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Commissioners Select Water Consultant on Uranium Exploration

Commissioners Select Water Consultant on Uranium Exploration

The Fremont County Commissioners have chosen a Grand Junction firm to serve as the independent consultant on water issues associated with the conditional use permit that allows Black Range Minerals (BRM) to resume uranium exploration in the Tallahassee area along County Road 2. The commissioners are finalizing the contract language to hire Western Water and Land (WWL) of Grand Junction to serve as the independent hydrogeologist to review and make recommendations on the adequacy of the surface and groundwater monitoring program proposed by Black Range Minerals.

The commissioners interviewed officials from three firms in the final selection process. The other two firms were H.R.S. Water Consultants of Lakewood and U.R.S. Corporation of Denver. Commissioner Mike Stiehl said all three firms offered impressive resumes and vast experience on water issues. The commissioners received assistance from the Colorado School of Mines and the USGS to assemble an initial list of twelve candidate firms. The field was narrowed by several factors, including availability and potential conflicts of interest with Black Range.

Stiehl said that the progression of WWL's experience was as important as their credentials. The firm began as consultants to oil and gas, uranium and coal industries. Following that they worked for State and Federal regulatory agencies. Most recently WWL has consulted for Colorado Counties and Municipalities.

Commissioner Ed Norden said he believes WWL's resume of experience in uranium remediation projects in recent years will prove valuable in reviewing and monitoring water issues with Black Range's exploration on the Taylor Ranch.

Bruce Smith is the principal hydrogeologist for WWL and is a part owner of the company. Smith will personally supervise the work on the Black Range water issues. The commissioners also believe that as the lead person for the project Smith will work well in handling communications between BRM, neighbors in the Tallahassee area, and county officials.

The resolution approving BRM's permit requires BRM to pay the county $35,000 in the first three year period and $5,000 for each subsequent year of the eight year permit to cover the costs of the third party expert.

The county will work closely with Western Water and Land in designing the scope of work for the type of review and standards that will be followed on BRM's water monitoring program. Among the data for review will be extensive historical records of the Hansen Uranium Project in the Tallahassee area from 1978-80, which are in the county archives.