SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

Colorado Housebill 1408, 1358 and 1348:  In 2002, 2003, and 2010 CCAT encouraged public support for revision of the Radiation Control Act of Colorado, which increased public participation and socioeconomic impact evaluation for siting and licensing facilities handling radioactive waste, and requiring cleanup of contamination before seeking approval to process new materials.

Cotter Uranium Mill application for Maywood radioactive waste 2002:  CCAT began educating the public on radioactive materials and waste, encouraging expression of opinions at public meetings, circulating petitions, and encouraging public participation at legislative hearings:

General Petition Opposing Maywood:  5,000 signatures
Business Petition Opposing Maywood:  145 signatures
Health Providers Opposing Maywood:  60+ signatures
Educators Opposing Maywood:  60+ signatures
Fremont County & Colorado Medical Societies:  Signed Resolutions opposing Maywood, alternate feed, and calling for Decommissioning of the Mill.
Maywood Hearing Fall 2004: CCAT was a Party representing citizens and presented evidence of potential negative socioeconomic impact, along with Petitions opposing Maywood.
2007:  CDPHE submitted Cotter’s renewed license without approval of direct disposal of waste because of the potential for negative socioeconomic impact.
2008:  Cotter withdrew the Maywood application.

Cotter License Renewal Hearing Fall 2005:  CCAT participated as a Party representing citizens, presented and questioned witnesses, presented evidence opposing Direct Disposal and Processing of Waste or Alternate Feed, and proof of a negative socioeconomic impact.

Public Meetings:  Between 2002 and 2012, CCAT attended and encouraged public participation in over 40 public meetings concerning the Cotter Uranium Mill at the City, County, State, Superfund and Licensing level, with unprecedented public attendance.

USEPA Technical Assistance Grant:  In 2003, CCAT was awarded a $50,000 grant used to hire Dr. Charles Patterson, Geologist-Geochemist-Hydrogeologist, and Dr. Arjun Makhijani, radiation expert.  Both reviewed the site extensively and submitted reports with recommendations for improving investigation, monitoring and clean up in 2007.

Patterson Report - Large File 20MB - Slow Open (click here)

Makhijani Report (click here)

Community Advisory Group:  In 2002, CCAT encouraged development of the CAG and attended meetings from 2005 to March 2009, when we resigned due to disagreement with the EPA and the CDPHE over denial of requested actions.  After passage of Housebill 1348, and due to extensive decommissioning at the Cotter Mill, CCAT resumed participation in June 2010.

Comments Submitted on State and Federal Actions:

Old Tailings Pond Area proposed clean up;
Cotter Remedial Action Plan proposed change;
 NRC Generic Environmental Impact Statement;
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Draft Lincoln Park Public Health Assessment;
Cotter License & Waste Disposal Applications;
Black Range Mineral’s Uranium Exploration Permit;
Montrose County, CO, Permit for new uranium mill;
Pueblo County, CO, Zoning Permit for Nuclear Reactor
Others too numerous to list

CCAT v USEPA, Civil Action No. 08-cv-01787-CMA-MEH:  CCAT, along with Rocky Mountain Clean Air Action,  filed suit in August 2008 requesting review of radon standards (40CFR61 SubpartW) at uranium mill tailings impoundments as required by the Clean Air Act in 1990.  We further requested opportunities for communities to participate in the review phase.  Agreement was signed on Aug 21, 2009. See EPA website for Rulemaking Activity ongoing since 2009 (click here).

CCAT v CDPHE: Ongoing lawsuit, with the Complaint filed in Sept 2010 regarding Cotter’s low surety bond, failure to provide required public participation in the process, and a lack of revised decommissioning plans.

Ongoing Work:  Watching current cleanup of the Cotter Uranium Mill and community—hired an independent scientist, Dr. Robert E. Moran, a world renowned hydrogeologist, to review and participate in cleanup plans and decisions.