Uranium in the Four Corners
analytical Essay
748 words
Not since the 1980's has a recent surge of uranium mining claims occured in the Four Corners region. Energy Fuel Resources Inc. has placed its Canyon Mine on standby and expects to resume shaft sinking operations December of next year, when an official court ruling is made and depending on market conditions.
Earlier this year the Havasupai Tribe and a coalition of conservation groups sued the United States Forest Service for allowing Energy Fuel Resources Inc. to operate a mine under a 1986 federal environmental review without tribal consultation. The Canyon mine was previously in non-operational status due to low uranium stock prices in 1992. Opponents of the uranium mining operation want the federal environmental review updated and point out the uranium mine’s close proximity to the Red Butte Traditional Cultural Property, which was recognized and designated by the US Forest Service in 2010.
Transporting the uranium has also proven to be a major concern for communities in northern Arizona, most notably Flagstaff. In 2010 the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution supporting the Obama administration’s withdrawal of one million acres of federal land around the national park from uranium mining for 20 years. Chief concerns in the resolution revolved around the overall environmental well-being of the national park, considering 5 million people annually visit the Grand Canyon and contribute to Flagstaff’s local economy.
Another issue was the route that trucks carrying the radioactive material would go through to get to Energy Fuel Resource’s White Mesa Mill at Blanding, Utah, the only operating uranium mill in the United States. Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, explains that in addition to mat...
... middle of paper ...
...etween 420,000 and 7 million.
We would say most definitely it is worth it, since nuclear energy saves far more lives and creates healthier living environments, than what it potentially puts at risk.
Works Cited
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/12765 http://www.grandcanyontrust.org/documents/gc_uranium_flagCityCouncilResolution.pdf http://arizona.sierraclub.org/pr_and_alerts/pr_and_alerts_2013/Final_Canyon_Mine_Press_Release.pdf http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/es3051197 http://energyfuels.com/news/index.php?&content_id=276 http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5440062.pdf http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2013/uranium-mining-11-06-2013.html http://www.energyfuels.com/white_mesa_mill/
Arizona One Mine http://energyfuels.com/projects/arizona_one/
Canyon Mine http://energyfuels.com/projects/canyon/
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a recent surge of uranium mining claims occurred in the four corners region. energy fuel resources inc. has placed its canyon mine on standby and expects to resume shaft sinking operations december of next year.
- Explains that the havasupai tribe and a coalition of conservation groups sued the united states forest service for allowing energy fuel resources inc.
- Explains that transportation of uranium has proven to be a major concern for communities in northern arizona, most notably flagstaff.
- Explains that in addition to materials from canyon mine passing through flagstaff, uranium from arizona mine 1 will be transported through navajo nation territory
- Explains curtis moore, investor and public relations director for energy fuel resources inc., describes the sites as very small underground mines.
- Explains that all water is evaporated according to moore, including rain and snowfall, but opponents of the mining proposition fear the potential impact uranium could have, claiming that radioactive levels tend to be above the natural background.
- Explains that bahr states that mining sites have minimal surface disturbance, but it doesn't take much for contamination. conservation groups argue that irreversible damage to important waters will occur if radioactive contaminants reach the groundwater that supplies springs and seeps in the grand canyon.
- Analyzes bahr's assertion that the kaibab north mine remains contaminated and the orphan mine is in the process of being cleaned up.
- Argues that uranium miners must comply with stringent laws and regulations, strong enforcement and inspection mechanisms, and regulatory oversight at multiple levels from numerous government agencies.
- Explains that nasa's goddard institute completed a study on the amount of lives nuclear power has saved in reducing green-house gases following the aftermath of japan’s fukashima accident.
- Opines that nuclear energy saves more lives and creates healthier living environments than what it potentially puts at risk.
- Cites energyfuels.com and biologicaldiversity.org for information on uranium mining, including a white-mesa mill, arizona one mine, and canyon mine.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- opinion
- narrative
- Uraniumexplanatory essayUranium, an element in chemistry, is one of the world’s rare earth metals. It serves many purposes like forging electricity and reinforcing armor. However, why are these things so important and why not use some other environmentally friendly resource?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that uranium, an element in chemistry, is one of the world’s rare earth metals and serves many purposes like forging electricity and reinforcing armor.
