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,
Gregory Benoist↓
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,
Gregory Benoist↓
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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. I am amazed that this project is even being seriously considered. With ...↓the understanding of how important our groundwater is there is no excuse for mining of this style. We are an intelligent, creative citizenry and we can develop the technology to mine minerals without the heavy use of groundwater. As long as mining companies are allowed to use the old methods and harm water tables, there will be no incentive to modernize and created better systems. Innovation comes when there are obstacles to doing things "as they have always been done". Say no to this permit and encourage innovation.
Sincerely,
Izetta Feeny↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. I am amazed that this project is even being seriously considered. With ...↓the understanding of how important our groundwater is there is no excuse for mining of this style. We are an intelligent, creative citizenry and we can develop the technology to mine minerals without the heavy use of groundwater. As long as mining companies are allowed to use the old methods and harm water tables, there will be no incentive to modernize and created better systems. Innovation comes when there are obstacles to doing things "as they have always been done". Say no to this permit and encourage innovation.
Sincerely,
Izetta Feeny↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
My husband and I recently set into motion the retirement plan of our dreams. We (along with another couple) purchased an old church camp (the ABC Camp on 25 Apache Rd) with the intent of creating a re...↓treat space for birders, hikers (including AZT hikers), and mountain bikers. We have a few years of hard work and preparation ahead of us, but ultimately, we know this project of love will provide a retirement income for us.
To say we are deeply, deeply concerned about South32"s Hermosa permit request is an UNDERSTATEMENT.
What will be the long-term impact on our private well? Our dreams are destroyed if we don"t have water.
What is the impact on the wildlife.... the flora, the fauna... that will (most likely already have) become dependent on springs that are being unnaturally created by South32"s pumping?
We are a couple living on a limited budget... one that involved saving for years and years to make this investment in our future. We count our blessings daily that we were able to purchase property in what we believe to be one of the most beautiful areas of the state. We hope it stays that way.
Thank you for your consideration,
Becky Weber↓
My husband and I recently set into motion the retirement plan of our dreams. We (along with another couple) purchased an old church camp (the ABC Camp on 25 Apache Rd) with the intent of creating a re...↓treat space for birders, hikers (including AZT hikers), and mountain bikers. We have a few years of hard work and preparation ahead of us, but ultimately, we know this project of love will provide a retirement income for us.
To say we are deeply, deeply concerned about South32"s Hermosa permit request is an UNDERSTATEMENT.
What will be the long-term impact on our private well? Our dreams are destroyed if we don"t have water.
What is the impact on the wildlife.... the flora, the fauna... that will (most likely already have) become dependent on springs that are being unnaturally created by South32"s pumping?
We are a couple living on a limited budget... one that involved saving for years and years to make this investment in our future. We count our blessings daily that we were able to purchase property in what we believe to be one of the most beautiful areas of the state. We hope it stays that way.
Thank you for your consideration,
Becky Weber↓
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,
Having moved to southern Arizona in the past year, I have already come to greatly appreciate the wild open spaces in and around the Patagonia Mountains. Such wilderness is the reason we chose to move t...↓o Tucson after our former home became overcrowded and polluted.
So, 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,
Mark Johnston↓
Having moved to southern Arizona in the past year, I have already come to greatly appreciate the wild open spaces in and around the Patagonia Mountains. Such wilderness is the reason we chose to move t...↓o Tucson after our former home became overcrowded and polluted.
So, 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,
Mark Johnston↓
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.
Please don’t ruin these gorgeous mountains anymore!
Sincerely,
Tobias Smith↓
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 don’t ruin these gorgeous mountains anymore!
Sincerely,
Tobias Smith↓
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,
Carl Sadlier↓
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,
Carl Sadlier↓
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,
Michael Tackett↓
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,
Michael Tackett↓
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,
Karen Bernauer↓
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,
Karen Bernauer↓
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.
Water is more precious now in the desert and will be more important in the future than any product coming out of this mine
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.
