A second Colorado municipality is now challenging the licensing of Pinon Ridge Uranium Mill, which would be the first mill of its kind licensed in the U.S. in more than 25 years.

The Town of Ophir (pictured in the valley at left) has joined the Town of Telluride in seeking to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the licensing of the mill because, the towns say, the public was not allowed to have a meaningful role in the process, as required by both state and federal law.

Public Justice represents both Ophir and Telluride, each about 50 miles from Piñon Ridge's proposed location in the Paradox Valley of Montrose County, Colo. Critics note the potential dangers from milling uranium -- namely, toxic and radioactive air and water contamination.

Telluride attorneys Kevin Geiger and Steve Johnson are working with Public Justice attorneys Richard Webster and Matthew Wessler on the case.

To read Public Justice's motion to intervene, click here.