HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Joe & Carol Lopez - New Era Mine CERTIFIED MAIL,RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
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May 28,2008 CuA-
C � 57
Butte County, Board of Supervisors
c/o Mr. C. Brian Haddix ��6kol
Clerk of the Board,Administration Dept
25 County Center Drive BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Oroville CA 95965
MAY 2 9 2008
RE: New Era Mine,Mining Permit#81-135
OROVILLE,CALIFORNIA
Dear Board of Supervisors:
We own property and reside in Butte County in the Casa Del Rey Homeowners Association which is off
Pentz Road and overlooking the canyon where subject exists. It is very disturbing to us to see that this
mine continues to operate when the Butte County Planning Commission determined the operators to not
be in compliance with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act.
Even more disturbing is apparent negligence on the part of the county in not proactively dealing with this
matter months ago when concerns were first brought to the attention of the Department of Development
Services. The scope of operation has changed dramatically and this mining operation is not in compliance
with the approved amount of earth movement granted back on 1982. We are not convinced this permit is
even valid!
Additionally, it has come to our attention that this mining operation has the potential to expand even more
causing direct damage to our association. We understand that an offer has been made by the mine
operators to purchase 120 acres below our association, owned by Dennis & Lisa Hughes who were
granted an easement from our association for ingress and egress.
Lastly, you should understand that due to the current mining activity and the potential for even greater
activity, e.g. Increased Noise & Negative Environmental Impact, that we, as home owners in close
proximity, are already facing reduced home values with the potential for even greater loss.
It is imperative that a Full Environmental Impact Report be ordered and reviewed before an intelligent
decision can be made on this matter, and in the interim a"Cease and Desist Order"must be issued to New
Era Mine. Further, it would be highly recommended that the Board visit the site and impacted
neighboring areas to fully appreciate the current situation.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely, '00
Joe&Carol Lopez BUTTE COUNTY
4492 Casa Sierra Vista ADMNISTRATION
Paradise CA 95969 JUN 0 3 2008
Cc: Ken Yamaguchi,County Supervisor District 5 OROVILLE„CALIFORMA