- Explains that uranium has an atomic number of ninety-two on the periodic table. it was discovered in 1789 by martin klaproth, a german chemist.
- Explains that uranium, unlike coal, is efficient at power making because of its half-life. one small power plant can power the whole west side of saint louis.
- Explains that uranium has its downsides and its upsides. it is efficient, but dangerous if not handled carefully or disposed properly. chernobyl's core meltdown could have contributed to this.
- Explains that mill tailings, or waste from a power plant, must be disposed of properly or will otherwise harm the environment.
- Explains that uranium fuel is assembled in such a way that controlled fission range chemical reaction can be achieved. the chain reaction is controlled by retinal rod which absorbs neutrons.
- Explains that uranium ore can be mined by underground or strip mining methods, depending on its depth. the end product of the mining and milling stages, or of isl, is uranium oxide.
- Explains that uranium is very useful in society today. it has its uses after it's used up like reinforcing armor.
657 wordsRead More - Arizona Needs to MIne Black Mesaanalytical essayBlack Mesa, a natural resource for water is still being occupied by Peabody Coal, the world’s largest coal company. Located on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations of Northern Arizona, the mining company pumps water out of the Navajo Aquifer (N-Aquifer) which is mixed with grated coal known as slurry. The slurry is then pumped through a pipeline to Nevada’s Mohave Generating Station where it is converted into low-cost electricity (Peabody Energy Online par 3). Peabody has two mines on Black Mesa which includes the Peabody Coal Mine as well as the Kayenta Mine, both help to produce enough coal that supports 1.5 million people in the Southwest including Arizona, Nevada, and California (Peabody Energy Online par 8). The low-cost electricity is quite affordable for the people who live in the area. Peabody Coal has many coal mines around the world which help fight to keep the cost of energy down.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the debacle between the hopi and navajo tribes and peabody coal in the northeastern part of arizona.
- Explains that peabody coal, the world's largest coal company, pumps water out of the navajo and hopi aquifer, which is mixed with grated coal known as slurry, and converts it into low-cost electricity.
- Analyzes how peabody coal consoled the u.s. department of the interior's office of surface mining for concerns about the use of groundwater. the n-aquifer is in a stable condition and the quality is still excellent.
- Explains that the u.s. osm's annual report agrees with 11 major government, tribal and private studies that conclude using aquifer water to transport coal will not cause significant or permanent impacts to the resource.
- Explains that the water used by peabody coal can still be replaced by the earth’s natural hydrologic cycle, which replenishes water, helping to restore water back into the basin.
- Explains that the navajo and hopi tribes were always at a dispute in which either side claimed black mesa as part of their territory.
- Explains that peabody coal is an extended hand to help lead that part of society out of poverty.
1253 wordsRead More - Saving Black Mesaopinion essayTo the northeast part of Arizona lay a conflict between two indigenous groups from the surrounding area and the world’s largest coal company formerly known as Peabody Coal (now Peabody Energy). The Hopi and Navajo reservations surround a region known as Black Mesa. Black Mesa is located on both the Navajo and Hopi Reservations which is a target source for underground water called the N-aquifer. The N-aquifer contains a great amount of pristine Ice Age water. As time drew on, many indigenous people were alarmed that the water was carelessly being depleted from their land. Mining on Black Mesa should be stopped because the inhabitants are affected by Peabody, livestock in the area must depend on the local springs, groundwater is being depleted at an average of 3.3 million gallons per day, and the water is being contaminated (SBMW Online par 1).
In this essay, the author
- Opines that mining on black mesa should be stopped because the inhabitants are affected by peabody and the groundwater is being depleted.
- Explains that the black mesa region expanded from the hopi reservation in to navajo borders.
- Explains how john boyden convinced the navajo and hopi people to sell their aquifer to peabody coal for $1000 per acre-foot.
- Explains that peabody coal pumps water out of the navajo and hopi aquifer and converts it into low-cost electricity. the company has two mines on black mesa.
- Analyzes how peabody coal consoled the u.s. department of the interior's office of surface mining for concerns about the use of groundwater. the n-aquifer is in a stable condition and the quality is still excellent.
- Explains that the u.s. osm's annual report agrees with 11 major government, tribal and private studies that conclude using aquifer water to transport coal will not cause significant or permanent impacts to the resource.
