JC... As you stated...if there is no chance of ever getting the permit during the permit review process, the applicant (in a non-bannana republic) is advised so. If there are permit issues that need to be resolved in the course of the application process, the applicant is advised of same and the issue is addressed. If this is the way this whole thing ends...it really makes me sick to my stomach. Who on God's green eartyh will ever invest one more dime in this shit hole? Ooops...almost forgot. Russia, China, Iran, etc., etc.