Water is more precious now in the desert and will be more important in the future than any product coming out of this mine
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 asking you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depressio...↓n” 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,
Maria Gomez Murphy
Rio Rico, Arizona↓
I’m asking you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are unacceptable: 1) dewatering due to the “cone of depressio...↓n” 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,
Maria Gomez Murphy
Rio Rico, Arizona↓
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,
Lynne Downes↓
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,
Lynne Downes↓
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 read this. As a Patagonia resident, I am 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.
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, PLEASE PRESERVE OUR BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AND TOWN! PLEASE DENY THE PERMIT.
I would appreciate a response and will be carefully watching your actions. We are all in this world together and need to protect and advocate for our continued existence.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Turner↓
Please read this. As a Patagonia resident, I am 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.
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, PLEASE PRESERVE OUR BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AND TOWN! PLEASE DENY THE PERMIT.
I would appreciate a response and will be carefully watching your actions. We are all in this world together and need to protect and advocate for our continued existence.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Turner↓
No attachments
Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I didn"t write this letter but I completely stand by it. I am against mining in Santa Cruz County. I resent the South 32 Fast Track implemented for this mine, because It is illegal to ignore all t...↓he Environmental protections that are put in place for the protection of us, the citizens and the environment. Fast Track is allowing these environmental laws to be bypassed. This poses potentially horrific problems to occur.
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, Debra↓
I didn"t write this letter but I completely stand by it. I am against mining in Santa Cruz County. I resent the South 32 Fast Track implemented for this mine, because It is illegal to ignore all t...↓he Environmental protections that are put in place for the protection of us, the citizens and the environment. Fast Track is allowing these environmental laws to be bypassed. This poses potentially horrific problems to occur.
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, Debra↓
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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
I'm writing to urge you to deny South32's Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks.
This issue highlights the difficult choices we are faced with and the ironic, and often unintended consequences of our e...↓fforts to make environmentally conscious decisions. Currently there is a lot of pressure on policy makers and business executives to embrace and promote actions that will decrease climate change, and the search for metal resources such as copper, cadmium, zinc and other elements found at this location, is at a fevered pitch. The unfortunate truth is that in our attempts to stave off environmental harm in one area we create it in other ways.
There is nothing more precious to our planet, and life on our planet, than water. It is said that we are in the middle of a 20 year drought because it has been going on that long – it could be a 50 or 100 year drought. Faced with this knowledge it is critical that we conserve and use wisely our precious water resources . How can we (actually you) allow ground water to be removed and flushed away to make room for extremely destructive mining activity.
I have read the figure of more than 6 million gallons of water per day! Can this be true! Such a volume of transference would dewater the surrounding area and create a cone of depression, drying springs, killing vegetation, leaving animal life without the resources they need. Further damage will be done when the removed water is then flushed down Harshaw Creek and Alum Creek. I believe a moonscape would be the result of this action with the die-off the plants near the mine and the erosion of land downstream.
I addition, these mountains are a biological hot spot, a place where the ecology of the Sierra Madre and the Rocky Mountains come together, resulting in many plants and animals found no where else in the U.S. These rare plants and animals, especially birds, draw scientists, artists, visitors of all types to this remote part of the state and the financial resources they bring are critical to the economy. Unlike mining, they do not cause destruction and devastation when they leave and no Superfund millions are needed to clean up after them.
In Arizona's past the mining interests always benefited. I hope we can move past that. Please consider the many aspects, not just mining but also ecology, economy and sustainability in making your decision. Much is at stake.
Respectfully,
Susan Husband↓
This issue highlights the difficult choices we are faced with and the ironic, and often unintended consequences of our e...↓fforts to make environmentally conscious decisions. Currently there is a lot of pressure on policy makers and business executives to embrace and promote actions that will decrease climate change, and the search for metal resources such as copper, cadmium, zinc and other elements found at this location, is at a fevered pitch. The unfortunate truth is that in our attempts to stave off environmental harm in one area we create it in other ways.
There is nothing more precious to our planet, and life on our planet, than water. It is said that we are in the middle of a 20 year drought because it has been going on that long – it could be a 50 or 100 year drought. Faced with this knowledge it is critical that we conserve and use wisely our precious water resources . How can we (actually you) allow ground water to be removed and flushed away to make room for extremely destructive mining activity.
