Timeline & Official Documents
Community Record
This page organizes key events, correspondence, public records, agency responses, meeting materials, and community actions related to the proposed EVelution cobalt processing facility. Entries are sorted by date, newest first.
August 2026
August 31, 2026
WMIDD Response Regarding Groundwater Report and Geophysical Logs
Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District (WMIDD) provided higher-quality scans of pages 12–15 of the groundwater investigation report.
WMIDD also confirmed that the electronic geophysical logs were “included in the material mailed to you” and identified them under Page 22: Plates – Geophysical Logs, comprising approximately the final 30 pages of the report.
Related Document:
Response from Elston Grubaugh (WMIDD)
Groundwater Investigation Report
August 18, 2026
ADEQ Response Regarding APP Status
ADEQ confirmed that, based on the limited information currently available, the proposed EVelution Energy project is not currently required to submit an Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) application or a Determination of Applicability (DOA).
ADEQ further stated that additional technical information will be required before it can determine whether an APP, a DOA, or an exemption may ultimately apply.
Related Document:
Response from Wendy Eikenberry (ADEQ)
August 12, 2026
Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)
The same letter was submitted to ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke, together with the Yuma County Special Use Permit as supporting documentation. ADWR responded through Ombudsman Trent Blomberg, confirming that
- ADWR has not received a groundwater-flow model, drawdown analysis, or other hydrogeologic study for the proposed groundwater withdrawals and
- that such analyses are not required for well permits outside Arizona’s Active Management Areas (AMAs).
Related Documents:
Letter to ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke
Trent Blomberg – Correspondence.pdf
Governor’s Office & Arizona Attorney General
Letters were submitted to the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs by both mail and the Governor’s online contact form, as well as to the Office of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, regarding the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt sulfate facility and broader questions concerning Arizona’s regulatory framework for large industrial groundwater withdrawals.
Both offices acknowledged receipt of the correspondence. These acknowledgments document that the concerns were formally received and entered into the respective offices’ correspondence process.
Related Documents:
Governor Katie Hobbs – Correspondence.pdf
Attorney General Kris Mayes – Correspondence.pdf
Yuma County Special Use Permit attached to all emails
July 2026
July 30, 2026
ADEQ Provides Environmental Permitting Resources
ADEQ’s Community Liaison Unit responded to a request for information by directing the public to available environmental permitting resources, including the Arizona Public Records Request portal, the Air Permit Classifications guidance, and the Permits in Process (PIP) Map and Report.
ADEQ explained that permitting requirements vary depending on the specific facility and that the agency is one of several regulatory authorities involved in the review process.
However, attempts to access the PIP resource resulted in a Cloudflare “Sorry, you have been blocked” message, preventing review of the permitting information through the provided website. The access issue was reported to ADEQ, and the Community Liaison Unit acknowledged the problem and indicated that it would investigate.
Related Documents:
Correspondence with ADEQ Community Liaison (July 30, 2026).
ADEQ acknowledges PIP access issue and is investigating (August 11, 2026).
Formal Public Records Request Submitted to WMIDD
A formal Arizona Public Records Request was submitted to WMIDD requesting records related to the District’s involvement with the proposed EVelution Energy project, including correspondence, agreements, technical reports, groundwater and infrastructure documents, board records, and information concerning the project’s test well and water supply.
The request stated that it was made in the public interest to support independent research documenting the project’s permitting process and publicly available regulatory information.
Related Documents:
Arizona Public Records Request submitted to WMIDD
July 29, 2026
WMIDD Requests Formal Public Records Submission
The Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District (WMIDD) responded to an inquiry regarding records related to the proposed EVelution Energy project. WMIDD requested that a formal Arizona Public Records Request be submitted as a signed letter identifying the requested records in bullet form and stating the purpose of the request (commercial use, legal discovery, or public interest).
Related Documents:
Correspondence with Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District
July 27, 2026
EVelution Energy Press Release: Groundwater Resources
EVelution Energy announced the results of its groundwater investigation, stating that groundwater resources beneath the project site are sufficient to support the proposed facility throughout its expected operating life and potential future expansion.
The company also provided updated information regarding expected freshwater consumption, water recycling, groundwater quality, and the regulatory status of groundwater pumping at the site.
Related Documents:
View Original EVelution Energy Press Release
Highlighted Copy — Key Groundwater, Water-Use & Public-Benefit Statements
ADEQ Clarifies Air Quality Permit Timing
Following a request for clarification, ADEQ explained that it cannot determine whether the proposed EVelution Energy facility will require an Air Quality Permit without reviewing the facility’s plans and equipment.
ADEQ also stated that if an Air Quality Permit is required, it must be obtained before constructing any air pollution equipment. According to ADEQ, companies typically submit permit applications 9–12 months before construction begins.
