Uranium mining vs. water

[madamesilverspurs]

Associated Press

DENVER - A company that wants to mine uranium in Weld County claims that proposed state rules on protecting groundwater might be illegal.

Powertech USA also questions the legality of allowing public comments on setting rules that cover issues such as groundwater quality and mine reclamation. The company argues the proposed rules are too broad.

The Canadian company plans a $20 million uranium mine about 70 miles north of Denver. It has bought mineral rights and applied for permits.

State officials are writing regulations for a 2008 law on in-situ leach mining, in which treated water is pumped into uranium-laced deposits to dissolve the mineral. The uranium is then pumped to the surface.

Powertech objects to proposed rules that would require companies test before mining to establish the groundwater's so-called "baseline" quality and restore the water to that level. The company wants to be able to revise the data on the pre-mining water quality if new information becomes known as a result of the mining.

Critics say the company wants to be able to revise the data so it doesn't have to fully reclaim the mine. Attorney Jeff Parsons of the Western Mining Action Project contends Powertech is trying to weaken the regulations.

Parsons also criticized the company's arguments on allowing public comments on water quality issues and mine reclamation.

"These are mining operations with the potential to drastically impact local water resources and the environment, and the public ought to have the ability to weigh in," Parsons said.

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety will have a public meeting on the rules Dec. 3. The agency, which is writing the rules, declined to comment on Powertech's complaints.


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[Bobbieo]

1. No more uranium mining without STRICT regulations.!!!! Send the Canadian Powertech

bastards down to Navajoland and have them drink their contaminated water for a year.