Proposed AZPDES Permit No. AZ0026387 for January Mine Hermosa Project
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Please!
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categ...↓ories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
Please!
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categ...↓ories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories:...↓ 1) dewatering due to aquifer pumping, and 2) chemical and physical disturbances due to increased flow rates in Harshaw and Alum creeks. First, reducing the water table level in these mountains will deny numerous seeps, springs, and livestock tanks of their water supply. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine will very likely change the "paths of least resistance," where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural water sources. Such sources of water that provide rare and essential habitat for various, imperiled species, including the Mexica Jaguar, are irreplaceable and already threatened by changing climate. Furthermore, tens of thousands of acres of livestock rangeland will very likely be severely impacted as groundwater fed livestock tanks are dried. Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute). What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time. Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas. For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Someone has not done their homework on completely researching the impact of significantly dewatering a watershed over 1500’.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for d...↓ischarge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Molly Niven↓
Someone has not done their homework on completely researching the impact of significantly dewatering a watershed over 1500’.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for d...↓ischarge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Molly Niven↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Sarah Weber↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Sarah Weber↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The damage to local springs and landscapes through a lowered water table ...↓will likely include a great loss of trees that we count on to process CO2, provide cooling shade and habitat, stabilize slopes, and inspire us with their beauty.
While it would be amazing to have year round surface water flowing in Harshaw Creek and Alum Gulch, it would also disturb and possibly destroy sensitive habitats that exist now, it would also disturb/destroy the diversity and geographic spread of springs in the area, which a number of threatened and endangered species rely on.
Please preserve this unique and extremely diverse habitat and biological community.
Thank you,
R. H.↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The damage to local springs and landscapes through a lowered water table ...↓will likely include a great loss of trees that we count on to process CO2, provide cooling shade and habitat, stabilize slopes, and inspire us with their beauty.
While it would be amazing to have year round surface water flowing in Harshaw Creek and Alum Gulch, it would also disturb and possibly destroy sensitive habitats that exist now, it would also disturb/destroy the diversity and geographic spread of springs in the area, which a number of threatened and endangered species rely on.
Please preserve this unique and extremely diverse habitat and biological community.
Thank you,
R. H.↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Clinton Wood↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Clinton Wood↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. Let’s not put the profits of a few over the good of many.
Sincerely,
Lee Miller - a concerned and active constituent.↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. Let’s not put the profits of a few over the good of many.
Sincerely,
Lee Miller - a concerned and active constituent.↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Please keep Patagonia the way it is now. We depend on it. Why should we let a foreign company destroy our land and take the profits? Patagonia as we know it will cease to exist. As will the creeks, wat...↓er table and animals. Sounds crazy to deplete a water table and let it just run off. At the very least there should be a reservoir to keep and reuse the water.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
Please keep Patagonia the way it is now. We depend on it. Why should we let a foreign company destroy our land and take the profits? Patagonia as we know it will cease to exist. As will the creeks, wat...↓er table and animals. Sounds crazy to deplete a water table and let it just run off. At the very least there should be a reservoir to keep and reuse the water.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks should be denied due to unacceptable impact from the : “cone of depression” from dewatering and the subse...↓quent impact on the surrounding springs and creeks.
Lowering the groundwater level will change local hydraulic gradients, causing current natural springs to causing potential significant loss of upland trees. and severe disruption of the present ecosystem.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks should be denied due to unacceptable impact from the : “cone of depression” from dewatering and the subse...↓quent impact on the surrounding springs and creeks.
Lowering the groundwater level will change local hydraulic gradients, causing current natural springs to causing potential significant loss of upland trees. and severe disruption of the present ecosystem.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
I do not currently live in Patagonia, but I am planning to love there next year. I am an avid bird watcher, naturalist, and hiker/camper and the preservation of these habitats are of great importance to me.
Sincerely,
Alexis Stark↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
I do not currently live in Patagonia, but I am planning to love there next year. I am an avid bird watcher, naturalist, and hiker/camper and the preservation of these habitats are of great importance to me.
