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y � r <br /> CUMULATIVE EFFECT <br /> GENERAL <br /> Radioactive mine waste and waters move an unknown distance beyond the limits <br /> 1 of most of the nine mines discussed in this paper. To feasibly discuss <br /> J cumulative effects , the scope of the evaluation must be defined. Scenarios of ' <br /> cumulative impact vary considerably depending on the position of mines within a <br /> J watershed, the number and size of mines within a watershed, and the watershed <br /> being considered, including its size, character, and the environment and numbers <br /> of people potentially affected. Consider these example scenarios from the least <br /> 1 impacting to the worst case: (least) - waste from one uranium mine may enter an <br /> ephemeral drainage high in the watershed; (intermediate) - further down in a <br /> watershed, waste from a few mines enter an intermittent creek which receives <br /> periodic livestock use and limited visitation by the public; or (worst case) <br /> 1 waste from several mines enters a perennial stream which is used by local <br /> communities for recreation and drinking water. <br /> Consider the impacts at the broadest level as well. The waste from hundreds of <br /> uranium mines, on various land ownership, are producing mine waste which is <br /> entering the Colorado River System. This report, however, deals with only nine <br /> mines; many more mines lie within the same watersheds. It is not feasible 7 <br /> within the scope of this report to consider the effects of all of these mines . <br /> When more information is available on all the mines on lands of various <br /> ownership such an analysis may be possible, but would still be beyond the scope <br /> of the Nanti-LaSal National Forest. Thus, only relatively direct cumulative <br /> relationships will be discussed. <br /> Ia Sal Creek-Firefly-Pigmy, Gray Daun, and Black Hat <br /> The Firefly-Pigmy and Gray Daun mines, as well as the Vanadium Queen on BLM land <br /> and a few small prospects, all lie upstream in short proximity to the <br /> residential. area on Ia Sal Creek. The potential effects on the residential area <br /> from mine discharges are, therefore, cumulative and probably fit the worst case <br /> scenario. Water sampling on stream stretches above the mines and on La Sal ! <br /> Creek, however, indicate that water quality is within EPA and State drinking <br /> water standards for all parameters tested (DOE, 1989) . These measurements do <br /> not account for radioactive sediment that is eroded from the waste dumps and <br /> cart- S downstream in storm events. An evaluation of surface and ground water <br /> pathways indicates that the likelihood of culinary spring contamination by mine <br /> waters is low. However, testing the springs is the only way to know if they are <br /> contaminated. Our research indicates that the culinary springs have not been <br /> tested for radioactive ions. Even if radioactive materials or other <br /> contaminants show up, it would be difficult to pinpoint the source because the <br /> uranium bearing Morrison Formation crops out along the upper canyon slope for <br /> its entire length above the residential area. It is recommended that the <br /> drinking water of local residents be tested for possible contamination. If <br /> contaminants are found, use of some technology such as dye tracers would be <br /> necessary to determine the source of contaminants. <br /> ne Black Hat lies in a tributary to La Sal Creek just downstream from the <br /> _r_n. ..z.,z,. ..mow Lin ❑pine mule re aaoed to waste from the othe: <br />