Foes of Proposed Uranium Mine Want Hearing Changed

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Opponents of a proposed uranium mine in southwestern South Dakota have asked Gov. Dennis Daugaard to change the proposed date of a state hearing on the project.

Dakota Rural Action and others say a state board's hearing on a mine permit should be delayed until after another panel holds a hearing on water permits for the project.

Project opponents say a member of the state Board of Minerals and Environment has proposed that the hearing on the uranium mine permit be held Sept. 23-27. They say that's too close to the Water Management Board's October hearing on the water permits, which means it would be difficult to prepare adequately for both hearings.

State officials say they cannot comment until the board formally sets a hearing date.

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