- Explains that according to the u.s. osm, the coal company's water can still be replaced by the earth’s natural hydrologic cycle which replenishes the water, helping to restore water back into the basin by rainfall.
- Opines that the declination of water in moencopi wash is too drastic to assume that locals are the cause of the drop.
- Opines that the hopi tribe threatened to demolish living and historic navajo home sites, and that continued mining on black mesa is the right decision.
- Explains that peabody coal employs at least 850 native americans from the navajo tribe, and that the job market is only temporary.
- Explains that peabody coal's contract allows them to pump as much water as they want, and if a new pipeline is built, they'll continue to use 4,000 acre feet for maintenance emergency backup.
- Explains that the black mesa trust lease agreement is uncertain, so many supporting activists were created to inform the public and help save the area.
- Argues that the depletion of non-renewable natural resources on black mesa shares commonality with the rest of the world. the navajo tribe is the largest native american group and the thought of taking away their much needed water is a trembling concept to ponder
1808 wordsRead More - The History Of The Grand Canyon National Parkexplanatory essay... the surface and groundwater with pollution for a lifetime. Still to this day, uranium mining continues to pose a risk to the lives of people, animal and plant species, and the National park in itself (Nimkin & Billington, 2013).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the grand canyon national park is visited by millions of people every year who visit the state of arizona to simply catch a glimpse at the park’s beautiful scenery.
- Explains the formation of the grand canyon as a result of continuous erosion by the colorado river.
- Explains that the grand canyon was a target of conservation, and became an official national park in 1919.
- Explains that the grand canyon is an american icon and one of the most popular destinations visited by more than 4 million people every year.
- Explains that the grand canyon is divided into two parts: the north and the south rims.
- Explains that the grand canyon is a path to the planet's beginnings, and the uranium mining threat has put the park at risk.
2116 wordsRead More - The Tar Creek Mine Environmental Disasternarrative essayThe tar creek mining site originally was owned by a Native American tribe, the Quapaw. The Quapaw wanted to keep these lands, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs deemed members opposing a transaction to mining companies “incompetent” (1). In such a case the business could continue and the Bureau of Indian Affairs sold the lands to mining companies. In essence these lands were stolen from the Quapaw because they were ripe for mining. These mines were then used from approximately 1891 to 1970. In the 79 years the mines were open 1.7 million metric tons (~3.75 billion pounds) of lead and 8.8 million metric tons (~19.4 billion pounds) of zinc were withdrawn from the mine (2). The entire area around Tar Creek is known as the tri-state mining area. This tri-state area was a massive source of metals. This area accounted for 35% of the all worldwide metal for a decade. It also provided the majority of metals the United States used in World wars I and II (3).
In this essay, the author
- Compares the water situation in tar creek to that of a virginia tech professor. the epa had deemed both the area and d.c. safe before these discoveries were made.
- Explains that the tar creek watershed was a center of the lead and zinc mining industries in the mid-20th century.
- States cates, d.; monitoring of the roubidoux water quality at the tar creek superfund site.
- Explains that metal mixtures and children's health -- tar creek superfund site is part of harvard school of public helath.
- Cites associated press, "pollution brings end to oklahoma mining town." nbc news.
- States that hameed, joe, and leon crowe, "the quapaw tribe of oklahoma and the tar creek project." epa.
- States murphree, daniel s. native america: a state-by-state historical encyclopedia.
- Analyzes knauth, dietrich, "quapaw tribe settles tar creek superfund fight - law360."
- Presents patton, l. p., and focus on tar creek at the american society for engineering education midwest section conference, 2004.
- Explains that tar creek superfund site ottawa county, oklahoma; u.s. environmental protection agency region 6: dallas, tx, 1994.
- Cites cates, d., technical report after action monitoring of the roubidoux aquifer at the tar creek superfund site.
- Describes the four-year review of tar creek superfund site ottawa county, oklahoma; u.s. environmental protection agency region 6 dallas, tx, 2010.
- Cites centers for disease control and prevention's "lead," which is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/
- Opines that saulny, susan, welcome to our town. wish we weren't here. the new york times.
- States wright, matthew c. a tainted mining town dies as residents are paid to leave. the washington post.
