Жители округа Кэтрон выступили против выдачи разрешения на разведку урановых месторождений

Catron residents challenge uranium permit Residents of Catron County are mounting organized opposition to a proposed exploratory uranium mining project in the Cibola National Forest, saying the operation poses a threat to water, air quality and the region’s growing astro‑tourism economy. At a town hall in Datil on Aug. 25, attended by 60 to 70 people, community organizers and county officials voiced concerns ranging from groundwater contamination to long‑term environmental damage. A volunteer coalition has formed, launching protectcatronco.org, where more than 500 residents have signed petitions opposing the project. Pie Town resident Kay Pils urged attendees to write letters to state and federal legislators, citing past success in Texas where coordinated outreach stopped a pipeline project. “It took just over a year,” she said, stressing that “a wave of concerns” arriving at congressional offices is more effective than sporadic messages. Organizers plan additional meetings in Alamo or Magdalena in September, along with a letter‑writing workshop at the Baldwin Cabin Public Library. Residents seeking more information were directed to contact local organizer Kathy Knapp at 575-418-7497. A proposal, submitted July 2 by NovaCore Exploration (US) Inc., seeks a “Minimal Impact Exploration Operation” permit for what the company calls the ANE Uranium Exploration Project. According to the application, NovaCore plans to drill up to 37 bore holes, each 6.25 inches in diameter and 600 to 1,000 feet deep, across 760 mining claims spanning 24.5 square miles between Pie Town and Datil. The project also includes construction of roughly one mile of new roads. Residents say the scope of the project contradicts the “minimal impact” designation. Many are urging the state’s Mining and Minerals Division to reclassify it as a “Regular Impact” operation, which would trigger a public comment period and require a full Environmental Impact Study. Luke Koenig, a community organizer with New Mexico Wild, presented updated information on the permit and the company’s plans. He said that NovaCore has announced intentions to begin exploration in August 2027, though the permit remains pending. Catron county commissioners Buster Green and Audrey McQueen publicly voiced opposition. McQueen said she does not want to see “our waters ruined” or “our ranches ruined,” adding she would do “whatever we need to do” to oppose the project. Green emphasized the need for strong public participation, saying Catron County’s small population means “our voices have to be even louder than normal.” He also questioned the company’s lack of community outreach, stating “it’s crickets from them so far.” Residents and experts highlighted potential risks to the region’s limited water supply. Drone photographer Maresa Pryor‑Luzier showed images of flagged drill sites and listed chemicals used in the boring process, raising concerns about groundwater contamination. Dr. Steve Holt, a retired Air Force and VA physician specializing in occupational medicine, said that uranium accumulates in the kidneys and bone marrow, causing cancers. He said that radiation exposure poses additional long‑term health risks. Research astronomer Mike Shade said the project also threatens the area’s dark‑sky environment, a growing economic driver. Shade said mining operations could disrupt astro‑tourism and ongoing investments in robotic telescope facilities in Pie Town. “This is finances. This is money,” he said, noting that dark skies are considered a natural resource by federal land agencies.