Uranium mining hearing planned

Citing major concerns from Larimer County residents about proposed uranium mining in neighboring Weld County, the county commissioners promised to schedule a public hearing on the matter by Feb. 15.

Commissioner Randy Eubanks said he has received a steady stream of e-mails since August opposing the in-situ mining project proposed by Powertech Uranium Corp. The company bought mineral rights to nine square miles between Wellington and Nunn and has been doing exploratory drilling in the area.

Larimer County is not a decider for the project, but commissioners may pass along comments and concerns to the Weld County commissioners and to state and federal regulatory agencies.

Commissioner Kathay Rennels said she would like to have the county's environmental advisory board report in hand before the hearing, so the public can respond to its findings. The board, along with Doug Ryan of the county health department, is working with experts at Colorado State University to gather information about in-situ uranium mining.

Rennels noted that Powertech would not be required to send representatives to a Larimer County hearing, since the company's project is in Weld County. However, Eubanks said he believes the company would attend a hearing in this county.

"The people want a voice," added Eubanks. "I've been asked to take action, so I want to get all the information I can."

At the beginning of the Dec. 4 meeting, several people spoke to the commissioners during the public comment period, stating their objections to uranium mining. Concerns such as possible groundwater contamination and subsequent health risks were cited, as well as degradation of the area as a prime place to live.