On January 26, 2015, the EPA issued a notice proposing new health and environmental protection rules for uranium ore extraction. The proposed rules will require stricter groundwater monitoring and impose stricter groundwater standards.
The proposal modifies current regulations under the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978. The proposed rules cover the in-situ recovery method of extracting uranium. The in-situ method involves injecting fluids underground to free uranium deposits. Opponents of the in-situ method argue that it pollutes drinking water aquifers with the injected chemicals. However, the mining industry claims that the injected liquids only touch water which is already polluted.
Under the EPA’s proposed rules, companies would be required to study existing water resources prior to mining via the in-situ method.
The complete text of the proposed rules is available at 80 F.R. 4155-4187. The deadline for public comments is April 27, 2015. For more information, or for assistance with a public comment, contact Toni Ellington at (504) 599-8500.
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