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CEA Foundation has taken initial steps to bring a “citizen lawsuit” against Rise under the Clean Water Act in order to compel Rise to address mine drain pollution. According to Ralph Silberstein, President of CEA Foundation, “Our goal is simply to compel Rise to stop polluting the creek, to follow the law and apply for a NPDES [Discharge] Permit. For Immediate Release: September 23, 2024 Contacts : commgr@cea-nc.org MineConcerns@cea-nc.org CEA Foundation PRESS RELEASE CEA Foundation Begins Legal Action Against Rise Gold to Stop Mine Drain Pollution Grass Valley, CA – Local non-profit Community Environmental Advocates Foundation (CEA Foundation) has sent Rise Grass Valley, Inc. a subsidiary of Rise Gold Corp, a Notice of Violation , and is preparing a lawsuit to address contaminated mine water effluent discharging into Wolf Creek. Currently, the Idaho-Maryland Mine discharges contaminated water from several mine drain points directly into the main branch of Wolf Creek, including the Eureka Drain and the East Eureka Drain. The illegal contamination levels were identified in testing done in 2019 by the EPA as well as in Rise Gold’s 2020 Environmental Impact Report. The tests show that the mine effluent exceeds safe values of Arsenic, Lead, Manganese, Barium, and other heavy metals in clear violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). CEA Foundation has made efforts to address the ongoing problem since 2021. Following the denial of the Use Permit to reopen the mine by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors on Feb 16, 2024, the plans to temporarily treat mine effluent during mine operations are no longer applicable and there are no provisions for long term treatment. CEA Foundation has taken initial steps to bring a “citizen lawsuit” against Rise under the Clean Water Act in order to compel Rise to address the contamination problem. According to Ralph Silberstein, President of CEA Foundation, “Our goal is simply to compel Rise to stop polluting the creek, to follow the law and apply for a NPDES [Discharge] Permit. This will likely require Rise to build a permanent water treatment facility along Wolf Creek similar to the one for Magenta Drain in Empire Mine State Park.” The Notice of Violation gives Rise 60 days to respond before the lawsuit is filed in the US District Court in Sacramento. (See https://www.cea-nc.org/notice-of-ongoing-violations-and-intent-to-file-a-citizen-suit-under-the-clean-water-act/   ) *** Community Environmental Advocates Foundation (CEA Foundation) performs research, education, and advocacy to promote responsible land use and environmental protection policies in Nevada County. www.cea-nc.org . CEA Foundation is the leader of MineWatch, a campaign that brings together a coalition of nonprofit organizations, residents, and businesses opposed to the mine. www.MineWatchNC.org .

At the Final Hearing for the Idaho-Maryland Mine on February 15 & 16, 2024, Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously 5-0 to deny the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and deny the Rise Gold project, fully rejecting Rise Gold’s plan to re-open the Idaho-Maryland Mine ! You can thank our Supervisors by sending an email to bdofsupervisors@nevadacountyca.gov . This is a huge victory , but it's important to know that it's  not over yet . Rise Gold has sued the County. They still claim they have a vested right to mine, and that the County has violated their due process rights in the processing of the application. CEA Foundation attorneys, Shute, Mihaly, & Weinberger, analyzed their vested rights claims and assert they "will be dead on arrival in court." An Exhausting But Rewarding Marathon American Activist Dorothy Height, once said “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.” And grow we did.  Opposition to the mine has brought this community together like perhaps no other issue. Over the last almost 4 years, thousands of residents, hundreds of businesses, and dozens of activist groups have come together to voice their opposition to the mine. In the meantime, County planners and executive staff spent exhaustive hours working to process the application thoroughly and fairly. Together – this community provided an example  of how to participate in the process with a respectful presence and well researched analysis of the issues. Fortunately, our efforts were well rewarded. Our County’s planning department and commissioners reviewed the risks and stood up for the people. Our Supervisors and their executive staff created an outcome