Comstock Mining Inc. Refuses Support for Independent Environmental Data Review

Silver City, NV - The Comstock Resident’s Association’s (CRA) recent request for funds to obtain third-party analysis of health and safety data associated with mining activities in Gold Hill and Silver City has been denied by Comstock Mining Inc. (CMI).

This denial has prompted CRA to consider pursuing support from both the Nevada Mining Association and federal programs to enforce a standard for the mine’s commitment to the community’s sustainability and safety. Additionally, CRA will be applying for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) through the EPA to fund the third-party analysis and data interpretation of environmental test results.

“We are disappointed that CMI has denied this request as we believe it’s an opportunity for them to uphold a standard that’s been set by larger mining corporations across the State,” said Joe McCarthy of the CRA. “Not only is CMI operating in a historically sensitive area, but they are also in the midst of Nevada’s largest Superfund site. We firmly believe this comes with great responsibility.”

The community sought financial support from the mine in an effort to independently review environmental data related to current mining and exploration activities in the Carson River Mercury Superfund Site. Designated in 1990 as a federal Superfund to clean up hazardous waste in the area associated with historic mining, the Site includes a study area of over 200,000 acres spanning Washoe, Carson City, Lyon, Storey and Churchill counties.
According to Superfund guidelines, all activities within the site must be carefully monitored and follow specific guidelines. The EPA requires companies operating within a Superfund site to offer transparency in operations. Unlike CMI, other mines in Nevada provide residents with Community Involvement Planning and display the plan on their corporate websites.

According to McCarthy, “Our goal is to collaborate with CMI for effective community relations like what is found in Elko, Ely and Eureka and with larger mining companies such as Barrick and Newmont. Unfortunately, we will now be forced to pursue a TAG grant which will utilize taxpayers dollars to fund the third-party analysis we believe should be of the mutual interest and obligation of CMI.”

McCarthy cautions that the failure of CMI and CRA to reach an agreement regarding third-party analysis may have negative consequences for future mining requests at Superfund sites throughout Nevada as it has become a controversial, poor example of working within a historically sensitive community.

About the Comstock Residents Association
The Comstock Residents Association is a Community Based Organization representing the interests of the residents of the Comstock, including Silver City and Gold Hill. These two proud communities consist of hard working Nevadans, many of whom have lived in the area since the 1960’s, who have restored historically relevant residential properties and opened a variety of small businesses. CMI initiated open pit mining of a historic mine located in Gold Hill, just outside of Silver City in 2012.

CMI is currently operating both its mining and exploration operations within the Carson River Mercury Superfund Site. In the 1995 Site Record of Decision, the EPA assessed the health risks from toxic substances, specifically mercury and arsenic and lead. Mining as a future use of the area was not part of EPA planning or reflected in zoning at that time. However, in September of 2013, CMI announced its intention to expand its mining operations into residential areas.

As a result, the Lyon County Planning Commission to protect the property rights of the residents denied CMI’s master plan amendment request as well as zoning changes. The Planning Commission’s recommendations, findings and unanimous decisions were overturned by the Lyon County Commission. As a result, approximately 200 acres that were previously designated as residential and rural residential are now classified as “resource,” which allows mining exploration and open pit mining within 100 yards of family homes.