Dear Friends of the Monticello Box,
New Mexico Mining and Minerals has announced the public meeting and comment period on the proposed Beryllium exploration permit near the Monticello Box and Warm Springs.
[See mjh’s slides: the Monticello Box in New Mexico]
The question at hand is whether to allow drilling of more bore holes above the beautiful Monticello Box, to a depth of 2000 ft in order to further establish the extent of the Beryllium containing deposit.
What is at stake is the unacceptable risk to the abundant perennial Alamosa River and geothermal warm springs. As we know, impact to the water could devastate wildlife including the federally endangered Alamosa Springsnail which occurs no where else on earth and the federally threatened Chiricahua Leopard Frog. Two others species, the Ovate Vertigo snail and Wright’s Marsh Thistle are critically imperiled. Knowing the extent of the ore deposit only serves to strengthen the sense of entitlement the mining corporation will have to open a full bore mine which will change forever the character of this area. The farming community downstream, the riparian corridor the stream supports and the vibrant and diverse wildlife that depend on it could all be lost to say nothing of the breathtaking beauty.
Please mark your calendar and show with your presence this place is too special to degrade for the sake of profit. We need to fill the room!
Hearing Date: December 1, 2009
Place: Civic Center, 400 W. 4th Street, Truth or Consequences, NM
Time: 6PM
Written comments are also needed by December 1, 2009. Please edit the letter below to add your personal stories and send by US Mail to:
Bill Brancard, Director
Mining and Minerals Division
NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
1220 south St. Francis Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Or by e-mail to:
joe.vinson@state.nm.us Remember to include your name and physical address.
Deadline for written comments is also December 1, 2009
For the Box,
Mary Katherine Ray
Wildlife Chair
Rio Grande Chapter Sierra Club
Sample letter:
Dear Mr. Brancard,
I am opposed to the drilling of additional test holes to search for Beryllium adjacent to Monticello Box, the Alamosa River and the historic Warm Springs. Questions regarding the appropriateness of any mining activity in this location are profound and serious. Even exploratory holes to the depths indicated in the application threaten the functioning of the springs. The hydrology of the area is not well-understood and placing it at risk is foolhardy. The vibrant riparian habitat supports a diverse wildlife community which all depends on the water in what is otherwise very a dry surrounding. Moreover, the federally endangered Alamosa Springsnail is perfectly adapted to the water temperature and chemistry of the Warm Springs which could be altered by drilling. It occurs nowhere else on earth and it imperiled status reflects how easily it could be lost. Evidence of human occupation goes back over a millennium.
The Monticello box and warm springs complex are treasures for their beauty, abundant water and natural and cultural uniqueness. Please don’t allow them to be despoiled. Put a stop to beryllium exploration.
Sincerely,
Don’t forget to include your name and address.