that will protect our air, water, and quality of life in the future. There really are thousands of people to thank for this outcome . Civil servants, researchers, writers, speakers, demonstrators, educators, organizers, project managers, typists, filmmakers, minstrels, and more. It took ALL of us to get to where we are today. You know who you are. Please pat yourself on the back. This was an incredible community effort ! Hearing Highlights Hundreds of people of gathered  at the Rood Center for the hearing – despite chilly, rainy weather – proudly displaying “no mine” stickers and signs. Almost 90 people provided passionate public comments against the mine. At the same time, the County’s YouTube channel recorded over 1,500 views on the first day and 1,000 on the second. Watch Supervisors’ Final Comments and Vote   (apx 35 min) Or re-watch your favorite parts by watching the YouTube recordings of the full hearing. BOS Hearing Feb 15 Part 1 - 4:33   BOS Hearing Feb 15 Part 2 - 5:11   BOS Hearing Feb 16 – 4:26 In final comments, District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek summed it up succinctly when she said, “This one doesn’t fit this spot anymore”. “ I just don't see it,”  said District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout whose district includes the mine. “I don't see the promise of potentially 300 jobs to override people's quality of life”. “It’s clear that this community wants to move forward to a cleaner economic future  and not go back to mining,” said District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall. “Brunswick Road is certainly not rural,” said District 2 Supervisor, Ed Scofield. “It’s right on the outskirts, right adjacent to the city limits to Grass Valley… That means that this operation will have the possible impact of 1,000s of people , if not more, if something goes wrong.” Hardy Bullock, Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor wrapped up the final comments. “The final EIR has adequately described – the key word ‘described’ – the potential significant and unavoidable impacts. But the project in my mind, has not adequately removed or mitigated these environmental threats which threaten our community, our way of life for cultural and economic prosperity here.” Lisa Swarthout made the final motion that was unanimously approved: “I make the motion that we deny the certification of the Environmental Impact Report and that we deny the Rise Gold project.” In the News Local News 2/17 – TheUnion.com | 'This one doesn’t fit this spot anymore': Supervisors deny proposed mine project 5-0 2/16 – TheUnion.com | BREAKING: Supervisors vote 5-0 against reopening Idaho Maryland 2/16 – YubaNet.com | Supervisors Deny Rise Grass Valley’s Idaho Maryland Mine Project 2/16 – KNCO.com | Final Rejection Of Idaho Maryland From Supes   Other Insightful Summaries 2/20 CapRadio.org | Nevada County rejects controversial gold mining project 2/20 BNNBreaking.com | Nevada County Says No Amid Community Concerns   TV News ABC 10 News 2/16 - Nevada County supervisors unanimously reject reopening historic gold mine 2/15 - Historic Nevada County gold mine to see final meetings before decision CBS News Sacramento 2/16 - Nevada County denies bid to reopen historic mine after days of public comment 2/16 - Nevada County supervisors reject reopening Idaho Maryland Project 2/15 - Heated debate unfolds Thursday over proposed Idaho-Maryland Mine project FOX 40 News 2/16 Nevada County officials reject Grass Valley mine reopening 2/15 - Dozens of community members speak out against proposal to revive mine 2/15 Nevada County supervisors to have final say on Idaho-Maryland mine project

In May 2024, Rise Grass Valley filed a petition for peremptory writ of mandate against Nevada County. They're attempting to overturn the Board of Supervisors' denial of vested rights for the Idaho-Maryland Mine, and their decision to deny the application and use permit for the mine. Both decisions were unanimous. According to opposition leader, CEA Foundation, the lawsuit by Rise is more of the same delusional song that Rise has been singing all along. E.g., The case for vested rights has no merit. The mine shut down in around 1956, the mine was flooded, and all the structures were removed. Rise doesn’t even own the land where much of the processing took place. There has been no continuity of ‘mining operations’ taking place to warrant a claim of vested rights. The vested rights arguments made by Rise based on the Hansen case are based on a misinterpretation of those findings. The claims regarding the failure to certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are also meritless. The EIR contained significant flaws, failing to adequately address the impacts to well owners, water quality, air pollution, noise, and more. The requested zoning changes were inconsistent with the General plan when considering the current residential land uses. Investors beware. The fact that Rise Gold has raised capital through private placement offerings of corporate stock to pursue a meritless lawsuit based on such misleading information should be a big red flag. Note that they also need to raise another $3.3 million to clean up the toxic mine tailings on the 56 acre Centennial site, as per their agreement with the Department of Toxic Substances Control. NEWS COVERAGE The Union May 15, 2024: Rise Grass Valley files lawsuit based on claims of “vested rights” to mine Idaho-Maryland Mine site YubaNet May 13, 2024: Rise Gold files lawsuit against Nevada County LEGAL FILING Rise Grass Valley Filing, May 10, 2024

Mining is our Past. Not Our Future. Subscribe to eNews Protect our air, water, and quality of life. Stop the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Mining is our Past. Not Our Future. Subscribe to eNews Protect our air, water, and quality of life. Stop the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Rise Gold, a junior mining company with a questionable history, tried to reopen the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley, CA and got rejected. But the story isn't over yet. TOGETHER, We'RE STOPPING THE MINE THE COUNTY vOTED Unanimously against the mine THREE TIMES, but it's not over yet. Donate Make a tax-deductible donation to help fund legal fees. ​ May 2023: Nevada County Planning Commissioners unanimously recommended a NO vote on both the use permit for the project and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The hearing was earthshaking . December 2023: County Supervisors unanimously rejected a separate petition submitted by Rise Gold claiming a "vested right" to mine the property without the need for a use permit. February 2024: County Supervisors voted unanimously 5-0 to reject the use permit and deny certification of the EIR. This final decision was a tremendous victory for the community . The last chapter hasn't been written yet. Rise Gold is suing the County . Our law firm is preparing an amicus ("friend of the court") brief to assist the the County with lawsuits that will likely get scheduled after January 2025. CEA Foundation has also taken initial steps to bring a "citizen lawsuit" against Rise under the Clean Water Act. ​ ​ Read the release . why stop the mine? The majority of Nevada County residents – from both sides of the political spectrum – oppose the Idaho-Maryland Mine. They know that putting a toxic business in the middle of a residential area is a really bad idea. The project includes significant and unavoidable environmental impacts that endanger this community's health and quality of life. A few jobs and uncertain tax revenues just aren't worth the risk. Celebrate the people who contributed to the final vote. Here are our 7 top reasons . Risks our Health HURTS CLIMATE HURTS LOCALS Pollutes our Air Drains our Water SHOULDN'T TRUST RISE GOLD Questionable economic return Learn More THE FIGHT Isn't Over Follow us online ​ 1. 2. The public part of this battle is done, but CEA Foundation and the 26 groups in the MineWatch Coalition remain on the job. Rise Gold has filed a lawsuit against the County . We will be adding our support in defending the County’s decision. ​ Sign up to get occasional emails about ongoing efforts to stop the Idaho-Maryland Mine. We won't share your info. ​ ​ ​ Donate - Make a tax-deductible donation to help fund community education and legal fees. ​ ​ Subscribe to eNews Donate INCOMPatible USE Opening the mine next to residential neighborhoods violates the County General Plan. THREATENS WELLS The plan ignores the complexity and expense of providing a "comparable water supply". Can't dispose of mine waste There's no market for the 1000 tons a day of "Restricted" rock material they'll be producing. Huge GHG & ENERGY COST The mine won't achieve net-zero emissions. Energy use negates key County reduction goals. The Project Can't Be Fixed After almost four years of developm ent, the Final Environmental Impact Report and project plans still didn 't solve several critical problems. Read more . CEA Foundation leads the MineWatch campaign to stop the mine The MineWatch campaign is a community-wide, volunteer-driven effort led by Community Environmental Advocates Foundation. MineWatch brings together a coalition of residents, businesses, and nonprofit groups to oppose the reopening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine. We contribute to Nevada County's decision with a respectful presence and well-researched analysis of the issues . Together, v olunteers gathered over 5,500 petition signatures , gained support of 250 businesses , and delivered more than 2,500 postcards and emailed letters asking the County to “Just Say No” to the project. In addition, 26 local and state groups submitted a lengthy letter to the Nevada County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, which cited environmental and economic reasons to deny the project. 