The Fremont County Commissioners tabled a final decision on a conditional use permit (CUP) for uranium exploration in the Tallahassee area northwest of Canon City following an eight hour marathon public hearing Tuesday.
More than sixty people testified before the Commissioners voicing both opposition and support to the plan by Black Range Minerals to resume uranium exploration on the Taylor Ranch along County Road 2 (Tallahassee Road). Black Range began exploration over a year ago but halted activities last fall when the company learned that exploration activities also require a permit. Mike Haynes, Black Range Managing Director, said the firm wants to explore on 3,900 acres in the middle of 8,169 acres of the proposed CUP area. Black Range wants to drill 800 test holes pledging to exceed state standards for sealing the test holes with bentonite and cement. Black Range also offered to develop a water well monitoring program and to monitor surface water for possible contamination.
Opponents repeatedly expressed concerns over possible cross contamination of underground water aquifers from the uranium test holes that could affect their private wells. They said threats posed by the uranium exploration have already significantly affected property values in what they describe as an area that is becoming increasingly residential in nature. Opponents also argued that continued exploration would create noise, traffic, and night lights in the pristine Tallahassee area.
Supporters of the exploration said they are confident the steps Black Range will take to seal the test holes will adequately prevent cross contamination. Some property owners also argued that they have long held both surface and mineral rights and should not be prevented from exercising those property rights. They said residents moving in to develop their 35 acre lots should have been aware that they were building in a uranium-rich area. Many added that they have used and drank water for years without health problems from their own water wells.
The Commissioners voted to table a decision on the CUP until the June 9th regular board meeting. The board noted that with the public hearing closed no additional public comment, letters, or e-mails will be accepted as part of the official record.
Routine business conducted by the commissioners prior to the Black Range public hearing included:
- Approval of a liquor store license renewal and 3.2 retail beer license for Forge Food Mart & Liquor;
- approved a special events permit for serving beer by the Fremont Center for the Arts for the annual Build Your Own Boat event June 28th at Canon City Recreation District Offices;
- and scheduled a public hearing for 10 a.m. June 9th on the proposed adoption of updated building codes for Fremont County.