Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report

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I received this press release:

“Nevada City resident Terri Andersen announced today that she will be seeking a seat on the Nevada City City Council in the June 5 election. When asked why she decided to run, she said: ‘A couple of years ago when the Nevada City school district was responding to funding problems and declining enrollment, the School Board decided to close Nevada City Elementary school. When the neighborhood realized the district was considering repurposing it or possibly even selling it outright, we formed a group of neighbors, parents, and teachers to work with the school district to see if there was a way to preserve the building as a school.

“I volunteered to be the spokesperson for the group (Friends of NCE). We found a solution that turned out to be a big win for all concerned; the district was able to hold on to a treasured asset, Nevada City parents benefited with a highly regarded Charter school, and our residents got to keep their old neighborhood intact. Now the kids’ paintings are back up in the windows and we get to hear them playing in the playground once again. It is very rewarding!’

“’Working with such a passionate group of people on that project was really inspiring to me and it made me think ‘hey, I’d love to become more involved with my community.’ I’m interested in the preservation of our historic buildings, protecting our neighborhoods, and in helping to maintain our city’s thriving arts and business community. I consider myself lucky to live here and I can’t imagine a better place to raise my family!’
 
“Terri and her husband moved to Nevada City 18 years ago to raise their two boys lured by the great schools, small town charm, and her love of Victorian architecture. Together they restored a Victorian home on Main Street.”

“For the past 9 years she has worked part time as a school bus driver in the Nevada City School District which gives her daily contact with our community, its children, parents, and teachers.  Prior to moving to Nevada City she worked for over 20 years in the Bay Area for a concert promoter in facility operations, staff management, traffic planning and as a police liaison. She has also worked as a special event traffic consultant.

“She and her husband, Tom, have two sons attending Nevada Union High School.”
 
(Photo credit: Georgette Aronow)

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“With gold prices nearly five times higher than they were the last time it operated, the San Juan Ridge Mine may be reopened, pending approval by the county,” The Union editor/publisher — a big gold mine proponent — wrote in “his” newspaper.

The story goes on to tout all the supposed economic benefits.

Hold your horses! Down Fido! Whoa Nellie!

1. First, let’s get our facts straight: Gold is 2 1/2 to three times higher than when the mine last operated, not five times higher (see chart below). You have to adjust the prices for inflation.

2. “pending approval by the county.” That’s a vast understatement.

As San Juan Mining Corp. states on its own website:

“To meet the necessary requirements imposed by County, State and Federal agencies, a variety of permits will need to be obtained. These include a conditional use permit, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (water discharge) permits, Title 27 (waste storage) permit, air quality permitting, and, if necessary, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 (wetlands) permit and a State Water Resources Control Board 401 (water quality certification) permit. During the rehabilitation phase of the project, as well as during the main production phase, continuous water monitoring and testing will be performed to ensure water leaving the project site meets or is below all regulatory pollutant limits. Samples from both mine owned and neighboring wells will be collected, tested and reported. San Juan Mining Corp. will pay the full costs for a complete updated Environmental Impact Report and a New Reclamation Plan. Mine Operators are required to post the full estimated reclamation costs in cash prior to project start up. All costs incurred by Nevada County in processing the new permits are paid by the applicant, including staff time.”

3. There previously was controversy surrounding the operation of this mine, (AKA “unforseen water issues,”) according to the website under “subsurface.” The mine’s previous operator “temporarily lower water levels in eleven private “wells surrounding the property.” Oops!

This time around, “A comprehensive remedial action plan will again be in place prior to re-opening the mine to protect neighboring wells,” the new operator promises.

4. Then there’s noise. “San Juan Mining Corporation recognizes the fact that the San Juan Ridge Mine is surrounded by a number of residences, and as such, minimizing noise creation will be an important part of mine operation.”

Bottom line: You need to get the neighbors’ viewpoint of this project too.

I also did not see on the website how this project would be financed.

When it comes to any kind of mining you need to read the fine print. Here’s a link to San Juan Mining Corp.’s website. You can read the “fine print” here and should — and it’s free.

www.SanJuanMiningCorp.com/description.

On projects like this, just as with the Idaho-Maryland Mine, I like to wait until more of the reporting and analysis is completed by specialists before taking sides.

(click for larger image)

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“Experts are predicting a tough fight between Romney and his toughest opponent — Mitt Romney from four years ago.” The video (paid for by the Democratic National Committee) is here:

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