Eric Klepfer, the environmental consultant for the Montanore Project, told Lincoln County Commissioners recently he is optimistic the project will meet a projected August deadline for approval.

An upbeat Klepfer openly discussed the Supplemental Draft of the Environmental Impact Statement Wednesday during a half-hour session with the Commissioners. Klepfer subsequently with an interview with The Western News said he is hopeful for approval by the August deadline.

“It all depends on the Record of Decision,” Klepfer said. “Yes. You can say I’m optimistic about meeting the August deadline.

Klepfer said he has had the opportunity to review many of the 40,000 comments on the SDEIS, saying many of the concerns are genuine and issues the agencies will give Montanore Minerals the opportunity for which to respond.

Specifically addressing the mine’s effect on diminishing ground water, Klepfer said the SDEIS offered up the “worst-case scenario,” for which the company is prepared to respond.

“That kind of thing may happen once in 100 years or never during the course of operation,” Klepfer said. “Still, we will address it.”

During the interview, Klepfer offered a sense of confidence about the project and the eventual approval.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, but we still feel good about the August date.”