Search our Library

Contaminated water containing unsafe levels of Arsenic, Lead, Barium, Chromium, and other hazardous metals is continuously draining out of the Idaho-Maryland Mine into Wolf Creek, in violation of the Clean Water Act. Read this opinion piece in The Union . Ralph Silberstein: Rise Gold is responsible for ongoing Idaho-Maryland Mine pollution November 20, 2024 Ralph Silberstein, President CEA Foundation Currently, contaminated water containing unsafe levels of Arsenic, Lead, Barium, Chromium, and other hazardous metals is continuously draining out of the Idaho-Maryland Mine into Wolf Creek, in violation of the Clean Water Act. A Nov. 9 op-ed in The Union by David Watkinson, the former CEO of Emgold Mining Co., criticized the efforts by CEA Foundation to compel Rise Gold to get a Discharge Permit (NPDES), the first step in remediating the problem. The Watkinson op-ed contained numerous invalid statements. For example, Watkinson states: “The action may well be moot because the discharge from the mine does not occur on property owned by Rise.” In fact, as is well documented in the mine’s own hydrology studies, the discharge comes from the Idaho-Maryland Mine. And, as the holder of the mineral rights, Rise is responsible. This is almost identical to the situation with the Magenta Drain at Memorial Park. The owner of the mineral rights in that case was Newmont Co., a real mining company. Newmont was found liable for the pollution even though the surface property was owned by others. Watkinson also insinuated that CEA, or CEA’s predecessor CLAIM, has known about the ongoing pollution since 2008 and only took action now to hurt Rise financially. In fact, CEA learned of the pollution from the 2020 Hydrology study for Rise’s draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and promptly submitted comments identifying that the draft EIR failed to adequately address this polluting effluent. However, Rise completely ignored these comments and continued to incorrectly characterize the mine’s water quality. This is one of many reasons why the final EIR was not certified by Nevada County. Watkinson then laments that Rise lacks the financial resources to build and maintain a water treatment plant, suggesting that, due to CEA’s actions, the “cleanup costs will be borne by government agencies funded by taxes and also by local residents and businesses who happen to own the mineral rights under their properties, not by Rise.” This is blatant scaremongering. Rise may wish that property owners in the area would have to pay for the cleanup, but the liability rests with Rise. Rise has also withdrawn from their Voluntary Agreement with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to clean up the 56 acre Centennial Site, which may cause the EPA to resume classification of the site under the super-fund program. A significant amount of resources have been used by Rise to prepare a draft Final Remedial Action Plan (RAP). The next step was to make final revisions so that the RAP can be accepted by the DTSC, a key step towards getting the site cleaned up. But instead of completing that milestone, Rise has directed its funds and energy into futile lawsuits against Nevada County. Unless the cleanup is completed, the land has little value. Apparently, Rise intends to abandon the Centennial property. Rise’s financial problems are basically self-inflicted, in large part due to the fact that Rise is suing Nevada County over the County’s denial of Rise’s “vested right to mine” claim and Use Permit application. The vested rights claim is particularly ludicrous, as a vested right requires that the mine has been operating continuously. But the Idaho-Maryland Mine shut down in 1956 and has not been mined since. Additionally, in an illogical self-defeating action, presumably to raise more money for those lawsuits, Rise has listed its “Lumber Mill Site” properties along Brunswick Road for sale. If Rise sells the land, then even with a vested rights or Use Permit victory, Rise would still not be able to go forward with their mine project, which requires the Lumber Mill Site lands for the processing facilities. I wonder if the investors in this corporation even know what is going on? Watkinson suggests that Rise may go bankrupt and, laughably, that CEA’s action to require a NPDES Discharge Permit is the cause, and yet Rise seems to remain in a state of denial, obsessed with improbable lawsuits. It seems that what Watkinson is really hoping for is that the community will allow Rise to walk away from its ongoing pollution responsibilities while it funds salaries and expensive lawyers in their endless legal pursuits. CEA’s position is clear: Rise should begin fulfilling its responsibilities under the Clean Water Act, get a Discharge Permit, and stop polluting our precious water.

