By Marsha Marsden: The Eastern Sandoval Citizens Association (ES-CA) is focused on protecting our community. The previous Forum article by Dick Ulmer explains the the outcome of the initial legislative hearing last Friday, February 13, 2015, regarding sand and gravel mining here in Placitas.
The major operation in Placitas is the Vulcan mine formerly the LaFarge mine. At the state house there were two bills introduced on February 13, 2015. The first HB#188 was presented to the House Regulatory and Public Affairs committee to change the penalty levels and fines for violations in the current law as written. At this hearing there were mining outfits from around the state that were in attendance as well as quite a few local Placitas residents. The result of that hearing voted in our favor to send HB 188 to the next level .
The next bill to be heard is HB#190. The bill proposes to have sand and gravel mining over 20 acres placed in to the same category as traditional mining. The rules and regulations under the New Mexico Mining Act require responsible mining including reclaimation. When this bill comes up for hearing the mining interest will be there in force. It is possible that this hearing will happen either this week or next.
Also pending, in the near future will be BLM’s plan to sell off /modify the existing “Buffalo Tract” parcel. At present there are 3 proposals that have been presented to BLM (Santa Ana Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo and one from the Las Huertas Land Grant Families here in Placitas.) We are concerned about new mining operations starting up in the Buffalo Tract. As you know, once they start stripping off land for mining or other activities it is very difficult to change the course of direction. The mining operations as we understand it, have been speaking with BLM on regards to gaining additional mining land from the Buffalo tract.
We hope that you will join us. This is our home, our community, we need to safeguard it.