Sincerely,
Alexis Stark↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
This discharge should not be allowed to take place. At this point, Harshaw Creek only contributes about 15 % of the total discharge of Sonoita Creek. Harshaw Creek is a natural system, by allowing S32 to discharge over 6000 gallons/minute, you are tu...↓rning it into a man-made river. Harshaw Creek picks up a certain amount of heavy metals due to the natural mineralization found in the area. Once you dramatically increase the flow rate who will know what will happen? ADEQ is only responsible for the quality of the water coming out of the treatment plant. It is a big "too bad" for everyone downstream, especially for the Town of Patagonia. We do not have to treat our water except with chlorine, we do not have a water treatment plant for our drinking water. Climate change is man-made, the situation that will occur will be man-made. The issue here is that no one will take the blame if the worst case scenario happens. ADEQ and S32 are off the hook because the water is clean at the starting point. Enough is enough, we do not know enough to allow this discharge. Please do not give them the permit.↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Linda Snyder MD↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Linda Snyder MD↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The impacts of the proposed groundwater withdrawal and effluent discharge...↓ would be incredibly destructive to the local ecology and hydrology and are thus unacceptable.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine could change where current springs emerge, leading to the permanent drying of natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees that depend on having their roots in the water table. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience, potentially increase erosion, and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation through increased potential of invasion by fire-prone introduced grasses.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current flow levels. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores; these tree species depend on the current flood regime for reproduction and survival, and the loss of these plant communities over time could lead to subsequent erosion of streambanks. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Fern Bromley↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The impacts of the proposed groundwater withdrawal and effluent discharge...↓ would be incredibly destructive to the local ecology and hydrology and are thus unacceptable.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine could change where current springs emerge, leading to the permanent drying of natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees that depend on having their roots in the water table. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience, potentially increase erosion, and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation through increased potential of invasion by fire-prone introduced grasses.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current flow levels. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores; these tree species depend on the current flood regime for reproduction and survival, and the loss of these plant communities over time could lead to subsequent erosion of streambanks. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Fern Bromley↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW TEMPORARY GAIN TO OVERRIDE THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF THIS AREA. ONCE IT IS SPOILED IT IS RUINED FOREVER. BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY, INSTEAD OF LISTED AMONG THOSE WHO DESTROYED THIS BEAUTIFUL, IRREPLACEABLE LAND.
Sincerely,
Cynthia A. Williams↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW TEMPORARY GAIN TO OVERRIDE THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF THIS AREA. ONCE IT IS SPOILED IT IS RUINED FOREVER. BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY, INSTEAD OF LISTED AMONG THOSE WHO DESTROYED THIS BEAUTIFUL, IRREPLACEABLE LAND.
Sincerely,
Cynthia A. Williams↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
We have to protect this area! Our water and wildlife need protecting!!!
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks...↓. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Dearing↓
We have to protect this area! Our water and wildlife need protecting!!!
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks...↓. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Dearing↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
Additionally, these landscape scale changes may be impermanent in source of changing hydrology and biology, but are bound to present long-lasting impacts that will reduce the quality of Arizona natural resources and the resilience of natural ecosystems to future drought and wildfires.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
Additionally, these landscape scale changes may be impermanent in source of changing hydrology and biology, but are bound to present long-lasting impacts that will reduce the quality of Arizona natural resources and the resilience of natural ecosystems to future drought and wildfires.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
As a concerned resident of southern Arizona, I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are una...↓cceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks. I"m modifying this form letter because I want to be sure that the details are correct, but please know that this is an issue that I care about deeply and personally. Scroll down to the end of this letter for more personalized content, but please know that I am sending the form content because I want these details to be on the record.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. Have you spent time in this beautiful area? If not, I urge you to do so. Even without seeing this remarkable and irreplaceable landscape, I can"t imagine how South32"s Hermosa permit could meet the criteria for acceptable environmental impact. Please, reject this permit application and put a stop to this irresponsible use of Arizona"s waters.
Sincerely,↓
As a concerned resident of southern Arizona, I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are una...↓cceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks. I"m modifying this form letter because I want to be sure that the details are correct, but please know that this is an issue that I care about deeply and personally. Scroll down to the end of this letter for more personalized content, but please know that I am sending the form content because I want these details to be on the record.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project. Have you spent time in this beautiful area? If not, I urge you to do so. Even without seeing this remarkable and irreplaceable landscape, I can"t imagine how South32"s Hermosa permit could meet the criteria for acceptable environmental impact. Please, reject this permit application and put a stop to this irresponsible use of Arizona"s waters.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I use the Patagonia Mountains regularly recreationally. As a concerned resident of Southern Arizona, I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water in...↓to Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I use the Patagonia Mountains regularly recreationally. As a concerned resident of Southern Arizona, I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water in...↓to Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. This global company is headquartered in Australia and will offer very lit...↓tle to the economy if Arizona. Please protect the Patagonia area.
Sincerely, Lucille Flaaten↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. This global company is headquartered in Australia and will offer very lit...↓tle to the economy if Arizona. Please protect the Patagonia area.
Sincerely, Lucille Flaaten↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
Lastly, I hike and bird in that area and love it, but have already noticed the decline in water. Birders in particular have a significant impact on the local and state economy.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
Lastly, I hike and bird in that area and love it, but have already noticed the decline in water. Birders in particular have a significant impact on the local and state economy.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Please be practical and sane. We do not need another mine wasting our precious water resources.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Har...↓shaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Douglas Everett
Hummingbird Market
Tucson, AZ↓
Please be practical and sane. We do not need another mine wasting our precious water resources.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Har...↓shaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Douglas Everett
Hummingbird Market
Tucson, AZ↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Peggy Steffens↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Peggy Steffens↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Please don’t permit this mining operation that will impact our precious ground water and the wildlife it supports. We must preserve what nature has given us.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s He...↓rmosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
Please don’t permit this mining operation that will impact our precious ground water and the wildlife it supports. We must preserve what nature has given us.