250 businesses signed against the mine FEATURED news & Opinions Businesses against the mine Press Release: CEA Foundation Begins Legal Action Against Rise Gold to Stop Mine Drain Pollution CEA Foundation has taken initial steps to bring a “citizen lawsuit” against Rise under the Clean Water Act in order to compel Rise to addres Rise Gold files suit against Nevada County In May 2024, Rise Grass Valley filed a petition for peremptory writ of mandate against Nevada County. They're attempting to overturn the... Board of Supervisors Rejects Mine in Final Vote At the Final Hearing for the Idaho-Maryland Mine on February 15 & 16, 2024, Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously 5-0 to... Rise Gold’s Constitutional takings prospects - Dead on Arrival - CEA Foundation Read the opinion and legal analysis. CEA Foundation's attorneys weighed in on the Rise Gold's threat of legal action against Nevada... Press Release: California Gold Rush Community May Reject Bid to Reopen Historic Mine This release summarizes key events that led up to the final public hearing and vote by Nevada County Supervisors on the fate of the... FOX News: Report on Denial of vested Rights View the Fox News report on the outcome of Rise Gold's attempt to claim vested rights to reopen the Idaho Maryland Mine. View the video... Rise Gold’s (Former) CEO found guilty on 13 counts in British Columbia retrial "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time." Ben Mossman was found guilty of 13 charges related to discharging... Earthshaking News: Planning Commission Rejects Mine We won a pivotal victory! All five Planning Commissioners voted unanimously against the Idaho-Maryland Mine at the end of Nevada County's... The County should deny the Idaho-Maryland Mine and should not certify the Final EIR The County's Final Environmental and Economic Impact Reports have been published. On May 11, 2023, the Planning Commission voted... Questionable Economic Return - Dec 2022 MineWatch meeting A powerhouse panel of community experts reviewed the conclusions of Nevada County's Economic Impact Report in a December 2022 MineWatch... ★ ‘Hung out to dry’: Well owners contend with Idaho-Maryland Mine report’s finding Want to know why people are so worried about impacts to wells and groundwater? This Union article is a must-read. By Shira Moolten Eric... A new gold rush pits money and jobs against California’s environment Companies are seeking to open old mines and explore in new sensitive regions, amid resistance from Californians who want the Gold Rush to... READY TO LEARN MORE? BROWSE our library. Play Video Play Video 04:26:12 Nevada County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting February 16, 2024 Nevada County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting February 16, 2024 Play Video Play Video 01:52:58 Nevada County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Day Two, December 14, 2023 Nevada County Board of Supervisors Special Meeting Day Two, December 14, 2023 Play Video Play Video 07:40:34 Nevada County Planning Commission Special Meeting May 11, 2023 Nevada County Planning Commission Special Meeting May 11, 2023 Play Video Play Video 02:54 Anti Idaho Maryland Mine for planning Commission Play Video Play Video 03:07 Wells Run Dry - Geoff Eido (Official Music Video 2022) This is the official music video for WELLS RUN DRY. The song and video are about an actual Gold Mine that a Canadian company is presently trying to open in Grass Valley, California, which would have devastating effects on the environment including draining the wells of many of the local residents. Featured in the video is a LIVE PROTEST against the mine, as well as a FLASH MOB staged at Robinson Plaza in the heart of Nevada City, CA. Eido wrote this song to inspire people to take a stand against this mine, and to help shift the paradigm for all of us to embrace living in harmony with the environment