A-Infos (en) Standoff at Ward Valley - Day 9

["Shawn Ewald" <shawn@wilshire.net>]

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     A - I N F O S  N E W S  S E R V I C E
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Date: Sun, 22 Feb 1998 12:21:14 -0700 (MST)
From: swv1@ctaz.com (Save Ward Valley)
Subject: Standoff at Ward Valley - Day 9

COLORADO RIVER NATIVE NATIONS ALLIANCE
Fort Mojave, Chemehuevi, Quechan, Cocopah, Colorado River Indian
Tribes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 20, 1998
Contact: (760) 326-6267

STANDOFF AT WARD VALLEY:  DAY 9
INDIAN RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES CONTINUE AT
OCCUPATION OF PROPOSED NUCLEAR DUMP SITE.
BLOCKADE HOLDS FIRM

INDUSTRY'S CLAIMS OF A DRY DESERT CLIMATE SAFE FOR NUCLEAR WASTE
DUMPING ARE WASHED AWAY WITH MASSIVE RAINS, WINDS AND SNOW

Needles, CA--   As the Indian and environmental occupation of the
proposed Ward Valley radioactive waste dump enters its ninth day,
protesters remained dug-in at the site despite massive rains and wind.
Snow fell on the hills around Ward Valley, and roads flooded from
heavy rains.

The wet weather and high winds have demonstrated the inaccuracy of the
claims by the nuclear industry and Governor Pete Wilson that Ward
Valley was safe for dumping nuclear waste in unlined dirt trenches due
to the alleged lack of rain in the area.

As those participating in the occupation at the proposed dump site
have experienced first hand, Ward Valley has been battered by the
harsh and very wet weather.  Twisters were seen around Ward Valley
last Saturday during another massive rain and hail storm.

"As difficult as it has been for us to be camped at Ward Valley during
the last nine days due to the severe storms, we are glad that the
nuclear industry's claims of a dry, arid environment have been washed
away with the heavy rains, hail and high winds," said Steve Lopez,
spokesman for the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.  "Our Creator is angry,
and his way of expressing this is through the elements.  He has given
us good weather for our ceremonies and demonstrations, yet he reminds
us to keep up this struggle in his defense with the difficult
weather."

"We wish Governor Wilson and the high-paid executives of the nuclear
industry were here to see the heavy rains and flooding at Ward
Valley," said Marion Pak, spokeswoman for the Save Ward Valley
Coalition.  "These heavy rains and wind prove once and for all the
insanity of dumping nuclear waste in unlined dirt trenches above an
aquifer with pathways to the Colorado River." The Colorado River
Native Nations Alliance and the Save Ward Valley Coaliton are asking
supporters to come to Ward Valley and join the occupation, protest and
ongoing ceremonies.

Save Ward Valley 107 F St. Needles, CA  92363
ph. 760/326-6267 fax 760/326-6268 
http://www.shundahai.org/SWVAction.html 
http://earthrunner.com/savewardvalley http://www.ctaz.com/~swv1 
http://banwaste.envirolink.org 
http://www.alphacdc.com/IEN/wardvly4.html
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