CJK’s lack of clarity and potential risks associated with the project's water usage, raise serious questions about its sustainability and impact on the community.
High water consumption: The mill's daily water use could equal that of 153 Leadville homes, potentially impacting residential capacity during droughts. CJK claims water consumption of 20,160 gallons per day. That represents nearly 5% of the Parkville Water District annual estimated water production for 2023 according to a 2017 water rate study.
Missing water sources: Details on water use for off site dust control are absent, thus understating total water needs.
Ignoring International Council on Mining & Metal framework: The project doesn't follow industry best practices for considering social, cultural, and environmental impacts on water resources.
Potential impact on existing users: The project's water demands could reduce water availability to current and future water users in the upper Arkansas River basin.