Zephyr's lead response document which responds to the 102 DRMS Objections is very inadequate.  To see the DRMS Objections document go to this link: https://www.savefremontcounty.org/_files/ugd/80db19_7162bb0cd56b4b72b5d687b9d5d2249b.pdf  Here are just two examples of our responses.  More to come posted here soon.  Do something quick and good for the planet today!  Please send a lilnk to this petition today to like minded people in your network.  We fight on!

Rebuttal example #1:  DRMS Objection #1 states:  "House Bill 19-1113 does not allow the Division to approve a permit where perpetual water treatment is expected."  Zephyr's response to objection #1 states:  "For a period of time after flooding, secondary oxidation products will solubilize and diffuse into the groundwater until the inventory of secondary oxidation products is consumed."  Zephyr does not specify a time limit for the oxidation.  The relevant language from House Bill 1113 follows:
(II) ..., A RECLAMATION PLAN FOR A NEW OR AMENDED PERMIT MUST DEMONSTRATE, BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE, A REASONABLY FORESEEABLE END DATE FOR ANY WATER QUALITY TREATMENT NECESSARY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS.
Because Zephyr does not speak to water treatment, a finite timeframe, or conformance to water quality standards the DRMS should deny this permit.   

Example #2:  Dr. Steven H Emerman's evaluation of Zephyr's permit includes the following: "the predicted water consumption is 18.4% and 6.6% of the average for the gold mining industry, based on ore production and gold production, respectively".  Because Zephyr chose not to reply to any letters of objections (DRMS point #99) they chose not to speak to the understated water consumption.  The DRMS should deny this permit because Zephyr is understating its water consumption and the impacts on life forms and the environment in the entire region.   

Our many thanks to Mike Gromowski of the Arkansas Valley Conservation Coalition and all the fine folks at savefremontcounty.org who have joined the effort to Save Grape Creek and protect Canon City's water supply from the potential of another environmental disaster!

Stop the Zephyr Gold Mine | Save Fremont County, Colorado
https://www.savefremontcounty.org