County faces suit over uranium mill

Group alleges abuse of discretion over special use permit approval;
County awaiting service of complaint

 

By Katharhynn Heidelberg
Daily Press Senior Writer
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 4:13 AM MST

MONTROSE — The Montrose County Commissioners abused their discretion when they approved Energy Fuels' special use permit for the siting of Piñon Ridge Uranium Mill, attorneys for The Sheep Mountain Alliance say.

The alliance contends in a lawsuit drafted Oct. 30 that the permit's approval was predetermined and should be invalidated.

In September, the county approved a special use permit that will allow the mill to be sited in the Paradox Valley, within a zone designated for general agriculture. Energy Fuels must obtain state licensing in order to build the mill.

Advertisement
Mill opponents were concerned about potential, long-term environmental impacts, while supporters said the West End of Montrose County needs the jobs a milling operation could bring.

The Sheep Mountain Alliance's suit asks the Montrose District Court to invalidate the special use permit; declare that a uranium mill is an industrial use not permitted within an agricultural district, and determine that the county abused its discretion by treating uranium milling as the equivalent of mining.

The self-described grassroots citizens groups wants a court order compelling county commissioners to begin their approval process anew.
 

Copyright © 2010 Montrose Daily Press



¤ Please read our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy before participating in our online community.

Comments

    a_montrose_native wrote on Nov 11, 2009 2:02 PM:

    " and san miguel county wonders why businesses choose not to relocate there... "

    Report Abuse

    lincolna wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:33 AM:

    " The enviros are getting desperate - wasting money on attorneys.

    By the way, in Montrose County, the "agricultural" zoning is sort of a catch-all category. The land they're putting the mill on is not a farm or anything. It is low-quality open range adjacent to existing urnanium facilities.

    I believe the Commissioners acted properly for Montrose County. "

    Report Abuse


Post a comment


READER COMMENTS 

• Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

• Be relevant. Keep your comments on point. 

• See the guidelines for TalkAbout. Perhaps your comment is best for that community forum, available from the home page, instead of commenting on a particular story.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. Montrose Press is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in montrosepress.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Montrose Press. Montrose Press does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Montrose Press spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!

(optional)
   

Classifieds

HOMES
Homes

View All Homes

AUTOS
Autos

View All Vehicles

TOP JOBS

View All Employment

View All Ads
Place Your Ad