In response to a follow-up question, ADEQ identified the Arizona regulations used to determine permit applicability based on emission thresholds and provided guidance on the state’s air permit classifications.
Status: As of July 27, 2026, ADEQ confirmed that no Air Quality Permit application has been submitted.
Related Documents:
Correspondence with ADEQ Air Quality Permitting (July 27, 2026).
July 21, 2026
Follow-up Request – 2022 ADEQ Communications
Summary:
A follow-up request was submitted to ADEQ seeking records related to the 2022 communications between ADEQ, the proposed EVelution Energy project, and/or Yuma County regarding environmental permitting requirements.
The request asked whether ADEQ maintains records such as emails, meeting notes, correspondence, or permit review documents identifying the state environmental permits applicable to the project. The purpose of the request was to better understand the project’s environmental permitting timeline and how the required permits were identified.
Related Documents:
Follow-up Email – 2022 ADEQ Communications
Special Use Permit (SUP22-08) Application and Supporting Documents (October 2022 – 2024)
Follow-up Request – APP / DOA Permitting Process
Summary:
A follow-up request was submitted to ADEQ seeking clarification of the Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) and Determination of Applicability (DOA) process.
The request asked whether an industrial facility with potential discharges that could impact an aquifer is required to either submit an APP application or a DOA request for ADEQ to determine whether an APP is required, or whether circumstances exist in which neither submission would be necessary.
Related Documents:
Follow-up Email – APP / DOA Permitting Process
July 20, 2026
ADEQ Response – Community Liaison Update
Summary:
ADEQ’s Community Liaison Unit confirmed that it has not been involved in any communication regarding the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt sulfate production facility by the company, within ADEQ, or with Yuma County since 2022.
ADEQ stated that it is aware of recent news articles and company press releases regarding the project but has no recent agency involvement or updates to report.
Related Documents:
Email Response – Sam To (ADEQ Community Liaison Unit)
ADEQ Response – Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) Status
Summary:
ADEQ confirmed that no Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) application and no Determination of Applicability (DOA) have been submitted for the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt sulfate production facility.
ADEQ also stated that its Groundwater Protection Program has not been contacted by the company or Yuma County regarding the project.
According to ADEQ, the facility and/or Yuma County contacted ADEQ’s Community Liaison Program in 2022 to determine which environmental permits would be required for the project. ADEQ indicated that the facility was aware of those permitting requirements. As of ADEQ’s last internal update in October 2025, no additional groundwater permitting activity had been reported.
Related Documents:
Email Response – Wendy Eikenberry (ADEQ)
July 8, 2026
ADEQ Response – Air Quality Permit Status
Summary:
ADEQ confirmed that no Air Quality Permit application has been submitted for the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt sulfate production facility.
ADEQ also stated that groundwater-related questions, including those regarding Aquifer Protection Permitting (APP), had been forwarded to the appropriate groundwater permitting staff for response.
At the time of this update, no groundwater permitting determination had yet been received.
Related Documents:
Email Response – Tim Pippenger (ADEQ)
Email – Request for Current Environmental Permitting Status
July 8, 2026
ADEQ Information Request – Current Environmental Permitting Status
Summary:
Email sent to ADEQ requesting the current status of the environmental review and permitting process for the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt processing facility, including groundwater investigations, air quality permitting, aquifer protection, wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous waste permits.
Related Documents:
Email to ADEQ – Current Environmental Permitting Status
July 6, 2026
Yuma County Response – Complete Project File (2023) for SUP22-08
Summary:
Yuma County provided the complete 2023 project file for Special Use Permit SUP22-08 – EVelution Energy Cobalt Sulfate Production Facility, including the supporting documents used during the review and approval process.
Related Documents:
May 6, 2024 – Special Use Permit Approval – SUP22-08
April 23, 2026 – Special Use Permit Extension Approval – SUP22-08
Public Records Request – Complete File for SUP22-08 (EVelution Cobalt Sulfate Production Facility)
Summary:
Public records request submitted to Yuma County requesting the complete file for Special Use Permit SUP22-08, including all supporting documents, studies, correspondence, agency comments, technical reports, exhibits, and records associated with the review and approval of the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt sulfate production facility.
Related Documents:
Public Records Request – Complete File for SUP22-08
Community Meeting Announced
Summary:
Velma Limmeroth shared a Facebook post by Yuma County Supervisor Darren Simmons announcing a community meeting on November 5, 2026 regarding the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt processing facility.
Related Documents:
Facebook Post – Community Meeting Announcement, November 5, 2026
June 2026
June 22, 2026
Agency Inquiry: Alternative Site and Configuration Evaluations
Summary:
Email sent to Arizona government agencies requesting information regarding whether alternative sites, hydrogeologic conditions, and facility configurations were evaluated during project planning.
