Air & Soil
The Mill proposal could increase airborne and soil contamination due to excavating existing mine waste piles , transporting the material through our community, and processing it at the Mill site. The piles being dug up, transported, and processed are composed of many minerals and elements that are toxic and long-lasting.
Perpetual management: Tailings require forever-management to prevent contaminant exposure to soil and water.
Dust generation: Loading, transporting, and processing waste piles creates dust containing toxins like heavy metals and arsenic.
Wind and water transport: Exposed waste piles and dust can contaminate areas beyond the excavation, haul routes, and mill site.
Truck emissions: Truck traffic releases dust, air pollution, and noise pollution along the haul routes.
Cyanide transport risk: Even with minimized-risk packaging, accidents during cyanide transport could lead to environmental exposure.
Exposed tailings: 500,000 tons of processed waste stored in a 40-foot pile is susceptible to wind and water erosion.
Long-term contamination: Dust or erosion from the newly-processed tailings could create a lasting footprint of contamination beyond the immediate project area.