Community
Environmental
Advocates
Foundation
CEA Foundation
Projects
The following projects are ones that CEA Foundation watches and brings before decision makers in Nevada County. If there are development or land use projects happening that you would like us to know about, please send us your thoughts at communityvoices@cea-nc.org.
IMM Toxic Mine Drain Cleanup
CEA Foundation is working towards developing a long term solution that restores clean water flowing into Wolf Creek now and into the future.
Status:
CEA's Position:
Advocates for a NPDES permit to address the contaminants coming from the drain.
In May 2026, a U.S. District Court ruled that Rise is liable for the pollution discharging into Wolf Creek that from Idaho-Marlyand Mine.
Bio-char
All "char" products are not bio-char. Due to the need for forest fuel load reduction, bio-char has garnered a lot of attention, but also a lot of confusion. How is bio-char created? Is it good for the soil? Does it sequester carbon successfully?
Status:
CEA's Position:
CEA created a white paper exploring the nuances of bio-char.
Idaho-Maryland Mine
In 2018 Rise Gold Grass Valley submitted a plan to Nevada County to re-open the historic Idaho-Maryland mine. The project proposal included dewatering the mine and asked for an 80 year permit.
Status:
CEA's Position:
Opposed to the project.
On May, 7 2026, a Nevada County Superior Court judge ruled against Rise Grass Valley’s claim that it retains vested rights to reopen and operate the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley.
Dorsey Marketplace
In 2020, a proposal for a mixed development project off of the Dorsey exit was approved by the City of Grass Valley. The proposal was for 179 apartment units and 100,000 square feet of commercial and office space.
Status:
CEA's Position:
Opposed to the project as it's currently proposed.
After Grass Valley City attorneys determined the Use Permit had expired, the developer reapplied for a new permit with no modifications to the plan.