The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) faced a packed room at Patagonia High School as community members raised concerns over South32s proposed Hermosa mine.

The meeting followed the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) rejection of ADEQs original air quality permit in May, citing violations of the Clean Air Act.

ADEQ presented a revised permit, meant to address five key issues flagged by the EPA. But for many residents, the changes still fall short.

Dr. Susan Lange, who moved to Patagonia three years ago, said she worries about the potential health risks.

A lot of elderly and retired here, theyre going to be super sensitive if there is particulate matter and heavy metal exposure in the air, Lange said.

Much of the opposition has been led by the Patagonia Area Resour

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