So, to add a little more information to my earlier post on the Hurley smokestacks, and to respond to a comment on that post, here’s a copy of the petition (PDF) the Gila Resources Information Project filed with the 6th Judicial District Court requesting a temporary injunction to halt Phelps Dodge from demolishing the stacks next Friday.
I also have two supporting affidavits (from GRIP President Sally Smith and Executive Director Allyson Siwik).
You can find my story about the petition here.
This afternoon, I contacted the District Court Clerk’s Office, and learned that Judge Gary Jeffreys (out of Deming) has been assigned to the case, and that no hearings have yet been scheduled.
Lizzy Gary
Well. Just because someone declares herself, or themselves interested parties and representative of a community, does not make it so. I find it incredibly interesting that Sally Smith and GRIP insist on being provided information beyond what is available to the public. They are the public. They can call themselves anything they want, but nobody else has to oblige them.
If Sally Smith is concerned about her health on the day of demolition, she ought to stay away. I’m trying to think of something very wise to say here, but I’m thinking “Duh!”
Demolition happens all over this country every day. I am not surprised to see that Silver City/Grant County continues to not be able to take one step forward because of this petty activity.
Phelps Dodge–or whatever they call themselves now–can’t win for losing. I can only guess that they will be so glad to leave New Mexico and Silver City, GRIP and their constant interference on behalf of who knows whom, and take their jobs and tax dollars someplace else.
I have watched from up close and from afar, and I have yet to see the devastating effects Phelps Dodge has had on the Grant County Community. Lots and lots of talk and accusation, but after tests, monitoring, and reporting, all of the suspicion and discussed ill-effects always fail to materialize. I’m pretty sure it will be the same with this, but not before GRIP and Sally Smith get a little more press, garner a few more “non profit dollars” and slow the progress of mitigating the real, company-acknowledged ill-effects of mining in Grant County for a century.