Environmental Assessment (EA) Report for review

The Environmental Assessment draft has been submitted to the Tohono O'Odham Nation (TON) and can be found at waknet.org

The report is over 80 pages and disturbing in itself. Some featured highlights include:

• 1.3 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
  The subject San Xavier Regional Detention Center Project has been an ongoing project for several years. The San Xavier District has conducted public meetings, and these have been advertised by public notice in appropriate local media, with Tribal leaders, members, and members of the community at large invited. At these meetings, the project has met with favorable support within the community. Public meetings took place at the District Meeting Room located at 2018 W. San Xavier Road, Tucson, AZ 85746 on the following dates: 07/25/06 and 08/01/06. A letter from the Chairman of the District, Mr. Austin Nunez, confirming the dates of the public meetings can be found in the Appendix, Exhibit A-1. (We have yet to find supporting documentation to public notification)
  This environmental report will be available for public review for a 15-day public comment period beginning in May 2009. (now!) The commencement date for the public comment period will be advertised by District officials in the appropriate public sources. This EA will be available at the following locations:
  San Xavier District - Office of Economic Development
  2018 W. San Xavier Road
  Tucson Arizona 85746
  and
  BIA Papago Agency
  Circle Drive, Bldg 49
  Sells, Arizona 85634
  At the conclusion of the 15-day public comment period, the BIA will review public comments, respond where appropriate, and issue a Final EA.
• 3.8.2 Sound and Light
  Existing noise levels on the parcel are typical of noise levels for parcels located in a sparsely undeveloped area. Primary sources of noise are overhead aircraft and vehicular traffic on West Pima Mine Road. Sound factors on Pima Mine Road are considered minimum. Light should not affect or disturb any residential development since there is no human population and sparse human and animal population in the area. (What are we?) Noise levels of subject after development will be considered non intrusive (as noted with specific ratings in Edition #1).
• 4.7.3 Land Use
  4.7.3.1 Proposed Action
  Under the Proposed Action, land use in the area will change from undeveloped land to a portion of the land being used as a Regional Detention Center. This will have no negative environmental impact. There are no impacts to proposed land use, including adjacent and nearby land users. There will be no impact to the community. Nearby schools, churches and/or businesses will not be impacted by the proposed land use. (I think we all disagree) - (italics added)

Please take the time to read this report for yourselves. As the report provides valid points for the TON, the town of Sahuarita and it's residents are not considered because of TON's sovereignty. HOWEVER, please note, you DO have a voice and united we can give our feedback to this proposal. I ask that each one of us takes the time to think about what we say, how we say, and act accordingly that will be diplomatic, firm and American.