Petition of Interfaith Stewards of Creation

UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION ATOMIC SAFETY AND LICENSING BOARD PANEL DO CKE(f~TED WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 US NP C

'99 OCT 18 P,11 :32 October 14, 1999

TO: Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary ac':r~ I~ Office of the Secretary of the Commission

FROM: Peter Bloch, Administrative Judge Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel

SUBJECT: PETITION INTERFAITH STEWARDS OF CREATION

I received the attached petition on October 12, 1999. Please include it in the record of the Hydro Resources Case. The Petition arises from deeply held moral, spiritual and political views that exceed my jurisdiction, as I am bound by the rules and regulations. Please consider referring this to people in the Commission who are responsible for rulemaking or for the Commission's legislative agenda. cc: Interfaith Stewards of Creation P.O. Box 3682 Gallup, New Mexico 87305

0 E-q - 0 3 7 INTERFAITH STEWARDS OF CREATION P. 0. Box 3682 Gallup, New Mexico 87305

PETITION

As people of Faith, we view the Universe as an ongoing self-revelation of the Creator, sacred because of the Divine Presence. It is God Who first shaped the cosmos and enabled all forms of life to emerge. Humankind, created in the image and likeness of God, is entrusted with a sacred vocation to participate in ongoing Creation, reflecting God's love for the Earth and ensuring the continuation of nature for present and future generations as God intended.

With this sacred view of the Earth and of the Universe, we strive to live out our covenant relationship with our Creator by being responsible stewards and caretakers of Earth, its living and natural resources.

It is from deeply held religious beliefs that we raise our voices in protest of Hydro Resources, Inc.'s I osed in-situ leach uranium mining projects at Church Rock and Crownpoint, New Mexico, which invade irreversibly contaminate the only pristine water reserves and aquifer on which over 50,000 people, and local communities of this region are completely dependent.

We are alarmed at the absence of any discussion or recognition by state and federal government representatives or corporation executives of any serious moral, ethical and environmental justice issues surrounding the proposed uranium mining projects. Economic and political arguments in support of such uranium mining pale into utter insignificance in the face of wide-scale irreversible contamination and environmental destruction that will adversely impact all human, animal and plant life for thousands of years to come. An aquifer is gone for 10,000 years once humans change it into poison. There is no technology that can fix it! Human, animal and plant DNA are loaded with intelligence and information. Toxic. chemicals and radiation go to the center of the cell to the DNA and disrupt it forever. We know this is linked to increases in * defects, mental retardation, miscarriages and multiple strains of cancer that appear from exposure to ation. (See Brian Swimme, Ph.D., Physicist and Thomas Berry, Ph.D., The Universe Story (San Francisco: er & Row, 1992); Edward Goldsmith et al., The Earth Report: The Essential Guide to Global Ecological Issues, (London: Mitchell Beazley Publishers, 1988); Samuel S. Epstein et al., Hazardous Waste in America: Our Number One Environmental Crisis, (San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1983); Paul Ehrlich and Anne Ehrlich, Extinction: Causes and Consequences of Disappearances of Species, (New York: Random House, 1981).

As Interfaith Stewards of Creation, our Faith compels us to voice strong opposition to HRI's proposed uranium mining projects at Church Rock and Crownpoint, NM. We urge you to incorporate President Clinton's Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice into the ASLB proceedings, thereby fulfilling the Trust Responsibility of the U.S. Government (via the Treaty of 1868) to the Navajo Nation.

We invoke our inalienable human rights and submit this Petition on behalf of present and future generations so that we will not be forced:

to drink water that has been contaminated by Thorium-230, Radium-226, Arsenic, Molybdenum, Selenium, Strontium, and other heavy metals;

to breathe air that has Radon gas and other toxic emissions:

to live on land that has been poisoned for thousands of years; to have sheep, cattle and other domestic livestock eat, drink and breathe radioactive particles that will eventually cause sickness and disease to them AND to humans;

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

We continue to pray for all those with decision-making responsibilities in the deliberations taking place on this case, that each one will be guided by the Divine Spirit in order to make the wisest decisions for present and future generations, as well as our inter-species planetary community of Life.