I have read the figure of more than 6 million gallons of water per day! Can this be true! Such a volume of transference would dewater the surrounding area and create a cone of depression, drying springs, killing vegetation, leaving animal life without the resources they need. Further damage will be done when the removed water is then flushed down Harshaw Creek and Alum Creek. I believe a moonscape would be the result of this action with the die-off the plants near the mine and the erosion of land downstream.
I addition, these mountains are a biological hot spot, a place where the ecology of the Sierra Madre and the Rocky Mountains come together, resulting in many plants and animals found no where else in the U.S. These rare plants and animals, especially birds, draw scientists, artists, visitors of all types to this remote part of the state and the financial resources they bring are critical to the economy. Unlike mining, they do not cause destruction and devastation when they leave and no Superfund millions are needed to clean up after them.
In Arizona's past the mining interests always benefited. I hope we can move past that. Please consider the many aspects, not just mining but also ecology, economy and sustainability in making your decision. Much is at stake.
Respectfully,
Susan Husband↓
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 damage (discussed below) will irreversibly impaie tourism (which many...↓ out of state visitors enjoy in the form of aquatics and terrestrial activities) and indigenous & minority rights (that is, environmental justice consultation procedural requirements and substantive rights). These significantly impact commerce and would require expanded consideration of protections. Moreover, the data indicates that the permits will drastically harm species in that habitat, which indicates likely Endangered Species Act Concerns. For more data on the species, please refer to the iNaturalist Datasets available here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&view=species; (more sets are referenced here: https://datasetsearch.research.google.com/search?ref=TDJjdk1URnRlSGszYURGbWVRPT0sTDJjdk1URnNjSGhuWTNSa05nPT0sTDJjdk1URnVaMmg1ZDNreWJnPT0%3D&query=inaturalist).
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 damage (discussed below) will irreversibly impaie tourism (which many...↓ out of state visitors enjoy in the form of aquatics and terrestrial activities) and indigenous & minority rights (that is, environmental justice consultation procedural requirements and substantive rights). These significantly impact commerce and would require expanded consideration of protections. Moreover, the data indicates that the permits will drastically harm species in that habitat, which indicates likely Endangered Species Act Concerns. For more data on the species, please refer to the iNaturalist Datasets available here: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&view=species; (more sets are referenced here: https://datasetsearch.research.google.com/search?ref=TDJjdk1URnRlSGszYURGbWVRPT0sTDJjdk1URnNjSGhuWTNSa05nPT0sTDJjdk1URnVaMmg1ZDNreWJnPT0%3D&query=inaturalist).
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,
Don"t be fooled by South32"s PR campaign touting their "first of a kind" mining in the Patagonia Mts. I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water i...↓nto 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,↓
Don"t be fooled by South32"s PR campaign touting their "first of a kind" mining in the Patagonia Mts. I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water i...↓nto 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. I find the proposed impacts unacceptable for 2 main reasons: 1) dewateri...↓ng 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.
Lowering the groundwater level in an area like this could be highly destructive, possibly permanently drying up natural springs and leading 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 would lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment downstream, and the burial of several important water sources in Harshaw Creek and Alum Creek. Such springs are unique ecosystems with high biodiversity, and their loss is of particular concern.
Furthermore, such intense flooding would likely 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 would be more water-logged--thus reducing their capacity to absorb water during rains. This could result in flash flooding downstream. 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.
Given the potential harm this project could deliver, 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. I find the proposed impacts unacceptable for 2 main reasons: 1) dewateri...↓ng 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.
Lowering the groundwater level in an area like this could be highly destructive, possibly permanently drying up natural springs and leading 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 would lead to severe erosion upstream, excessive sediment downstream, and the burial of several important water sources in Harshaw Creek and Alum Creek. Such springs are unique ecosystems with high biodiversity, and their loss is of particular concern.
Furthermore, such intense flooding would likely 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 would be more water-logged--thus reducing their capacity to absorb water during rains. This could result in flash flooding downstream. 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.
Given the potential harm this project could deliver, 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,
Patrick Brown↓
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,
Patrick Brown↓
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. Here in Rio Rico we are already having problems with water quality. With our continuously growing community we truly do not need any more problems.
