SOS

The crystallized water comes from a deep, ancient, aquifer (Navajo-aquifer) underneath Black Mesa - sacred homeland of the Hopi and Navajo people. It is water Peabody pumped at the rate of 3.3 million gallons per day from 1970 through 2005.

We succeeded in forcing Peabody to shut down its pumps on December 31, 2005. At midnight, a peaceful silence descended, and we sang and danced in gladness.

Our celebration, however, was interrupted by new information that the water we saved is once again targeted as one of two sources of water to reopen Peabody Coal slurry operation.

The U.S. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) has issued a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) that strongly suggests it will approve the use of Coconino and Navajo aquifers for coal mining on Black Mesa.

see flow chart

If OSMRE's preferred alternative becomes the one selected for the Record of Decision, the Hopi and Navajo grassroots people will have lost their hard struggle to save their sole source of water supply.

The unfortunate situation could not have come at the worse time. We are in the midst of our religious ceremonies. Hopi elders are in their kivas meditating and making prayer offerings for peace on earth and for abundant rain and snow so we can have an abundant harvest.

So once again, we appeal to you for help. If you have not given to Black Mesa Trust (BMT), please send in your donation. We need funds to keep fighting. BMT is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization.

Another way you can help is by writing a letter of protest to:
Dennis Winterringer,
Black Mesa Project
OSM Western Region
Denver, CO 80201-6667
bmkeis@osmre.gov

To download a copy of the draft EIS, go to: www.wrcc.osmre.gov/WR/BlackMesaEIS.htm

Demand that the hearings be postponed until Hopi and Navajo grassroots people are given adequate time to understand Peabody's plan to use their resources and OSMRE's decision regarding that plan.

Please see our donations page for information on giving.

May the spirit of water give us the wisdom and strength to persevere.

Sincerely,

Vernon Masayesva
Executive Director
Black Mesa Trust

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