Groups to appeal open-pit gold mine north of Reno

The groups claims Alta Gold Co.'s Olinghouse Mine Project would negatively impact wildlife and water supplies.

"There is potential for water contamination in both the Dodge Flat Aquifer and in the Truckee River," said Tom Myers, a hydrologist who prepared a report for the Great Basin Mine Watch group.

The BLM, which has already approved the project, said an environmental impact statement predicted minimal effects on the environment, recreation and wildlife.

Work has already begun, a fact the groups acknowledge will make their appeal effort more difficult.

"We can appeal, but the work is already being done," Myers said. "That allows them to argue economic hardship if the stay were granted pending appeal."

The company expects the project in the Pah Rah Range 33 miles northeast of Reno to produce an annual average of 100,000 ounces of gold over the next five years at a cost of $200 per ounce.

Gold will be extracted from ore using a cyanide heap-leaching process. The environmental impact statement said all toxic chemicals used would be contained at the site and not reach the river or groundwater table.

But Julie Dudley, who owns 40 acres nearby, is unconvinced.

"My main concern is the ground water contamination," she said. "Nobody knows how the under ground water is interconnected."

But Terri Knutson, BLM project manager, said the agency was satisfied with the conclusions of the environmental impact statement, which was prepared by an independent consultant.

"The river is six miles away," she said. "We're satisfied with what the studies showed."

Tribal leaders are worried about increased truck traffic through Wadsworth as well as effects on wildlife, water quality and cultural resources.

Critics also fear the seven-year project is just the beginning of what could turn into a gutting of the Pah Rah Range.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg," said Marge Sill, of the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club. "They have identified reserves twice the amount cited in the EIS.

"This project will be extended for many ears with extreme environmental effects upon the river and the Pah Rah Range," she said.

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