The battle over snowmaking in the sacred San Francisco Peaks in Arizona returned to court on Tuesday.

The Save the Peaks Coalition opposes the use of reclaimed sewage to make snow in the peaks. The group and local residents are worried about the health, safety and environmental impacts.

The Department of Agriculture approved the project at the Arizona Snowbowl without addressing the concerns, according to the lawsuit. But a new issue could make the case moot -- the city of Flagstaff might sell drinkable water to the ski resort instead of reclaimed wastewater.

Even in that scenario, the plaintiffs don't think potable water should be used in the peaks. Another lawsuit could be filed if Flagstaff goes ahead with the plan.

Judge Mary Murguia urged the parties to reach a compromise. She said she would revisit the plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction on Thursday.

Get the Story:
Judge urges compromise in Snowbowl water battle (The Arizona Republic 7/21)
Judge to Snowbowl: Wait on Flag (the Arizona Daily Sun 7/21)
Debate Over Snowmaking at Flagstaff Resort Drags On (Fox 21 News 7/20)

9th Circuit Decision:
Navajo Nation v. US Forest Service (August 8, 2008)

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