- Explains that the tar creek mining site was originally owned by a native american tribe, the quapaw, but the bureau of indian affairs sold them to mining companies.
- Explains that the mining operations in the area ceased during the 1960s but they have left open thousands of shafts and boreholes, and the active pumping of acid mine drainage was stopped.
- Explains that the epa's five-year plan indicates the water quality in the testing area was not statistically different than before the remedy was constructed. the largest public health risk to the citizens living within the tar creek watershed is exposure to lead.
2804 wordsRead More - Mines are Damaging Land in Northern Wisconsinexplanatory essayThe mine should not be done, especial to such a majestic place like the penokee range. Anyone who has seen the range would understand why stopping the mine would be a good thing. Nothing good is coming from the mine other than money. There are plenty of bad things that will happen due to the water pollution, air pollution, and water usage from the mine. Communities can work together to fight the mine company, and together people can be heard.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a mine is about to take place in the penokee range, which will damage northern wisconsin land and waters for centuries to come.
- Opines that mining isn't an environmental safe way of mining. communities can work together to fight the mining company.
- Explains that ground pyrite can be exposed to oxygen and water, allowing it to oxidize more quickly, and sulfuric acid from the penokee mine will be leaked into the environment.
- Explains that the lake superior basin has a history of bad mining practices. the bad river sloughs are home to threatened and endangered species.
- Opines that there are many potential water impacts as well as air impacts that should be looked into more. the bad river tribe has regulatory authority from the clean water act and epa rules.
- Explains that the dissolving metals/minerals present in the rock can certainly affect water quality. the bad river would be most affected body of water near the mine site.
- Opines the community needs to speak up and get help to fight the mine developers.
- States that the bad river ojibwa tribe is at stake if the mine is a reality because clean water is essential for the fisheries and most importantly, for wild rice crop.
- Explains that the tyler forks mine will have several impacts as far as stream flow, physical/chemical/biological impacts, and heavy metals, including mercury, into the environment.
- Explains that the mine will have heavy metals and sulfides that are being blasted and broken up. the waste rock mixed with water will be bulldozed around repeatedly producing what people call "toxic stew."
- Opines that the multi-billion dollar companies are despicable; they think it is okay to pillage the environment.
- Opines that mining companies have screwed over communities, but waste rock is uneconomical and will be wasted. the penokee range has no record of mining in the taconite ore body.
- Explains that mines can fail in many ways and put our future at risk. the mining moratorium law is meant to stop sulfide ore mining, unless there is proof that it won’t damage the environment.
- Explains that the bad river band of lake superior chippewa indians of wisconsin are trying everything possible to stop the mine.
- Explains that the penokee camp is a living demonstration of treaty rights, which includes hunting, gathering, and fishing.
- Explains that the federal government signed a treaty with the chippewa in 1837 and 1842. tribes can challenge the mine in federal court. canada has rights of protecting the great lakes.
- Opines that mining companies have a lot of power because they're billion dollar companies, but they don't have the best history either. the mines in minnesota and michigan killed aquatic life and damaged 10.5 miles of brule river.
- Explains that the bad river sloughs were recognized as a national landmark by u.s. department of the interior in 1983.
- Explains that the proposed mine area has seventy-one miles of rivers and streams that flow through it. the penokee is such a unique landmark that should be left alone for future generations.
- Opines that stopping the mine would be a good thing for the penokee range. there are plenty of bad things that will happen due to the water pollution and air pollution.
2341 wordsRead More - Energy Vs. Beauty in Coal Miningexplanatory essay"Independent Lens . RAZING APPALACHIA . Mountaintop Removal Strip Mining | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Independent Television Service, 14 May 2003. Web. 11 Nov. 2011.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that flash floods are caused by the removal of trees and vegetation of an area on a steep grade mountain.
- Explains how mining companies remove trees, vegetation, and undergrowth by using draglines to remove rocks and coal from selected areas. filling in these valleys causes many streams and rivers to be covered.
- Explains that reclamation of land is when the company that damaged an area is responsible for returning the mountain top back to its original state. the appalachian region is home to some of the most admirable mountains in the united states.
- Explains that the removal of coal for energy has been a long thought out process since the early 1960's.