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

wrecks our neighborhoods TRUCKs, Vibration, Noise The peace and quiet that brought homeowners to this beautiful area will be shattered. Constant truck traffic, vibration, and noise from blasting and heavy equipment operations will become the new normal. Understand the impact Running an industrial mining operation in the middle of a rural neighborhood has its consequences. The people who will be hardest hit are the residents and businesses in the Brunswick area, but Rise Gold's mineral rights extend far beyond that, so the area of impact would be quite large. Rise Gold is fond of talking about all the measures they're taking to contain sound levels inside the plant, but there's a lot more outside that they're not talking ab out. This is still going to be an industrial mining operation. HELP US EDUCATE OTHERS Here are some key concerns. An unsightly processing plant up to 122,000 square feet. New truck traffic - an "average" of 50 round trips, or up to 100 trips per day - 7 days a week, 16 hours a day. Constant construction noise for the first year and half. Grading and rock compacting to create engineered fill - 5 days a week for 11 years. Noise from compacting, excavating, and grading engineered fill piles up to 7 stories tall. Noise and vibration from underground blasting and drilling. Rezoning is required in order to get the mining operation approved, raising the allowable limits on a variety of measures, including noise and traffic. Articles & Opinions 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... David Briceno: Negative aspects of proposed mine considered "Putting gold back into “Gold Country” seems favorably nostalgic, but has unforeseen far-reaching repercussions. Is the town prepared to... Paul Schwartz: Incompatible uses The nearby city of Auburn in Placer County restricts mining in areas that are incompatible. Nevada County needs to consider the same. The... Earth Justice Ministries: A spiritual and moral perspective on reopening the mine Local nonprofit, Earth Justice Ministries, brings a spiritual and moral perspective to aesthetics, cumulative impacts, and the need to... Ray Bryars: A small aircraft airport, really? This local resident takes issue with an attempt to mischaracterize the nature of the Nevada County Airport in order to minimize its... Idaho-Maryland Mine Mineral Rights Map Wondering where the Mine is? Are the mineral rights under your feet? Check out these helpful maps. General map Parcels in the vicinity of... ★ Ray Bryars: Questions about explosives at mine Ray was surprised when the draft environmental report concluded there would be “no significant issues” with explosives. He gives multiple... Robert A. Hubbard: Rise Gold emphasizes ‘best possible outcome’ for Noise Local resident Robert Hubbard concludes that the Noise section of the Draft EIR is only as good as its data and is based on best-possible... Mark Wilson: Ready for industrial town? This piece paints a vivid picture of how our lives would change due to the scope and impact of living with a major industrial operation.... ★ Mike Shea: Too Good To Be True - Native Wildlife Rise Gold's biological assessment report on the 129 acre Brunswick site says they "did not record any observation of deer," but their... Bad News For the Neighborhood November, 2020 Listen to Christy Hubbard, a Grass Valley homeowner, talk about neighborhood impacts from a CEA Foundation virtual... Have you searched for 'neighborhood' in our library? become a minewatcher Join our newsletter for updates . Subscribe

MineWatch Nevada County is committed to stopping the reopening of the proposed Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley, CA. Join the coalition of residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Together, we can Stop The Mine! 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 the lawsuit. Preliminary case management conferences have been held, but the trial date has yet to be scheduled. 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 ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. FEATURED news & Opinions Businesses against the mine Ralph Silberstein: Rise Gold is responsible for ongoing Idaho-Maryland Mine pollution Contaminated water containing unsafe levels of Arsenic, Lead, Barium, Chromium, and other hazardous metals is continuously draining out... 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... 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

