In response to the ADEQ issuing the permit on aquifer pollution standards, Gayle Hartmann, SSSR President, made the following statement:
“ADEQ issuing a permit for Rosemont comes as no surprise. It is unfortunate but true, that, at present, the state Department of Environmental Quality is not an independent body. It is heavily influenced by an extreme state legislature that neither cares about nor understands the damage that this mine would do the water resources of the Santa Cruz and Cienega basins.
Fortunately, receiving this permit does not mean that the mine can begin operation. The mine’s plan of operation is in violation of Federal Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act standards. The Federal agencies that enforce those acts are much more objective than the state DEQ. Thus, it is very unlikely that the mine will receive the necessary Federal permits.”
Recent related news articles:
State OKs key Rosemont permit on aquifer pollution standards
AZ Daily Star – April 11, 2012
Rosemont lands major permit
Green Valley News – April 10, 2012
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