February 29, 2000

As you may know, on January 19, 2000, the Pollution Control Hearings Board (PCHB) reversed all water right decisions and vacated the water quality certification granted by the Department of Ecology for this project. These permits are needed for the project to proceed. On January 31, 2000, Battle Mountain Gold Company requested that the PCHB clarify certain issues related to the environmental impact statement of the project that were not addressed in its original ruling. The Department of Ecology later joined in that motion. The Board ruled on the reconsideration motion on February 14th, thereby triggering a 30-day window for the parties to appeal the decision to the courts.

The Governor is working with Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons and Attorney General Christine Gregoire to determine how the state should proceed in this matter. We realize that a decision must be made soon, since the deadline for appeals is March 15.

Again, thank you for your interest. Please be assured that the Department of Ecology and the Governor will take your concerns into consideration.

Sincerely,

Constituent Services

Office of the Governor

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