Thursday, May 19, 2005, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) will hold a public hearing on the permit application by Mountain View Ready Mix for a new open-cut gravel mining operation approximately 3/4 mile upstream of the Hwy. 87 bridge across South Sylamore Creek. The hearing will be at the Ozark Folk Center Administration Building, 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View. ADEQ staff will be available from 6-7 PM to informally discuss the permit application and to receive verbal or written comments. At 7 PM, ADEQ's Mining Division will make a presentation on the permitting process for open-cut mining operations.

Requests to see the application file or to send written comments should be addressed to: James F. Stephens, Chief; Surface Mining & Reclamation Division; ADEQ; PO Box 8913; Little Rock, AR 72219-8913. Written comments must be received by June 3, 2005. ADEQ will notify each person submitting written comments of the final permit decision to issue, deny, modify, revoke and reissue, or terminate the permit

It is important to send in written comments to ensure that the Sylamore does not end up with the devastating effects endured by Crooked Creek. In addition, your action now will preserve your right (in accordance with ADEQ's Administrative Procedures-Regulation 8) to appeal a final decision that is not of your liking.