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

Administrative Judge Peter B. Block Carol M. Browner, Secretary, EPA Presiding Officer, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senator Pete Domenici Senator Tom Udall Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson Governor Gary Johnson Bruce Babbitt, Secretary, Department of Interior Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs to have sheep, cattle and other domestic livestock eat, drink and breathe radioactive particles that will eventually cause sickness and disease to them AND to humans,

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by MAY 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

Administrative Judge Peter B. Block Carol M. Browner, Secretary, EPA Presiding Officer, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Senator Pete Domenici U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senator Tom Udall Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson Governor Gary Johnson

Bruce Babbitt, Secretary, Department of Interior Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs to have sheep, cattle and other domestic livestock eat, drink and breathe radioactive particles that will eventually cause sickness and disease to them AND to humans;

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

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I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION 0 Name Address Date

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Please return thiis signed-Pfi-tony May 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Steards of Creation, P.Bx. Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

Administrative Judge Peter B. Block Carol NI. Browner, Secretary, EPA Presiding Officer, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Senator Pete Domenici U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senator Tom Udall Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson Governor Gary Johnson

Bruce Babbitt. Secretary, Department of Interior Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs to have sheep, cattle and other domestic livestock eat, drink and breathe radioactive particles that will eventually cause sickness and disease to them AND to humans;

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO -and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by June 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by June 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

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I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

We continue to pray for all those with decision-making responsibilities in the deliberations taking place on this case, that each one will be guided by the Divine Spirit in order to make the wisest decisions for present and future generations,: as well as our inter-species planetary community of Life.

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION F Name Address Date Ty C( 5i

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Pl6ase re~urn this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

o to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Ple'ase return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

Administrative Judge Peter B. Block Carol M. Browner, Secretary, EPA Presiding Officer, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senator Pete Domenici Senator Tom Udall Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson Governor Gary Johnson Bruce Babbitt. Secretary, Department of Interior Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs to have sheep, cattle and other domestic livestock eat, drink and breathe radioactive particles that will eventually cause sickness and disease to them AND to humans;

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites, medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, Gallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

to allow Dine' archeological sites, burial sites, unbilical cord sites; medicinal and food gathering sites, and ceremonial offering sites to be disturbed by HRI's project;

to suffer from release of pure "yellowcake" onto our highways and into our environment when there is an "accident."

I SUPPORT THE ABOVE PETITION to PREVENT URANIUM MINING in NEW MEXICO and on THE NAVAJO RESERVATION

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Please return this signed Petition by Aug. 30, 1999 to: Interfaith Stewards of Creation, P.O. Box 3682, tallup, NM 87305. Copies of all Petitions will be sent by ISC to:

Administrative Judge Peter B. Block Carol M. Browner, Secretary, Presiding Officer, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board EPA U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Senator Pete Domenici

Senator Tom Udall Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson Governor Gary Johnson Bruce Babbitt, Secretary, Department of Interior Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Indian Affairs UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

In the Matter of

HYDRO RESOURCES, INC. Docket No.(s) 40-8968-ML

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify that copies of the foregoing MEMO BLOCH TO SECY RE PETITION have been served upon the following persons by U.S. mail, first class, except as otherwise noted and in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR Sec. 2.712.

Administrative Judge Office of Commission Appellate Peter B. Bloch Adjudication Presiding Officer U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Washington, DC 20555 Mail Stop - T-3 F23 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555

Administrative Judge John T. Hull, Esq. Thomas D. Murphy Mitzi A. Young, Esq. Special Assistant Office of the General Counsel Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel Mail Stop - 0-15 D21 Mail Stop - T-3 F23 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555 Washington, DC 20555

Diane Curran, Esq. Geoffrey H. Fettus, Esq. Harmon, Curran, Spielberg Douglas Meiklejohn, Esq. & Eisenberg, L.L.P. New Mexico Environmental Law Center 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 600 1405 Luisa Street, Suite 5 Washington, DC 20036 Santa Fe, NM 87505

Jep Hill, Esq. Herb Yazzie, Attorney General Attorney for Hydro Resources, Inc. Steven J. Bloxham, Esq. Jep Hill & Associates Navajo Nation Department of Justice P.O. Box 2254 P.O. Box 2010 Austin, TX 78768 Window Rock, AZ 86515 4

Docket No.(s)40-8968-ML MEMO BLOCH TO SECY RE PETITION

Wm. Paul Robinson Chris Shuey Mitchell Capitan, President Southwest Research and Information ENDAUM Center P.O. Box 471 P.O. Box 4524 Crownpoint, NM 87313 Albuquerque, NM 87106

Anthony J. Thompson, Esq. Administrative Judge Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge Robin Brett 2300 N Street, NW U.S. Geological Survey Washington, DC 20037 917 National Center Reston, VA 20192

Eric D. Jantz Grace Sam DNA People's Legal Services, Inc. P.O. Box 85 P.O. Box 116 Church Rock, NM 87311 Crownpoint, NM 87313

Dated at Rockville, Md. this 18 day of October 1999

Office of the Othe c o of ton