Hearing on Copper Flat Mine, IV: Sierra County can’t afford to gamble with our water

Old pitlake at Copper Flat Mine, left from the last mining operation there in 1982.

The fourth part of this series on Mining and Minerals Division’s September 17th Hearing on permitting Copper Flat Mine is written by guest writer Lee Newman, owner of Animas Creek Nursery.

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Hearing on Copper Flat Mine, III

Old pitlake at Copper Flat Mine, left from the last mining operation there in 1982.

NMCC’s amended application to mine Copper Flat Mine focuses on the change in tailings management and the claim of saving water. It neglects to discuss how the loss of 80% of their claimed water rights would affect their plan to reclaim the pit, because it doesn’t plan any change.

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Hearing on Copper Flat Mine, II

Old pitlake at Copper Flat Mine, left from the last mining operation there in 1982.

This article is the second analysis of the Copper Flat Mine project. Mining and Minerals Division will hold a hearing on the application’s proposal to filter tailings to save water. It is doubtful if this change will save water and if it will save enough water to operate the mine.

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T or C and Sierra County ink MOU to deal with development at city’s edges

Truth or Consequences' zoning map; image from the city's website

This MOU is too ad hoc, too open-ended, too unpredictable to ensure consistent zoning for new development just outside the city. State law gives T or C extraterritorial zoning authority. I say the city should exercise it, instead of passing this less effective measure.

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Whistleblower De Gregorio wins one, loses one, in Spaceport malfeasance case

Pea whistle, image by Zephyris at the English-language Wikipedia

Zach De Gregorio filed a whistleblower and other complaints about four and a half years ago, which will soon go to a jury trial in October. He named the State of New Mexico, previous-State Auditor Brian Colon and the Spaceport Authority as defendants. Colon extricated himself via summary judgement.

Read MoreWhistleblower De Gregorio wins one, loses one, in Spaceport malfeasance case