Coexistence with mining

There has been enough controversy, not to mention the number of meetings, over the letting of a permit for uranium mining in the ‘west end’ of Montrose County to fill a miner’s bucket, or maybe an ore train. Rightly so. The BOCC is duty bound to explore all sides of the issue before deciding whether to issue a permit. Hard rock mining has changes dramatically over the years. The piles of tailings that identify my dad’s gold and silver mine, operated years ago near Rico, are no longer acceptable in today’s operations. The escarpments of the southwest desert country bare damage caused before rehabilitation rules became part of the process.

It is difficult to visualize vast open pit coal mines that once were the dominant landscape feature in West Virginia now that reclamation has taken place, and anyone can see improvement in the rehabilitation methods in coal fields of Wyoming. Painted ‘risers’ and pipelines meld into the scene near Rifle. The bottom line is that mining, as well as other ore and mineral extraction are now under intense Federal, State and local scrutiny. The mining companies now see the benefits of land, water and air quality preservation. They find it in their best interest to protect humanity from adverse effects If uranium mining in Montrose County becomes reality, the county will realize many benefits, starting with jobs that deliver many spin-offs such as housing, and family survival means. Tax revenues will improve roads, schools, infrastructure, police and fire protection, and many other features. Under rules that now apply the public should be safe from unwanted exposure to the residuals of the mining.

Folks can be sure the companies that hold permits to mine are cognizant of the opposition view point. In order to do business peacefully, they will be striving to quiet the concerns of worried interests by doing the right thing and delivering on their promises. BOCC approval of a permit for the Pinion Ridge uranium mining effort is a big step for the County and for Energy Fuels.

Together they should insure the decision is a good one.

Kirby Kline

Montrose