Environment: Formal hearing set for proposed Piñon Ridge uranium mill in southwestern Colorado

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

New hearing to meet legal requirements for noticing and public comments.

State’s previous approval voided as unlawful

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Residents of southwest Colorado will have their chance to scrutinize plans for the proposed Piñon Ridge uranium mill in the Paradox Valley later this year at a court-ordered hearing in Montrose County.

The new hearing was scheduled after Denver District Court Judge John McMullen ruled in June that the state’s previous review process was unlawful. Conservation groups and community activists and towns in the area have repeatedly expressed concerns about potential impacts to air and water quality from the proposed mill.

McMullen found that the state had denied the public its right to a formal, adjudicatory hearing and ordered the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to start a new public review process.

“We are pleased that the public will finally get a formal chance to scrutinize this proposal,” said Hilary White, executive director of Sheep Mountain Alliance. “As a party in this hearing process, we will continue to ensure that the clean air and clean water of this region are protected.” (more…)

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Environment: District court in Colorado nixes state license for proposed Pinon Ridge uranium mill

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

A district court in Colorado this week invalidated a state license for a controversial uranium mill in the southwestern corner of the state.

Communities, conservation groups prevail in lawsuit against Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — Communities and conservation groups in southwestern Colorado won a huge court victory this week, as a Denver District Court judge invalidated a state license for the proposed  Piñon Ridge uranium mill.

Judge John N. McMullen ruled June 13 that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment erred by issuing the license to Energy Fuels without public hearings required under the regulatory process.

Pinon Ridge would be the first new rock-crushing uranium mill to be built in the U.S. in 25 years. Communities in the area said they were concerned that lapses in state’s approval process prevented a thorough evaluation of potential and water quality impacts. (more…)

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