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Jul 28 -- Aug 28  Efforts to Protect the Lower Rogue Continue Rainbow over Rogue River Estuary Oregon Shores’ Land Use Program continues to battle proposed gravel mining by Tidewater Contractors in the lower Rogue River watershed at Wedderburn. We contend that mining in this area, as intended by Tidewater, threatens water quality through pollution and sedimentation, and could thus impact riverine habitat and endangered species. Our latest effort focuses on Tidewater’s application to Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality for a stormwater permit, known formally as an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. Tidewater seeks a “general” — generic — permit. At the very least, we urge DEQ to insist that the company prepare an individual permit application, which would require it to reveal a great deal more information. Together with the Crag Legal Center, our partners in the Coastal Law Partnership, Oregon Shores submitted extensive comments on Tidewater’s application, pointing out that the application doesn’t provide convincing demonstrations that adequate pollution and sediment abatement will take place under the proposal. Given the parlous state of the Rogue estuary, which is severely shallowing due to excessive sedimentation washing down from higher in the watershed already, we urge that Tidewater be blocked from continuing its gravel mining operations at least until there is a much clearer plan for protecting the river. Oregon Shores also submitted comments opposing Tidewater’s application for a permit for its “Fitz Pit” mining operation on the Chetco River. This is an unpermitted operation that Tidewater is now attempting to bring within the law, which threatens one of the Oregon coast’s most pristine watersheds. Other Oregon Shores articles on 'Curry: Gravel Mining':  Apr 5    Gravel Mining Continues to Threaten Rogue Estuary  Feb 15    LUBA: Tidewater May Apply for Wedderburn In-stream Mining  Oct 28 09    South Coast Rivers: Gravel Mining Continues  Jul 23 09    Results of Hearing on Gravel Mining on Elk  Jul 21 09    Curry County Hearing July 21 on Gravel Mining in Elk River  Jun 6 09    Two More Victories on Gravel Mining on the Rogue  May 28 09    Third Hearing Scheduled on Gravel Mining near Old Mill Site  Apr 23 09    Tidewater Requests "Interpretation" of Estuary Boundaries  Apr 1 09    ACOE Solicits Comments on Tidewater Application on Elk River  Sep 24 08    Two Victories on Gravel Mining on the Rogue  Aug 7 08    Gravel Mining on the Rogue  Nov 1 07    Chetco River Gravel Mining  Nov 1 07    Rogue River Gravel Mining Contact: Phillip Johnson, CoastWatch Director, (503) 238-4450, or EMAIL ©2010 Oregon Shores •  CONTACT US