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. Here in Rio Rico we are already having problems with water quality. With our continuously growing community we truly do not need any more problems.
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,
James Rozelle↓
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,
James Rozelle↓
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Dear Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing from out of state, because the Patagonia Mountains, their habitat, forests and watershed, are a national treasure, not just a gem of southeastern Arizona. As such, the Patagonia Mountains ...↓habitat warrants protection, not exploitation. This unique wilderness area already faces unprecedented stresses from global warming and the well-documented effects of escalating weather extremes such as excessive drought, flooding and wildfires. For this reason alone, I would ask you to reject the application and deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks which would become an even more direct and destructive stressor.
I urge you to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Richard Brown
San Angelo, TX↓
I’m writing from out of state, because the Patagonia Mountains, their habitat, forests and watershed, are a national treasure, not just a gem of southeastern Arizona. As such, the Patagonia Mountains ...↓habitat warrants protection, not exploitation. This unique wilderness area already faces unprecedented stresses from global warming and the well-documented effects of escalating weather extremes such as excessive drought, flooding and wildfires. For this reason alone, I would ask you to reject the application and deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks which would become an even more direct and destructive stressor.
I urge you to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Richard Brown
San Angelo, TX↓
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Dear AzDEQ:
I feel like this will fall on deaf ears, but please, please listen to those of us living in the area and PLEASE deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are u...↓nacceptable 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.
The destruction that has already begun will negatively impact the entire area. The significant drop in the groundwater level in the area will permanently drying natural springs. Trees will die. Animals will dry. People"s wells will dry - as will their home value.
The forecasted water discharges are also deeply concerning. Six 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).
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.
South32 and its representatives are glib, snake-oil salesmen. They promise the highest, best, cleanest technology then quietly slide-in that the technology is "conceptual" only. They will divert your attention by telling you all the wonderful ways they plan to "clean" the water, but fail to mention the destruction caused by their practices.
Please, I urge you to deny the permit for this project. For a look at South32"s impact in other countries, please watch the news expo published on YouTube called "The Manganese Road".
Sincerely,
Constance Paris↓
I feel like this will fall on deaf ears, but please, please listen to those of us living in the area and PLEASE deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. The proposed impacts are u...↓nacceptable 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.
The destruction that has already begun will negatively impact the entire area. The significant drop in the groundwater level in the area will permanently drying natural springs. Trees will die. Animals will dry. People"s wells will dry - as will their home value.
The forecasted water discharges are also deeply concerning. Six 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).
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.
South32 and its representatives are glib, snake-oil salesmen. They promise the highest, best, cleanest technology then quietly slide-in that the technology is "conceptual" only. They will divert your attention by telling you all the wonderful ways they plan to "clean" the water, but fail to mention the destruction caused by their practices.
Please, I urge you to deny the permit for this project. For a look at South32"s impact in other countries, please watch the news expo published on YouTube called "The Manganese Road".
Sincerely,
Constance Paris↓
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. Especially now when the public is growing aware how Arizona’s groundwater supplies are overexploited, approving permits like this makes the State appear deaf to the harm caused by these projects.
Dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive, changing where springs emerge, the region’s biodiversity and overall resiliency. It would not just be a loss of a unique ecosystem, but also the degradation of a watershed important for local residents. While filling local intermittent creeks may appear to offset these concerns, the resulting erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources would further undermine these delicate ecosystems and lower tree recruitment. Furthermore, 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).
As the people inside and outside of the State have become aware of the lack of groundwater regulations outside of Active Management Areas (such as the Saudi Arabian-owned farms), there is growing concern about how these permits are reviewed. Allowing this permit to be approved would only support the arguments of ADEQ’s opponents, bringing further attention to these issues and distracting from the Department’s groundbreaking work in other areas of the state. I would hope that ADEQ would be aware enough of the larger conversations surrounding groundwater use not to get unnecessarily mired in these highly political discussions.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Elijah Tangenberg↓
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. Especially now when the public is growing aware how Arizona’s groundwater supplies are overexploited, approving permits like this makes the State appear deaf to the harm caused by these projects.
