Watchdogs like Nine Mile Canyon Coalition say dust from Barrett Corp.'s trucks, vibrations from the heavy traffic and suppressants — namely magnesium chloride — used to decrease the amount of airborne dirt are already hurting the centuries-old art painted and etched on rock faces, some of which are within several feet of canyon roads. In 2004, the National Trust listed Nine Mile Canyon as one of the country's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places."

Barrett Corp. officials maintain there has been no "net" impact on the canyon's cultural sites as a result of dust being kicked up by their trucks. The company also says it has spent $2 million so far to protect archaeological sites with efforts that include using dust suppressants and realigning one road. It would cost Barrett Corp. millions more to develop routes being suggested by KPFF.

"We have been testing and found success using alternative dust suppressants," Felton said about moving away from using the more controversial mix of magnesium chloride to control dust. "BLM and Carbon County are cooperating to improve the (Nine Mile Canyon) road so that there will be less dust in the canyon than if our project were not approved."

Miller said taking truck traffic out of the more critical areas of the canyon will improve safety for visitors, help protect the art and the interests of canyon land owners and lessen the impact that airborne dust is having on the canyon's air quality. She said estimates have been too low on how much truck traffic will increase if Barrett Corp.'s proposal is approved. Miller also said more needs to be learned about the potential impacts of industrial traffic, which she said has already damaged or destroyed eight cultural sites.

The BLM is expected to release its final environmental impact statement for the proposed Barrett Corp. project sometime this winter. The new engineering study will become part of the public comments the BLM will have received prior to publishing the final statement.

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