We are reaching a crisis point in our fight against Azarga/Powertech. It's time we get the issue on the national stage. To start doing that, we need to write letters to Washington, D.C. In addition to contacting members of Congress, there are two places to write - the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's members and the head of the Council on Environmental Quality in the White House. This e-mail is lengthy, but please read it through and Take Action!
Here is some sample wording for the NRC commissioners:
I am writing to bring your attention to Docket Number 40-9075-MLA, which concerns the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This proposal is full of problems, and I believe that it is also being mishandled.
NRC staff have issued a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on this project, despite the fact that the required consultation with tribal governments under the National Historic Preservation Act has not been done. In addition, the staff's consideration of environmental impacts of this project have been based almost entirely on the applicant's documents, downplaying or ignoring scientific research that indicates that the proposed mine site is geologically inappropriate for in situ leach mining.
I ask that you insure that your staff follow the law and require complete tribal consultation. I also ask that a new SEIS be issued that takes all relevant scientific information into account.
Thank you for your consideration of these requests.
Sincerely,
And sign with your name, address, and phone number. Use your own words, so every letter is not the same. Send five copies to the five NRC commissioners at:
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop O-16G4 Washington, D.C. 20555-0001
The commissioners' names are:
Chairman Allison M. Macfarlane Commissioner Kristine L. Svinicki Commissioner George Apostolakis Commissioner William D. Magwood IV Commissioner William C. Ostendorff
Then send a letter to the Council on Environmental Quality, which is the body that is responsible for being sure that the National Environmental Policy Act is followed when Environmental Impact Statements are issued:
Sample language for your letter is:Nancy Sutley, Chair Council on Environmental Quality The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500
NRC staff have issued a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on this project, despite the fact that the required consultation with tribal governments under the National Historic Preservation Act has not been done. In addition, the staff's consideration of environmental impacts of this project have been based almost entirely on the applicant's documents, downplaying or ignoring scientific research that indicates that the proposed mine site is geologically inappropriate for 'in situ' leach uranium mining.
I ask that you insure that NRC staff follow the law and complete tribal consultation. I also ask that a new SEIS be issued that takes all relevant scientific information into account.
Thank you for your consideration of these requests.
Sincerely,
I am writing to bring your attention to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Docket Number 40-9075-MLA, which concerns the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This proposal is full of problems, and I believe that the NEPA process is being mishandled by the NRC.
Of course, change this to your own words, and sign with your name, address, and phone number. And as always, stay respectful in your letters.