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018, the Elmore County Commissioner will hold a rehearing regarding the Cat Creek Energy project in War Memorial Hall at 515 East 2nd Street, Mountain Home, ID 83647. Local residents and concerned citizens are encouraged to offer up testimony and let Commissioners Wootan, Corbus and Hofer know you oppose a plan that has changed too many times and that will adversely affect every person in the area.

Map Link to Rehearing Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sbyUWQkSiD92