Powertech touts uranium mine advantages, C.A.R.D. argues contrary

NUNN — There were 140 folding chairs furnished for spectators in the old gymnasium, but about 200 people attended a head-to-head debate Wednesday at the Nunn Community Center between authorities from a uranium mining company and representatives from a group opposing a mining project near Nunn.

Officials of Vancouver, Canada-based Powertech Uranium Corp. attempted to reassure residents of Nunn and surrounding areas that the proposed operation of placing uranium mines a few miles west of Nunn would not only bring economic benefits, but would bring no negative water contamination or health problems.

Coloradoans Against Resource Destruction argued the contrary. A number of members of the audience seemed to side with C.A.R.D.

Victor Elder, who has a well two miles east of one of the proposed mining areas, said his main worry is the quality of well water.

“It is a definite concern,” he said.

Still, there were several mine supporters as well.

John D. Nelson, who lives within a mile of the proposed mine site — between Nunn, Wellington and Carr — said he has worked more than 30 years in the uranium mine industry. He said he hopes the mine application is approved because of the tax revenue it will bring to Nunn, improving roads and services.

Though most of the people in attendance seemed to have their minds made up before the debate, Nelson said he'll continue to advocate acceptance of the mine, saying he'll “try to talk some sense into people.”

After each side conducted a 20-minute presentation, moderator Jeff Boulter had to temporarily halt the debate because several audience members audibly voiced opinions while Powertech and C.A.R.D. representatives took prepared questions.

The debate, including presentations, lasted more than three hours.

Representing Powertech were chairman and COO Wallace Mays and president and CEO Dick Clement.

Mays and Clement noted Powertech's track record and economic benefits as reasons to support building the mine in northern Colorado.

In C.A.R.D.'s corner were civil engineer Jay Davis, attorney Jeff Parsons and medical doctor Michael Paddock, who cited, among many reasons, the risk of contamination as the main factor for disapproving the mine.

“We cannot afford to take the chance, that once the gate is open, it cannot be closed,” Paddock said. “We cannot afford to experiment here.”