Press Statement of Gila Resources Information Project re: Tyrone Settlement Agreement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2010
The Gila Resources Information Project is disappointed by the Tyrone Settlement for a few reasons.
First, the Environment Department has now cut off a legal process that we believe would have strengthened groundwater protection throughout New Mexico.
Second, the settlement is unfair, since it binds the Environment Department to respect its terms, but allows Freeport to back out whenever any future decision isn’t consistent with the company’s expectations as defined in the settlement.
Finally, the settlement is too vague about too many important details. Those specifics, such as alternative abatement standards that must be met to protect groundwater quality at the mine site and the areas in and around the mine site that must be reclaimed, will be decided at future proceedings. In order to not compromise our watchdog role, GRIP did not sign on to the settlement. This preserves our right to fully participate in future proceedings in order to ensure that groundwater quality in Grant County is protected.
Contact:
Allyson Siwik
Executive Director
Gila Resources Information Project
575-538-8078
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Learn more about the Grant County Tyrone mine closure plan case.