Intense public concern and interest in a proposed in-situ uranium mining exploration operation in the Hartsel area has prompted Headwater Authority of the South Platte (HASP) to sponsor a public meeting to address the issue and bring information to the public. HASP, a joint venture of the Upper South Platte and the Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District (CCWCD), will present speakers and subject material at a meeting planned for Wednesday evening.

"We have great concern from a ground water perspective," said Dave Wissel, President of the HASP Board of Directors, "but we want the public to have current factual information on the issue." Wissel will chair the meeting that starts at 6:00 PM in the South Park High School Cafetorium in Fairplay.

Speakers for Wednesday night's meeting will include Bill Wilson from Golden-based Horizon Nevada Uranium, Inc., Jeffrey Parsons with Western Mining Action Project, James O'Brien with Colorado Mountain College, and Jim Culichia, attorney for Center of Colorado Water Conservancy District.

In a news release last week, Park County government stated that mining operations, including such in-situ mining, will be subject to county regulations. "While in-situ mining is solution mining (uranium removal from the ore body). It clearly meets the county definition associated with exploration, development and extraction," according to the county press release.