and honoring the earth, rather than blindly plundering it. ➡️ Get this song: https://songwhip.com/geoffeido/wells-run-dry 🔔 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Uy50Mafr9Jx0fvHXsPhbQ 🚨 Follow Geoff Eido: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geoffeido Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeoffEido LYRICS -- CHORUS Wells run dry and the people are thirsty Wells run dry and the people awake… You might say your mining claim is what everybody needs Beneath your lying promises is the heart of your greed We won’t let you slip it into the ground beneath our feet Rape our land of treasures that our people sorely need CHORUS Won’t you please do us the decency of not pretending like you care While you fill our space with toxic waste and contaminate our air Rivers have no memory of poison in their veins We will fight for every drop til you abandon all your claims CHORUS It’s time to put the planet back to the place where it belongs The sacred, righteous architect of each and every song Take dominion, exploitation, and greed without remorse Bring harmony and dignity and honoring our source CHORUS -- ✍️ Sign the Petition: Wells Run Dry is inspired by the attempt of a Canadian company to reopen a mine in Grass Valley, California. You can help fight this by signing the petition against it here: https://www.minewatchnc.org/petition 🗒 The effect of this mine would be a massive increase in cancer risk, toxic waste, air pollution, noise pollution, river pollution and the dewatering of many of our neighbors wells. this song is an anthem for the earth and a declaration that THIS WILL NOT PASS! 🎤About Geoff Eido: Geoff Eido is a singer, songwriter, and activist. His passionate spirit inspires maverick music for the masses. The musical expression of Geoff Eido weaves wisdom, laughter, and even rage. Acting as an entertaining antidote to the distortions of our modern society. #GeoffEido #WellsRunDry #OfficialMusicVideo2022 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4W08pYKmmw Play Video Play Video 03:48 Fool’s Gold Copyright Sept 2021 Kathryn Canan With Tom Wernigg, guitar Some good reasons not to let the Rise Gold corporation reopen an old gold mine in our hometown of Grass Valley, CA. Play Video Play Video 02:16:31 No Mine Concert - Nevada City The community continues to stand strong against the proposal to reopen the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Nevada County California. We come together for a concert and picnic to celebrate our resolve, to educate and inspire those who have not joined the opposition yet. CEA Foundation (Community Environmental Advocates), leads the charge in thwarting this bid to grab gold and risk everything from water to clean air. Learn more at www.MineWatchNC.org This free concert was held on July 31, 2022, organized by the Concerned Citizens Roundtable and co-sponsored by CEA Foundation. Play Video Play Video 13:11 Rise Beyond Gold Documentary film about reopening the mine - featured at Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2021. This community faces a foreign-headquartered company that would mine gold under its feet and leave behind a toxic legacy. Questions are raised about why we desire gold, and ultimately, is it worth it? Bonus content: - Questions & fact clarifications - https://www.cea-nc.org/the-idaho-maryland-mine/review-of-the-film-rise-beyond-gold/ - SYRCL Workshop including panelist Shelly Covert, Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribal Council - https://youtu.be/Kw-NF85XlYo See more videos become a minewatcher Sign up for our newsletter to get updates . Subscribe

SEND A LetTER 1) Scroll to the bottom and click the blue "Continue" button. 2) Write your letter. 3) We'll send you a copy. Once you've confirmed, we'll send your letter to the County. Use the form below to write a letter asking Nevada County decision makers to reject the re-opening of the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Send A Letter Frequently Asked Questions ​ Why are you asking for my street address and phone? We need complete and verifiable information to present to Nevada County decision makers. Your address helps identify the district you live in. Who will receive my information? We will only share this letter with the Nevada County Planning Department and Board of Supervisors. By signing this letter, the only mailing list you will be added to is MineWatch. You can opt-out at any time. become a minewatcher Join our newsletter for updates and monthly meeting invitations. Subscribe

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