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Six candidates running Nov. 4 for the Grass Valley City Council said reopening the Idaho-Maryland Mine presents a host of problems, and they would wait to take a position on it until an environmental impact report is completed.
All six have environmental and civic reservations about the proposed reopening, despite realizing the jobs and economic impact it could have for the city. In a public forum and in answers to printed questions detailing their positions on the reopening, none said the historic hard-rock gold mine closed in the 1950s should be revived at all costs.
Vice Mayor Lisa Swarthout said she has to weigh all sides of the equation as a City Council member, but welcomes the jobs and prosperity the mine would bring if reopened by parent firm Emgold Mining Corp. of Canada.
Swarthout also has concerns.
"There's some serious environmental issues," Swarthout said. "Like many members of our community, I am hesitant about reopening the mine" unless environmental questions are taken care of.
Community members are concerned about noise, traffic, what the mine might do to groundwater in adjacent wells and the effect of waste discharged into South Fork Wolf Creek.
"Hard rock mines have a really poor track record," said Terry Lamphier. "They have a huge hurdle. They need really good economic and environmental protections before something like this goes too far.
"The mine is a short-term gamble with possible serious, long-term consequences," Lamphier said.
"Emgold is from out of the area and speculating," said candidate Rachel Rue.
She is afraid of the dust and noise she thinks trucks from the mine would bring to the area, Rue said.
"A thorough hearing with a lot of input from the people who live there is needed," Rue said. "All of us need to take a long and careful look at the pros and cons before any final decision is made."
Candidate Yolanda Cookson said she is remaining neutral on the project until she sees the environmental report and gets more input from the community.
"I will listen to both sides and make my decision based on the best interest of Grass Valley," Cookson said.
Like Swarthout, Councilwoman Janet Arbuckle said she has to be careful about waiting to make her final decision until she hears all sides, and she can't take a stand yet.
"I think, ultimately, it will go to a vote of the people, no matter what the council does." Arbuckle said.
"At first, the jobs and tax revenue sounded good, but now I'm worried about groundwater issues, although I'm somewhat leaning toward it," said candidate Ed Yarborough.
Possible environmental impacts have given him "reservations about its advisability," he added.
To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.
All six have environmental and civic reservations about the proposed reopening, despite realizing the jobs and economic impact it could have for the city. In a public forum and in answers to printed questions detailing their positions on the reopening, none said the historic hard-rock gold mine closed in the 1950s should be revived at all costs.
Vice Mayor Lisa Swarthout said she has to weigh all sides of the equation as a City Council member, but welcomes the jobs and prosperity the mine would bring if reopened by parent firm Emgold Mining Corp. of Canada.
Swarthout also has concerns.
"There's some serious environmental issues," Swarthout said. "Like many members of our community, I am hesitant about reopening the mine" unless environmental questions are taken care of.
Community members are concerned about noise, traffic, what the mine might do to groundwater in adjacent wells and the effect of waste discharged into South Fork Wolf Creek.
"Hard rock mines have a really poor track record," said Terry Lamphier. "They have a huge hurdle. They need really good economic and environmental protections before something like this goes too far.
"The mine is a short-term gamble with possible serious, long-term consequences," Lamphier said.
"Emgold is from out of the area and speculating," said candidate Rachel Rue.
She is afraid of the dust and noise she thinks trucks from the mine would bring to the area, Rue said.
"A thorough hearing with a lot of input from the people who live there is needed," Rue said. "All of us need to take a long and careful look at the pros and cons before any final decision is made."
Candidate Yolanda Cookson said she is remaining neutral on the project until she sees the environmental report and gets more input from the community.
"I will listen to both sides and make my decision based on the best interest of Grass Valley," Cookson said.
Like Swarthout, Councilwoman Janet Arbuckle said she has to be careful about waiting to make her final decision until she hears all sides, and she can't take a stand yet.
"I think, ultimately, it will go to a vote of the people, no matter what the council does." Arbuckle said.
"At first, the jobs and tax revenue sounded good, but now I'm worried about groundwater issues, although I'm somewhat leaning toward it," said candidate Ed Yarborough.
Possible environmental impacts have given him "reservations about its advisability," he added.
To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.
