Our region is headed for an entirely preventable disaster of similar proportions to the toxic spill in East Palestine, Ohio.
Chris Werkhoven
Posted inOpinion
ADEQ Failing to Protect Our Aquifers
Here’s why South32’s plan to dewater the Patagonia Mountains should not have been permitted.
Posted inOpinion
Why S32’s Dewatering Permit Is Under Appeal
In early January 2022, two appeals, one by PARA and one by Chris Werkhoven, of Sonoita, were heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings concerning a Significant Amendment to an Aquifer Protection Permit, granted by ADEQ in 2021, that would allow mining company South32 to dewater the Patagonia Mountains and start extracting underground minerals on an […]
Posted inOpinion
Groundwater Threats to Sonoita Creek Watershed
The Nature Conservancy has recorded Sonoita Creek surface water flow at its riparian preserve near Patagonia since 1992. Water flows from there into Patagonia Lake, joins the Santa Cruz River at Rio Rico, and flows north toward Tucson. The average flow has been about 3,500 acre-feet per year. Mining company South32 is seeking permits for up […]
Posted inOpinion
Hermosa Mine Trucks on SR 82 and SR 83 – Really?
This sign at the southern end of SR82 in Nogales discourages commercial trucks from traveling through Patagonia and Sonoita. Vehicles associatedwith the Hermosa Project would significantly increase truck traffic on this scenic road. Photo by Hal Arnest The truck route proposed by South32 (S32) from its Hermosa Mine in the Patagonia Mountains to the Port […]