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s He...↓rmosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Donna Mueller↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Donna Mueller↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Laura Howe↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Laura Howe↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
It"s time for ADEQ to recognize the importance of preserving sensitive habitats for the survival of all animals and flora that depend on our limited and endangered water sources. It’s time to stop bowi...↓ng to short term mining interests who threaten to destroy natural habitats for profit seeking interests. Their habitat destruction will forever change the land. I
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
It"s time for ADEQ to recognize the importance of preserving sensitive habitats for the survival of all animals and flora that depend on our limited and endangered water sources. It’s time to stop bowi...↓ng to short term mining interests who threaten to destroy natural habitats for profit seeking interests. Their habitat destruction will forever change the land. I
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
If this project is approved , EVERYONE at ADEQ should be fired btcause you certainly are incapable of doing your jobs.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
If this project is approved , EVERYONE at ADEQ should be fired btcause you certainly are incapable of doing your jobs.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
Please deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to...↓ the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks..
Sincerely,
Craig Anderson
Arizona resident↓
Please deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to...↓ the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks..
Sincerely,
Craig Anderson
Arizona resident↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I am a lifelong birder and I love birding and viewing wildlife in the Harshaw Creek area. I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw...↓ and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I am a lifelong birder and I love birding and viewing wildlife in the Harshaw Creek area. I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw...↓ and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear ADEQ,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depre...↓ssion” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depre...↓ssion” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Eric Scheuering↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Eric Scheuering↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Aimee Firth↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Aimee Firth↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Christy Martin↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Christy Martin↓
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I own land along Sonoita Creek in Patagonia. I am a virtual lifelong AZ resident.
Million of gallons of water being dumped into Harshaw Creek is an literally an existential threat to the Town of Patagonia and other nearby residents. Heavy metals and...↓ other pollutants are likely to contaminate groundwater throughout the Harshaw Creek watershed, as well as Sonoita Creek and associated aquifer around Patagonia and other nearby areas. This water is the entire water supply for Patagonia and everyone in the area. Potable water is critical to the Town and many other residents nearby.
Another threat that is real is increased risk of flooding. Most of the Town of Patagonia is in the flood plain and subject to destructive floods. Several million gallons of water per day will be enough to wet the channel of Harshaw Creek and Sonoita Creek through Patagonia. When a watershed and soil along it are saturated, risk of serious flooding is hugely elevated. This area is one of the most subject to monsoon storms and large floods in all of Arizona.↓
Million of gallons of water being dumped into Harshaw Creek is an literally an existential threat to the Town of Patagonia and other nearby residents. Heavy metals and...↓ other pollutants are likely to contaminate groundwater throughout the Harshaw Creek watershed, as well as Sonoita Creek and associated aquifer around Patagonia and other nearby areas. This water is the entire water supply for Patagonia and everyone in the area. Potable water is critical to the Town and many other residents nearby.
Another threat that is real is increased risk of flooding. Most of the Town of Patagonia is in the flood plain and subject to destructive floods. Several million gallons of water per day will be enough to wet the channel of Harshaw Creek and Sonoita Creek through Patagonia. When a watershed and soil along it are saturated, risk of serious flooding is hugely elevated. This area is one of the most subject to monsoon storms and large floods in all of Arizona.↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely, Jamie Shields↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely, Jamie Shields↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I rode my bike along Harshaw Creek yesterday and was surprised to see it flowing, despite our very dry weather. I am writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of m...↓ine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I rode my bike along Harshaw Creek yesterday and was surprised to see it flowing, despite our very dry weather. I am writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of m...↓ine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓1) dewatering due to the “cone of depression” that would be created around the mine and 2) disturbances that would come from dramatically increased flow rates in nearby creeks.
First, dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive. The change in hydraulic gradients around the mine would change the “paths of least resistance,” where current springs emerge, permanently drying natural springs. It would also lead to significant loss of upland trees. The death of surrounding trees will decrease the landscape’s overall resilience and could lead to the present ecosystem’s radical transformation and potential collapse.
Expected harms from the water discharges are also deeply concerning. Up to 6 million gallons of water per day could be forced down Harshaw Creek and up to 172,000 gallons per day down Alum Creek. These volumes are significantly higher than current, intermittent, base flows. This will lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources such as the seven rheocrene seeps and springs known in Harshaw Creek and the nine rheocrene seeps and springs known in Alum Creek. These harms are particularly concerning because springs are such unique ecosystems with high biodiversity. Their destruction will affect endemic species to an unknown degree because the sites haven’t yet been adequately surveyed. Some estimates suggest that refugia like these support more than 20% of endangered and threatened species, despite making up a much smaller proportion of the land surface area (Springs Stewardship Institute).
What’s more, such intense flooding will lead to reduced tree recruitment for riparian species like cottonwoods and sycamores — over time, altering the landscape. Because the water discharges would be ongoing, the surrounding landscape will be more water-logged. This means a reduced capacity to absorb water during rains, and potential downstream flash flooding. And finally, the quality of the water being discharged in such high quantities is a concern. Its source will be deep underground in the Hermosa project, and although the mine has promised to treat the water before release, its quality could change unexpectedly over time.
Although water in the desert is a rarity, and one would think that increased flow would help our streams, because of the sensitive ecological balance of these riparian ecosystems, a change in flow regime this drastic could permanently alter the character and species composition of these areas.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,↓
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I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable and fall into two main categories: ...↓