Demolition of Hurley smokestacks delayed

**James** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2007, 07:17 AM

The demolition of the two Hurley smokestacks has been delayed indefinitely.

They had been scheduled to be leveled Friday, but a Phelps Dodge spokesman, Richard Peterson, says that’s been postponed pending action by a state district judge on a request for a temporary restraining order.

The Gila Resources Information Project is seeking the order to halt the demolition.

The advocacy group contends the demolition will threaten the health of Hurley residents, especially those with respiratory problems.

And the group alleges the demolition threatens the safety of the residents’ property.

Related story here

**James** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2007, 08:33 AM

A judge in Silver City has denied an injunction aimed at stopping the demolition of two obsolete smokestacks at an old smelter in Hurley.

The Gila Resources Information Project filed a petition May 14th seeking to halt the demolition.

They contended blowing up the stacks threatened the health of Hurley residents and the safety of their property.

The demolition was set for Friday, but Phelps Dodge postponed it after the court challenge was filed.

Phelps Dodge spokesman Richard Peterson says the company will now set a new date.

He says it won’t be Friday, however, because the company needs time to prepare.

Gila Resources director Allyson Siwik says she’s disappointed by the ruling.