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' a written explanation for any proposals to lower the allowable standards for the <br />operation of this mine. <br />We expect a reply to our request within 10 working days, and appreciate your <br />time on this matter. <br />As citizens' concerned with the health of our lands and our communities, it is <br />critical that the mining industry in Colorado and New Mexico not be allowed <br />anv releases of metals or hazardous materials into the surface ~r groundwater <br />of the area. Unfortunately, this has already occurred - and it is the responsibility <br />of the ~4,RD to insure that the mining company address these problems at once - <br />and cease all mining until there is an assurrance that the mine =an operate in <br />full compliance with State and Federal standards. The way to accomplish this goal <br />is not through lowering the standards!! The DOE has done this for many years in both <br />Colorado and New Mexico - with disasterous results. <br />The way to insure that the groundwater and lands in the San Luis communities <br />is not polluted further by this mining operation is to enforce strict standards <br />and compliance with these standards - not to lower the standards!! <br />Cyanide heap leaching has been a failure throughout the West; in most cases, this <br />"new, improved" method for gold mining has only resulted in polluted and contaminated <br />soils and water in every area it has been conducted in; there has been a great lack <br />of monitoring and over-sight of these operations by the State regulatory agencies <br />in charge - and by the companies themselves. <br />The San Luis Valley communities that for generations have depenaed on their <br />precious soil and water resources for their survival from a viable agricultural <br />system are now immediately threatened and endangered by this dangerous and costly <br />mining operation. <br />We urge the MLRD to immediately close the Battle Mountain Gold P7ine while the <br />extent of the toxic release is assessed, and to refuse to lower the standards <br />for operation of this mine .from. allowable EPA and State guide:_ines. <br />We await a reply from your office regarding our concerns, <br />Sincerely, <br />Joanie Berde for La Comunidad and Cars~onJFo_r~%est tJatch <br />Copies to <br />Taos News <br />Denver Post <br />Colorado Environmental Division - Groundwater Bureau <br />Colorado Governor, State Congressional Delegation <br />Maria Valdez - People's Alternative Energy Services <br />John Nichols <br />Bob Stewart - Carson Forest Watch <br />Hank Saxe, Brian Shields - Amigos Bravos <br />