Stop the Environmental Destruction of Foreign-Controlled Mines

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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

The scenic beauty of Prescott is under threat from toxic mining operations—act now to protect our forests and water from irreversible damage!

Stop the Environmental Destruction of Foreign-Controlled Mines

The scenic forests around Prescott, Arizona, offer tranquility and natural beauty, drawing people seeking peace and connection with nature. However, the Senator Mine, owned by Gold Paradise Peak Inc., has turned this idyllic setting into a battleground over environmental concerns.

This foreign-owned mine threatens the local environment, particularly the Hassayampa River, raising significant alarm among residents and environmentalists alike.

Immediate Threats to Water Quality

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has observed that water discharge from a concrete plug in a historic mine shaft has been redirected into a nearby tailings pile. This pile, composed of mine waste, poses a severe risk of collapsing into the Hassayampa River, especially with the monsoon season intensifying the threat1. ADEQ is installing a bypass pipeline and lined ditches to divert contaminated water and stabilize the tailings pile. These efforts are essential to prevent immediate environmental damage1.

Josephine Maressa, ADEQ’s deputy director of the Water Quality Division, said the “concentrated heavy metals within the tailings pile will be transported by water runoff, causing severe contamination.” This contamination already affects the area during storms, endangering both the environment and public health2.

Long-Term Environmental Impact

Despite ADEQ’s immediate interventions, long-term remediation remains a daunting challenge. The mine’s operations have scarred the land and polluted the water, issues that will take years and significant resources to resolve. Residents fear that if the mine is sold, the new owners might not take responsibility for the environmental damage3.

While immediate threats are being mitigated, the complex issue of ongoing discharges from the adit and tailings pile will take years to resolve1. This long-term cleanup plan is crucial to restoring the Hassayampa River and ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community and wildlife.

Community Response and Legal Battles

The community around Prescott has been vocal in its opposition to the mine, citing concerns about pollution, noise, and the potential for further environmental degradation.

The mine’s foreign ownership and the questionable practices of its CEO, Songqiang Chen, have further fueled the controversy. Chen’s businesses have faced numerous legal challenges and regulatory violations across multiple states, raising doubts about their commitment to environmental stewardship4. The company’s track record of non-compliance with environmental laws has led to significant fines and legal actions, but enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing operations to continue despite ongoing violations4.

The Path Forward

ADEQ’s actions mark a critical step in addressing the immediate threats posed by the Senator Mine, but the path to full remediation is long and complex.

State officials, including Representative Selina Bliss, have been active in seeking solutions and pushing for stricter regulations, ensuring “that these bad actors are not allowed to operate with impunity and that our natural resources are protected for future generations”3.

The fight against the environmental threats posed by the Senator Mine is far from over. It requires sustained efforts from all parties involved, continued public pressure, and a commitment to upholding environmental laws to safeguard the Hassayampa River and the surrounding ecosystems.

Call to Action

We need your support to protect our environment and community from the ongoing damage caused by Gold Paradise Peak Inc.’s mining operations. Join us in urging the ADEQ and the Attorney General to shut down the Senator Mine and Ten Spot Mine immediately.

Sign the petition now to make your voice heard and help ensure a cleaner, safer future for Prescott and its natural beauty.

More on this issue:

  1. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (25 June 2024), "ADEQ Takes Immediate Action at Senator Mine in Yavapai County to Protect Hassayampa River and Ensure Public Safety."
  2. Mason Carroll, AZFamily (26 June 2024), "ADEQ works to stop mine from contaminating river outside of Prescott."
  3. Stan Bindell, Prescott Daily Courier (26 June 2024), "Gold Paradise Peak trying to sell Senator Mine; ADEQ has safety concerns."
  4. Prescott eNews (2024), "Let’s Make a Mine Deal – The Story of The Gold Paradise Peak Mine – Deb Thalasitis, Mary Beth Hrin, Toni Denis."

The Petition

To the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Executive Deputy Director and Arizona Attorney General,

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Office of the Attorney General to take immediate action to shut down the Senator Mine and Ten Spot Mine owned by Gold Paradise Peak Inc. These mining operations, managed by a foreign company, are causing severe environmental pollution that poses grave threats to both nature and human life in the Walker area communities just south of Prescott, AZ.

The hazardous environmental pollution emanating from these mines includes toxic heavy metals being discharged into the Hassayampa River, threatening the vital water source for the region. The recent redirection of contaminated water into a nearby tailings pile risks a catastrophic collapse, potentially causing widespread contamination of the river. This situation is exacerbated by the monsoon season, which increases the likelihood of further erosion and environmental damage.

Residents of the Walker area are already witnessing the adverse effects of these operations. The pollution has scarred the land, compromised water quality, and endangered local wildlife. The community faces increased health risks, reduced quality of life, and potential long-term ecological damage that will take years and significant resources to remedy.

By halting the operations of Gold Paradise Peak Inc.'s Senator Mine and Ten Spot Mine, you will be taking a crucial step to protect our environment and ensure the safety and well-being of the Walker area communities. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further irreparable damage and to safeguard the natural beauty and health of Arizona for future generations.

We urge you to prioritize the health and safety of our residents and environment by shutting down these destructive mining operations. This decisive action will help ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all.

Sincerely,

DEV MODE ACTIVE. BRAND: gg