pollutes our air failing grade Grass Valley gets an “F” for air quality today. The mine will make it worse with escaped dust from continuous rock crushing, loading, hauling, unloading, spreading, and compacting. With chronic lung disease deaths already at twice the state average, we can't afford any more. UNDERSTAND THE I MPACT Air quality is one of our big concerns. The fact of the matter is that our community is already in a seriously compromised position. There's a long list of poor ratings we could cite, but the 2022 “State of the Air Report” from the American Lung Association , says it all. They gave Nevada County an “F” for our air quality, and that counted for both high ozone days and particle pollution. The Final E nvironmental Impact Repor t (EIR) describes a number of "mitigations" to reduce the impact and declares that the impact will be less than significant , but there are two problems with that: Experts working with CEA Foundat ion determined there a re significant errors and omissions in the analysis. Diesel exhaust calculations are understated, and there are major unresolved issues with airborne asbestos and other pollutants. For instance, the Final EIR's plan for managing concentration levels of asbestos in mine waste is inadequate. Test data is too sparse and they haven't demonstrated they can feasibly stay below the required limits. Read more in this review written before the final decision: The County Should Deny the Mine (look for point #5). Complying with regulatory thresholds doesn't mean zero impact. Even if "mitigations" meet the stated goals, our community will experience negative health impacts from the air pollution if this mine is approved. HELP US EDUCATE OTHERS Here are some talking points that can help. We already have very unhealthy air quality. We can't afford to make it worse. Mining operations call for continuous truck trips. Transportation is the largest producer of carbon emissions in California. Despite efforts to mitigate, there will be escaped fumes from blasting and processing. Fugitive dust will escape from rock crushing, loading, and unloading as they create mountains of engineered fill. Nevada County's death rate from chronic lung disease is already twice the state average. The test data in the Final EIR to determine potential asbestos impacts is i nadequate for CEQA compliance (California Environmental Quality Act). Articles & Opinions 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... Jim Bair: Opportunity to head off a major threat to our County "What is the worst thing that could happen to us in Western Nevada County? One threat that has been completely consuming over the past... Don Rivenes: Idaho-Maryland Mine greenhouse gas emissions are significant "The EIR for the mine fails to correctly identify a valid threshold for GHG emissions by assuming an outdated 10,000 Ton threshold... David Briceno: Negative aspects of proposed mine considered "Putting gold back into “Gold Country” seems favorably nostalgic, but has unforeseen far-reaching repercussions. Is the town prepared to... Gianna Setoudeh: California can’t afford the Idaho-Maryland Mine "Reopening a toxic mine with significant environmental impacts for the benefit of very few is simply not a risk worth taking,... Marion Blair: Reopening the Idaho Maryland Mine will not bring hope for the earth "It is our responsibility and honor to provide the ethics of care and guardianship to this land. Prioritizing profit over sustainability... Mine Waste and Asbestos Impacts The Final EIR lacks the data needed to assess the impacts of airborne asbestos and the management plan is inadequate. March 14, 2023... ★ Community and Local Agencies find massive flaws in Idaho-Maryland Mine DEIR Residents of Nevada County and local government agencies were shocked at the inadequacy of the 1000+ page Draft Environmental Impact... DEIR Comments - Local Agencies - April 2022 Local agencies made extensive comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed reopening of the Idaho-Maryland... ★ Mark Wilson: Questioning mine claims Rise Gold promises a feast of plenty with protection for environment & health (take air, for instance), but a history of mismanagement... ★ Jeff Kane: Enjoy breathing? Consider the proposed mine Dr. Jeff Kane reveals the serious health problems Nevada County suffers due to very poor air quality, then questions the assertion that... AIR Impacts - Pam Heard - Respiratory Therapist Special Guest Speaker and Respiratory Therapist, Pam Heard takes a detailed look at Rise Gold's reports as they relate to air pollutants... Dr. Newsom on Health Risks of Mine Learn about the potential public health risks of reopening the Idaho-Maryland Mine. Join Dr. Christine Newsom as she explores questions... Mine Would Add To Air Pollution Nevada City resident Ray Bryars spells out the health risks we already face with our "F" rated air quality and makes a great case for why... Dangers to the air we breathe Listen to Pam Heard, Respiratory Therapist, talk about the significant dangers the Idaho-Maryland Mine poses to the air we breathe during... Another failing grade for Nevada County’s ‘State of the Air’ report By Cory Fisher - The Union The American Lung Association’s 20th annual State of the Air report revealed that once again California... Have you searched for 'air' in our library? become a minewatcher Join our newsletter for updates . Subscribe