<
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/mining/Grand_Canyon_Uranium_Mining/>
"The public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park contain high
concentrations of uranium ore. Mining bores deep into vertical rock formations
called “breccia pipes,” making uranium soluble to groundwater and risking
pollution to Grand Canyon’s biologically rich springs. They then leave most of
the removed material in tailing piles that contribute to water and air
pollution.
Because uranium mining is not consistently profitable, these mining operations
are often abandoned for decades at a time — without any oversight or continued
maintenance of the work area. Large drilling sites, tailing piles and mines are
often left open to the forces of nature — leading to leaks into groundwater,
dispersal of airborne uranium pollution and dust, and unsafe conditions for
recreational visitors to public lands. And if and when these old mines are
cleaned up, the cost burden usually falls on the American public.
Even more disconcerting is the toxic legacy left on public lands and sacred
American Indian sites. Iconic landscapes have been marred, and sources of
drinking water remain polluted. Manmade ponds containing uranium-contaminated
water are left uncovered and used by native birds and other wildlife. These
mines affect habitat for more than 100 sensitive species, including mule deer,
mountain lions, imperiled California condors and highly endangered native fish.
Groundwater pollution has the potential to seep into underground aquifers used
for drinking water and into seeps and springs that are the lifeblood for
animals in the arid Grand Canyon region."
Via Diane A.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