Related Documents:
Response Permit-Wells-ADWR – Regarding Alternative Site and Configuration Evaluations
Correspondence Regarding Alternative Site and Configuration Evaluations
EVelution Energy Inquiry: Alternative Site and Configuration Evaluations
Summary:
Email sent to EVelution Energy requesting information regarding whether alternative sites, hydrogeologic conditions, and facility configurations were evaluated during project planning and whether supporting studies or reports are available.
Related Documents:
Inquiry to EVelution Energy Regarding Alternative Site and Configuration Evaluations
June 9, 2026
Follow-Up to Supervisor Darren Simmons
Summary:
Follow-up correspondence regarding the request for a dedicated public informational meeting.
Related Documents:
Follow-Up Email to Supervisor Darren Simmons regarding the public meeting
Waste Management Questions Submitted to EVelution
Summary:
Questions submitted to EVelution Energy regarding waste classification, disposal locations, transportation, and long-term waste-management considerations.
Related Documents:
Follow-Up Regarding Environmental Permitting and Waste Management Information
ADEQ Waste Management and Permitting Follow-Up
Summary:
Follow-up correspondence regarding environmental permitting, waste-management oversight, and available ADEQ records.
Related Documents:
Follow-Up Regarding Environmental Permitting and Waste Management
ADEQ Response – Waste Management and Permitting Information
June 8, 2026
Follow-Up Conversation with Supervisor Darren Simmons
Summary:
Phone conversation regarding public information, meeting access, and community questions concerning the proposed EVelution facility.
Related Documents:
Notes of Follow-Up Conversation with Supervisor Darren Simmons
WMIDD Water Use and Source Correspondence
Summary:
Email correspondence regarding proposed water use, groundwater source evaluation, test-well drilling, wastewater generation and management, and WMIDD’s role in the water-supply assessment.
Related Documents:
Additional Questions Regarding Water Use and Sources
WMIDD Response from Elston Grubaugh
Response to Additional Questions Regarding Water Use and Sources
June 4, 2026
Phone Conversation with EVelution Groundwater Consultant
Summary:
Phone conversation with Buck Schmitt regarding groundwater-related questions and project water evaluation.
Related Documents:
Phone Conversation Notes
June 3, 2026
WMIDD Groundwater Study Request
Summary:
Request for information regarding groundwater studies, water-source evaluation, test-well activities, and supporting documentation associated with the proposed facility.
Related Documents:
Request for Information Regarding EVelution Groundwater Studies
Follow-Up to Supervisor Darren Simmons
Summary:
Follow-up correspondence regarding the request for a dedicated public informational meeting with remote access.
Related Documents:
Follow-Up Email Regarding Dedicated Public Information Meeting
June 2–4, 2026
ADWR Concern and Well Registration Follow-Up
Summary:
Correspondence with ADWR regarding well-registration concerns, missing registry information, and subsequent clarification.
Related Documents:
ADWR Complaint — June 2, 2026
ADWR Complaint Confirmation — June 2, 2026
ADWR Additional Information Requested — June 3, 2026
ADWR Response to Additional Information — June 3, 2026
Inquiry Regarding “No Registry Found” for Well Registration No. 55-303321
ADWR Response Regarding “No Registry Found”
June 1, 2026
Public Information Meeting Requested
Summary:
Community members requested a dedicated public informational meeting with remote access regarding the proposed EVelution cobalt processing facility.
Related Documents:
Yuma County Board of Supervisors Meeting
May 2026
May 31, 2026
Yuma Sun Article Published
Summary:
Yuma Sun published an article titled “County’s First Cobalt Facility Pushes Forward in Yuma County,” discussing water use, project financing, workforce development, and other aspects of the proposed facility.
Related Documents:
Yuma Sun Article — Page 1 & 2
May 27, 2026
Yuma County Response Documents
Summary:
Documents received from Yuma County relating to the proposed EVelution Energy cobalt processing facility.
Related Documents:
EVelution Energy Cobalt #1
EVelution Energy Cobalt #2
EVelution Energy Cobalt #3
ADEQ Public Records Request
Summary:
Public records request submitted to ADEQ regarding environmental records associated with the proposed facility, including responses and follow-up correspondence.
Related Documents:
ADEQ Public Records Request — May 27, 2026
ADEQ Request Confirmation
ADEQ Response — June 1, 2026
Follow-Up to ADEQ Response — June 1, 2026
May 26, 2026
Initial Community Inquiry Submitted
Summary:
Initial community letter sent regarding water sustainability and long-term planning for the proposed EVelution Energy facility.
Related Documents:
yumaindustrialbenefit.org 
