FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Representatives of Larimer County and the city of Fort Collins have ordered environmental studies to determine potential problems that could be created by a uranium mine in nearby Weld County.
“Let’s get past the emotion and give us the nuts and bolts of what kind of effect this mine will have on the region,” Larimer County Commissioner Randy Eubanks said.
Powertech Uranium Corp., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has proposed a $20 million uranium mine near the farming and ranching community of Nunn about 70 miles north of Denver. Company officials have said the mine could produce as much as 8 million pounds of uranium for use in nuclear power plants.
State officials have given the OK for the company to drill test holes and wells but no mining permit has been issued.
Residents, watchdog groups and others have opposed the mine based on concerns about the environment, economic impact and quality of life.
During a public forum Saturday in Nunn, Lane Douglas, project manager for the proposed mine, said the company will not proceed unless it can prove the operation will be safe for area aquifers. “If we are unable to prove that, we won’t get a permit,” he said.
The forum was sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo., who wanted to give residents a better understanding of the mine’s potential impact.
