News
PIÑON RIDGE URANIUM MILL

The Special Use Permit application submitted by Energy Fuels Corporation for the Piñon Ridge Uranium Mill to Montrose County has been approved with 19 conditions in September 2009. The proposed mill site is located in the Paradox Valley immediately adjacent to Hwy 90, six miles from the Dolores River.  SMA has challenged this land use decision in District Court as well as Energy Fuels water rights filing.

In December 2009, Energy Fuels submitted an application to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) for a Radiactive Materials License. The CDPHE has held 4 "official" public hearings to date and has not announced any additional public meetings. The CDPHE is required to issue a decision by January 17, 2011. SMA is conducting a thorough analysis with experts on the lengthy application. We plan to submit comprehensive comments this fall. We encourage you to express your concerns by submitting your comments in writing or signing one of our petitions - coming online soon. Please click READ MORE below for updated talking points and fact sheets.

The coalition to Stop the Mill is gathering signatures on two petitions, a general statement of opposition and a letter from parents concerned about the impacts from the mill on our children and future generations. These petitions are intended to show the state the large amount of concern and opposition to this proposal, you do not need to be a resident of Colorado to sign.

Follow the links below to sign and please pass this along to your friends who know and love SW Colorado.

PARENT PETITION

GENERAL PETITION

Submit comments to:

Mr. Steve Tarlton or Mr. Warren Smith

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please cc CDPHE Executive Director Martha Rudolph's Assistant This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

OR:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
HMWMD-B2
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO  80246-1530

We strongly suggest that you request a confirmation of receipt.

For more information on the application and the latest updates from the CDPHE CLICK HERE
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SAVE ALTA LAKES

In late December 2009, a neighboring Alta Lakes landowner purchased the Silver Mountain Industries (SMI) holdings. While the new owner has made no statements regarding future plans for the area, SMA has worked with these landowners in the past and is hopefully confident that they intend to preserve the property as open space, protecting the high-alpine habitat for generations to come.

As our regional environment continues to be threatened with destruction on many fronts, we are extremely thankful for those who have the resources and compassion to protect and preserve the fragile habitats we all depend on and enjoy.

 

 

 

 
 
SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS ACT

SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS ACT MOVES THROUGH CONGRESS!

SMA working with our conservation partners presented a wilderness proposal to Congressman Salazar in the summer of 2009. After working extensively to ensure the proposal had a broad base of support and receiving the endorsement of San Miguel, Ouray and San Juan Counties, the Congressman introduced his bill into the House of Representatives to protect 61,682 acres of public lands in and around the San Juan Mountains and San Miguel Watershed on October 22, 2009. Senators Udall and Bennet followed shortly with an introduction in the Senate. The bill has had hearings in both the house and the senate and we expect for it to be sent to the floor for a vote this summer.

PLEASE CONTACT CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR AND SENATORS BENNET AND UDALL WITH THANKS!
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It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose, should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life. ~Rachel Carson