| 9 September 2009 |
On Wednesday September 9 there will be a critical hearing in Montrose to discuss the Special Use Permit for Pinon Ridge Uranium Mill by Energy Fuels of Canada. This meeting is a continuation of one that began in Nucla on August 13, and this is likely to be your last chance to express your concerns. There is good reason to believe that the Montrose Board of County Commissioners will rule in favor of this mill at the meeting Sept 9.
The Meeting is at Friendship Hall (1001 North 2nd St) in Montrose, Colorado; it will begin at 9am on September 9, but folks are encouraged to arrive early and sign-up to comment.
Three of Western Colorado Congress’ community groups, including the Uncompahgre Valley Association, the Ridgway-Ouray Community Council, and WCC-Mesa County (UVA, ROCC and WCC-MC, respectively) have adopted positions in opposition to the granting of the Special Use Permit. They are working with the Paradox Valley Sustainability Association, Sheep Mountain Alliance, and others who oppose the project, citing the following as reasons:
- The application leaves many unanswered questions and opens the door to the processing of more dangerous radioactive waste and permanent waste disposal sites.
- The few jobs that will be created pale in comparison to the potential long term damaging impacts on environment, health and economics (agriculture, hunting, fishing, tourism) in the region.
- This is a costly and unstable industry (uranium prices are low, and the future of nuclear energy in this country is very uncertain), with unstable job security.
- The transportation of radioactive materials through Western Slope counties (Route 141 bypass to I-70 is a possible route) is dangerous for the human and natural environment.
WCC encourages everyone who is concerned about this proposal to attend the hearing, but you may also write to:
Montrose County Commissioners
101 South Townsend Ave.
Montrose, CO 81401
