MORE HERE on AB1032

The greenies, working through various state and federal agencies, have been pushing a very active set of agendas against suction dredge mining. If we who will be affected do not get our act together and send comments to agencies such as this one below, we will lose our ability to dredge. I urge everyone who mines or prospects to get your comments in. Do your research, the information is available and then attend comment hearings and send in comments. Yes, It will take some of your time, but these agencies will run right over the top of us if we do not act. We need a concerted letter writing campaign, not just a comment here and there from a few. Here is a copy and paste of this latest issue they are trying to railroad us with.
Jim Foley
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State Water Resources Control Board Division of Water Quality 1001 I Street • Sacramento, California 95814 • (916) 341-5455 1 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 • Sacramento, California • 95812-0100 FAX (916) 341-5463 • http://www.waterboards.ca.gov
NOTICE OF PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON SUCTION DREDGE MINING
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
10:00 a.m.
Resources Building
First Floor Auditorium
1416 9 St. th
Sacramento, CA 95814

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) will hold a public workshop regarding suction dredge mining. The purpose of this workshop is to accept public comments regarding the effects of suction dredge mining on water quality. Comments should be limited to the water quality concerns associated with suction dredge mining. The public, organizations, agencies, tribes, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in this workshop.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) issued a general certification for suction dredge mining activity. This certification expired in 2000 and was not renewed. In response to the ACOE’s certification, the State Water Board issued a Clean Water Act (CWA) 401 General Certification. When the ACOE’s certification expired in 2000, the State Water Board’s certification also expired. The Department of Fish and Game issues permits for suction dredge mining under Section 5653 of the Fish and Game Code.

In order to protect the quality of California waters, the State Water Board is reviewing the water quality impacts of suction dredge mining. The workshop is intended to allow the State Water Board to hear public comments regarding the effects of suction dredge mining on the quality of the waters of the State. The State Water Board will then assess the available information to evaluate a possible further course of action.

SUBMISSION OF SUCTION DREDGE MINING COMMENTS:
The State Water Board will accept both written and oral comments concerning the effects of suction dredge mining on water quality. Comments should be limited to the effects of suction dredge mining on water quality. Comments received by 12 p.m. on June 22, 2007 will be given full consideration. Written comments should be submitted to: Song Her, Clerk to the Board, Executive Office, State Water Resources Control Board, P.O. Box 100, Sacramento, CA 95812-0100. (Fax: 916-341-5620 or email:
nullcommentletters@waterboards.ca.gov). Please indicate the project you are commenting upon in the subject line, “Comment Letter – Suction Dredge Mining.”

Electronic submission via email is preferred.
UPDATES AND INFORMATION VIA EMAIL SIGNUP
In order to receive information regarding suction dredge mining, you may utilize the link http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/lyrisforms/swrcb_subscribe.html to sign up for email notification.
PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY:
There is a fee parking garage with an entrance on 10 Street (at the corner of P Street), and there are limited metered parking spaces in the vicinity of the building. Public transit via Lightrail is located at the 8 and O Street station.thth
May 15, 2007
Date Song Her
Clerk to the Board
California Environmental Protection Agency Recycled Paper