SMELTER: Group's stance

To whom it may concern,

We the Board of CANSS (Citizens Against Newport Silicon Smelter) go on record in full support of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians’ request for Class I Re-designation.

- We believe a Class I would protect the environment and preserve the state’s high quality of life, including air and water quality and the availability of clean drinkable water now, and for future generations.

- We believe a Class I would help to protect and preserve the waters of the Little Spokane River Aquifer Basin, the Pend Oreille River, and our multiple mountain lakes, streams and tributaries. As well as schools, day care centers, three hospitals, multiple medical clinics, nursing homes and dementia care facilities, as well as hundreds of businesses, workers and ALL inhabitants within the protection boundary for future generations.

It is well-documented that Smelter emissions have a history of causing adverse environmental impacts. We firmly believe that part of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” should include the option of clean air and clean drinkable water. It is for this reason that we support the Class I Re-designations of the Kalispel Indian Reservation.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

MICHAEL NAYLOR

CANSS Board Chairman