VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 17, 2008) - Formation Capital Corporation ("Formation") (TSX:FCO) reports today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Formation Capital Corporation, U.S.(the Company), reached an agreement with two environmental groups who appealed the June 2008 Forest Service Record of Decision, the Boulder White-Clouds Council and Earthworks. Company president William G. Scales stated, "We are very happy with the outcome of these negotiations, as they help to clear the way for the development of the Idaho Cobalt Project ("ICP") early in 2009." In reaching the agreement the parties collaborated to revise a methyl-mercury study plan and copper loading demonstration plan. The two plans will now be submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for review and to the Forest Service for inclusion into the Idaho Cobalt Project Plan of Operations.
The methyl-mercury study implements the DEQ guidance for mercury water quality criteria. Although there are no specific concerns regarding methyl-mercury at the ICP, the Company recognizes the importance of a monitoring program and is a willing participant in a study that involves analysis of fish tissue to determine impacts on water quality due to mercury. The collaborative effort resulted in a refined, site specific plan that satisfies DEQ requirements while minimizing impact to the fish population.
Through a cooperative approach, a copper loading demonstration plan was designed to protect the watershed from additional copper loading that may occur due to activities at the ICP. Predictions made by the Dynamic Systems Model used in the Final EIS indicate that no significant negative effects are expected; however, the plan describes a methodology for monitoring surface and ground water quality to determine if additional copper loading occurs and its source. The plan further describes the specific countermeasures that will be employed should degradation be observed. Preston Rufe, Environmental Manager for the Idaho Cobalt Project, praised the technical staff of the environmental groups stating, "We are pleased to have reached this settlement, and believe it results in superior plans being submitted to the agencies."
Under the terms of the agreement, Formation requested that the DEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) set an effluent concentration limit of 10 ppb for arsenic in the NPDES discharge permit for the Idaho Cobalt Project. General Manager of the ICP, Guy Jeske, stated, "While the current state standard for arsenic is 50 ppb the company felt that requesting the lower limit further demonstrates Formation's commitment to protecting the environment and illustrates our proactive management strategy." By resolving these issues, the Boulder White-Clouds Council and Earthworks further agreed to not challenge the upcoming Forest Service's Record of Decision approval of the Plan of Operations, the DEQ's issuance of the 401 certification and the EPA issuance of an NPDES permit.
Once in production, Formation's Idaho Cobalt Project will provide the United States with high purity super alloy grade cobalt metal required for critical applications such as the construction of jet airplane engines, land based turbines, catalysts for gas to liquid technology, and batteries used in hybrid and electric cars. The Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FCO.
Formation Capital Corporation
Mari-Ann Green, C.E.O.
The statements contained in this news release in regard to Formation Capital Corporation that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Formation Capital Corporation's beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to the parties as of such date. It is important to note that actual outcome and the actual results could differ from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as technological, legislative, corporate, commodity price and marketplace changes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Formation Capital Corporation
E.R. (Rick) Honsinger, P. Geo.
V.P. Corporate Communications
(604) 682-6229
Fax: (604) 682-6205 (FAX)
Email: inform@formcap.com
Website: www.formcap.com
Source: Formation Capital Corporation
