Four members of the Colorado Citizens Against Toxicwaste, CCAT, met with Governor Bill Owens on Friday, March 22, 2002, at the state capitol. The four CCAT representatives were Sharyn Cunningham, Co-Chairperson of CCAT, Larry LaBuda, Chair of the Government Relations committee; Dr. Van Wagoner, Chair of the Research Committee; Shirley A. Squier, Ph.D., Co-Chairperson of the Public Relations Committee; and Emily Tracy, a member of the committee. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the Governor about CCAT issues, concerns, and activities. The Governor indicated at the onset of the discussion that he was there to impartially hear our issues and concerns and that he would remain neutral on his position, because of possible legal ramifications, as he did when he heard the opposition's concerns and issues. With that in mind, the CCAT members gave the Governor a brief history of CCAT, the purpose for which it was formed, and the CCAT goal, to ensure that Fremont County and the state of Colorado would not be a dumping ground for toxic waste. Concerns were raised by CCAT members regarding the economic, safety and health issues related to the shipment and storage of toxic waste at the Cotter site. Information was shared by CCAT that showed the abandoned coal mine shafts below 60% of the mill and holding ponds area, the reports of toxic leakage from the liner and the dam, and safety issues related to the transportation of hazardous waste by railroad cars over questionable railroad tracks, and spurs. In addition, information regarding the total lack of public input on this issue, the licensure requirements regarding Cotter, the lack of specific environmental impact information, as well as the information about the second shipment from Li Tungsten, was brought to the Governor's attention. It was the opinion of the CCAT participants that the Governor was not aware of the second shipment from New York, nor the coalmine shafts directly below the toxic waste dump site. He was also very interested in the pictures that showed the close proximity of the dumpsite to residential homes and developments in the area. He listened attentively to CCAT concerns and responded accordingly. Because of his tight schedule, he turned the meeting over to his aide, Matt Knoedler, the Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Policy & Initiatives. He directed Mr. Knoedler to immediately follow up on the information and shipping of hazardous waste from the Li Tungsten site and to report back to him with the information. He also directed Mr. Knoedler to follow up on prepared questions and concerns that CCAT members had presented to him. Governor Owens thanked the committee members for their presentations, and the shared information and stated concerns. He assured that his staff would be getting back to us on these important issues and concerns. After meeting with Mr. Knoedler, and sharing documented information with him, the meeting was adjourned. CCAT members felt that the Governor listened to their concerns, understood his neutrality approach, and left with a sense that some follow-up would be done regarding their stated concerns and issues.

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