Dropping the groundwater level in an area like this would be highly destructive, changing where springs emerge, the region’s biodiversity and overall resiliency. It would not just be a loss of a unique ecosystem, but also the degradation of a watershed important for local residents. While filling local intermittent creeks may appear to offset these concerns, the resulting erosion upstream, excessive sediment loads downstream, and the burial of several important water sources would further undermine these delicate ecosystems and lower tree recruitment. Furthermore, 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).
As the people inside and outside of the State have become aware of the lack of groundwater regulations outside of Active Management Areas (such as the Saudi Arabian-owned farms), there is growing concern about how these permits are reviewed. Allowing this permit to be approved would only support the arguments of ADEQ’s opponents, bringing further attention to these issues and distracting from the Department’s groundbreaking work in other areas of the state. I would hope that ADEQ would be aware enough of the larger conversations surrounding groundwater use not to get unnecessarily mired in these highly political discussions.
For all these reasons, I urge you and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to deny the permit for this project.
Sincerely,
Elijah Tangenberg↓
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. I am a Landscape Architect and am well versed in Environmental Sciences....↓ The project is a serious threat to our most precious resourse..water. There are dozens of things that could be done to assure the least amount of damage to the adjacent watershed. Their proposal is flawed, short-sided, and does not go near enough to insure valuable habitat, water quality and water quantity are rpotected. Water is this states most valuable resource and we need to start acting like it.
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, Robin Solari↓
I’m writing to urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for discharge of mine water into Harshaw and Alum creeks. I am a Landscape Architect and am well versed in Environmental Sciences....↓ The project is a serious threat to our most precious resourse..water. There are dozens of things that could be done to assure the least amount of damage to the adjacent watershed. Their proposal is flawed, short-sided, and does not go near enough to insure valuable habitat, water quality and water quantity are rpotected. Water is this states most valuable resource and we need to start acting like it.
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, Robin Solari↓
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,
Marc Majewski↓
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,
Marc Majewski↓
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 was born and raised in the Sonoran Desert -- this land is dear to me, as is the web of interconnected life that it supports.
Thus, I urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for dischar...↓ge 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,
Brooks↓
I was born and raised in the Sonoran Desert -- this land is dear to me, as is the web of interconnected life that it supports.
Thus, I urge you to deny South32’s Hermosa permit (#AZ0026387) for dischar...↓ge 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,
Brooks↓
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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. Arizona"s ephemeral springs are essential resources for our unique plants and animals. Mine dewatering would permanently alter fragile ecosystems. 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). Not only that, but dewatering efforts waste precious water. In a time when we"re already facing severe shortages, removing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from the ecosystem is irresponsible and reckless stewardship of resources.
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. Arizona"s ephemeral springs are essential resources for our unique plants and animals. Mine dewatering would permanently alter fragile ecosystems. 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). Not only that, but dewatering efforts waste precious water. In a time when we"re already facing severe shortages, removing hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from the ecosystem is irresponsible and reckless stewardship of resources.
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,
Melissa↓
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,
Melissa↓
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,
Alison Knutson↓
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,
Alison Knutson↓
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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,
Rana Mustafa↓
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,
Rana Mustafa↓
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,
Patty Gosselin↓
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,
Patty Gosselin↓
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,
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’ll let the folks who wrote out this amazing letter full of information supporting concerns around the proposed Hermosa mine, but please suffice to say earnestly from one Arizonan that this is the way...↓ we lose the beauty and balance that embodies the desert. It’s such a unique place and deserves to be protected, not exploited by some outside corporate project. Thank you.
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’ll let the folks who wrote out this amazing letter full of information supporting concerns around the proposed Hermosa mine, but please suffice to say earnestly from one Arizonan that this is the way...↓ we lose the beauty and balance that embodies the desert. It’s such a unique place and deserves to be protected, not exploited by some outside corporate project. Thank you.
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
To the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,
I’m writing to desperately 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 mai...↓n 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,
madeline↓
I’m writing to desperately 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 mai...↓n 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,
madeline↓
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 alter 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 alter 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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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: ...↓