- Explains that the epa, us army corps of engineers, department of the interior, and fish and wildlife service work together to protect mountains from being destroyed by machines and explosives.
- Explains that environmental health perspectives: mountaintop removal mining: digging into community health concerns. pbs: public broadcasting service.
1523 wordsRead More - Uranium Mining in Australiaopinion essayAustralia has been found the world largest quantities of uranium source to meet the international demand. This consequently contributes to ores export and boom Australian economic growth. Whereas, there are a number of factors restrict uranium mining that has less benefit to Australia. Thus, the uranium mining should be limited as much as possible. The fact is that Uranium mining is not yet a safe, economic, reputable industry for Australia and its people.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that uranium mining is not yet a safe, economic, reputable industry for australia and its people.
- Opines that uranium exploration can be part of the solution to cool down the world temperature. nuclear power can contribute 25% electricity in the next few decades.
- Opines that uranium mining is successful in the economic factor, but it ignores that there are many unsolved problems during extract, processing, and transport.
- Explains that uranium mining has not been proved to be a reasonable safe process. it is dangerous to human health and the environment.
- Explains that insecure uranium processing potentially leaks to terrorists, causing catastrophic damage to the world, including australia and its people.
- Opines that australia is an irresponsible country if we pursue economic growth with no willingness to clean up the consequence.
594 wordsRead More - Uranium Mining in Australiaopinion essayUranium, as a most significant material in producing nuclear power, has becoming a world renowned energy resource. An article from Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (2006) points out that, Australia is one of the largest uranium distribution countries in this world and is also one of the countries that can exploit the uranium. So the uranium mining has made a huge influence for Australian and its people. Some people argument that uranium mining can bring enormous economic resources for Australia, for that reason, the government should encourage the exploitation of uranium. However, I firmly believe that the limitations on mining of uranium are very essential. Firstly, uranium mining would cause pollution for the drinking water. Secondly, the miner’s health is harmful impacted while they working to mining the uranium ore. Lastly, if people mine uranium without control, the uranium tends to decrease to a smaller amount and exhausted in the last.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that uranium mining has made a huge influence for australia and its people.
- Argues that australia's economy can obtain many economic benefits from international uranium business deals.
- Opines that restrictive policies should be set up to limit the uranium mining.
- Opines that australia needs to limit or restrict the exploitation of uranium.
- Explains that radon exposure in uranium mining endangered miner's health, stating that 20% of the ex-miners at the radium hill mine died from the effects of radiation exposure on lung cancer.
680 wordsRead More - Nuclear Power: Now’s the timeanalytical essayI’ve seen nuclear power plants in several states and often wondered just how much of our power comes from the controversial source. One such plant stands out in my memory; far out in the Arkansas countryside, surrounded by wooded hills and a deep river, the instantly recognizable cooling tower caught my eye. It made me wonder, why is nuclear energy so controversial anyway? I have to admit, the scene that day was idyllic. It didn’t match at all the way nuclear power has traditionally been portrayed in the movies or on TV. What I saw was a prosperous area full of people a mere stone’s throw from the plant. I’m talking about boaters and skiers literally in the shadow of those cooling towers. In the course of my research I found that I had some misconceptions about nuclear power and that the industry just might come back to life here in the United States. I learned that about 20% of our electricity is derived from nuclear reactors. I’ve come to believe that nuclear needs to play an even larger part in our energy mix along with wind and other technologies; it’s safer than ever and cleaner by far than coal or natural gas. Even with the challenges of radioactive waste and high capital cost, nuclear has a place in U.S. energy production.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they've seen nuclear power plants in several states and often wondered just how much of our power comes from the controversial source.
- Opines that the nuclear regulatory commission's report on tmi in pennsylvania was the worst nuclear accident in u.s. history and there were no injuries or deaths.
- Explains that nuclear power is safer than coal or natural gas, and that demand for electricity will continue to rise.
- Opines that the united states needs to make cleaner, more efficient energy a major priority for its future.
- Argues that the safety of nuclear power has been grossly mischaracterized.
- Argues that the cost of radioactive waste storage contributes to another objection opponents raise when discussing nuclear power.
- Explains that nuclear energy should not be part of the solution to curb global warming. kanellos, makhijani, schulz, & smith, b.
1867 wordsRead More