NRC MUST CONSIDER CULTURAL RESOURCES ISSUE

Powertech Uranium’s Dewey-Burdock project in Custer and Fall River Counties needs a new license.  Its original license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is expiring — even though it’s never been used due to challenges to the project by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and citizens’ groups.  

The NRC license is one of about 10 permits that Powertech needs to begin operating a uranium mine — and the only one the company has had in recent months.  The project would negatively impact 3 of the 4 major aquifers in the Black Hills.

Now Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, NDN Collective, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and Susan Henderson (a Fall River County rancher) have received permission to be part of the NRC license renewal process.  In legal-speak, they have been given “standing” to participate.

Even better, the NRC is required to consider two important issues that have been disregarded in past proceedings, despite our efforts to emphasize their importance.  One is that the 15-year effort to get proper and complete consideration of the cultural and historical resources on the proposed mine site will move forward — hopefully in a manner that will protect those resources.

The second is that NRC decision-makers will consider the full scope of cumulative impacts that the project could have — additional mines, additional uranium processing, etc.  As the area has a number of active uranium projects and water needs to be protected from all of them, this is also good news.

We fought back (again) against Powertech and the NRC staff, who align themselves with the company.  And we were successful.

There will be opportunities for public comment and participation during the license renewal process.  So please follow this project closely in our email and social media and Take Action. 

For more information see bhcleanwateralliance.org/dewey-burdock-project/

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