| 8/20/2009 9:54:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Nestlé passes
by Jennifer Denevan
Mail Staff Writer
The Nestlé Waters North America 1041 permit was unanimously approved by Chaffee County Commissioners Wednesday as a capacity audience watched and listened in the courthouse meeting room.
County staff members were directed to write separate resolutions - one for the 1041 permit and another for the special land use permit. The resolutions will be considered during a future regular business meeting.
Some changes were made to the conditions considered by commissioners during the special meeting Wednesday and must be rewritten, but will be included in both resolutions.
Frank Holman, commission chairman, said he felt board members imposed strict conditions and believes all areas of concern are addressed.
Commissioners discussed conditions with which they had issues and determined how they needed to be rewritten. They wanted to ensure wording fits needs and intent.
Commissioners requested clarification of the cost reimbursement fund and the fishing access stipulation.
The cost reimbursement fund is money Nestlé would put aside for three types of project-related costs including anticipated and unanticipated - such as lawsuits.
Commissioners also discussed the fishing access condition. Holman and Tim Glenn disagreed about access being allowed in the Bighorn Springs area.
After rewording the condition, commissioners agreed if Colorado Division of Wildlife personnel don't find it suitable, Nestlé won't be required to create a river access point.
Glenn asked for clarification regarding status of the entire permit if, for any reason, a condition is challenged in court and the challenge is upheld.
Barbara Green, special 1041 lawyer for Chaffee County, said it would become a changed condition and would reopen the entire process, including public hearings.
Staff personnel and commissioners matched conditions to elements of the permit that weren't satisfied by Nestlé.
Nestlé spokesman Bruce Lauerman later told The Mountain Mail he was, "pleased with the result. It was a good deliberation. Nestlé will be a good neighbor"
He said he believes Nestlé can meet all conditions imposed by commissioners.
Glenn told The Mail he is comfortable with the decision because by getting the conditions in place, the project will become a benefit to the area and not a detriment.
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Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, August 22, 2009
Article comment by:
Deborah Bowes
What a travesty! The majority of voters and residents of Chaffee County have been disregarded by our elected officials to favor a big corporation with big profits to be made over a precious natural resource-water. It is totally ridiculous that this decision was made by four people instead of it going before voters to decide. This decision was not about private property rights; it’s about owning a resource in this valley that fuels our economy and sustains the living quality for humans and wildlife. Nestle, I can assure you, is laughing at the stupidity and the so called “economic benefits” they will be providing to our community. Multi billion dollar corporations can tie up legal battles in court for years without missing a beat; how far will the litagation fund go to enforce violations? Our commissioners have done us all a great disservice; I’m ashamed of their shortsightedness and “selling out” of this valley’s limited and precious water.
Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Deborah Lamplough
Boy oh boy..Chaffee County's problems has just begun with Nestle. Too bad you thought with your pockets and not with the people of your county. Yea sure it will create jobs for the people, but at what cost to the river and to the land around the intake pipe. Maybe you shoould have investigated into this alittle more and with your hearts and not the pockets.
So sad that you thought this with such quick action, but, you can't think this way when it comes to the water pipe and sewage problem that is going on between Salida and Poncha Springs.
Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Travis Hochard
It will be interesting to see if the board can be reelected unanimously.
Posted: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Article comment by:
Anthony
I have been watching and reading about the Nestle permit situation and I am astonished to see it pass. With all the people in the community disapproving of this venture why would the commissioners approve the 1041. People went to the meetings which lasted well into the wee hours of the night but yet the people were not heard this is happening all over our great country. If we the people are to be heard what must we do or say? I hope in five or ten years we don't look back and say I told you so but just like health care reform I have a bad feeling about this. Sincerely a concerned citizen TC.
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