The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently permitted a new uranium mill in the Paradox Valley of western Colorado. San Miguel County and several municipalities are concerned that aeolian transport and deposition of dust from the mill operations and increased mining activity may degrade water and air quality in eastern San Miguel County. Even if water and air quality are not degraded, a public perception of degradation could result in a decrease in visitor use and resulting depression of the tourist economy. Credible scientific data would provide a benchmark for future evaluation of changes from the current conditions.
The local governments of Town of Ophir, Town of Telluride, and San Miguel County in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the University of Colorado-Boulder (UCB), and Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) have agreed that a baseline radionuclide study in eastern San Miguel County would be useful to evaluate any potential changes over time. The partnership has engaged a number of scientists and other professionals in designing the study, including Dr. Mark Williams from the University of Colorado-Boulder; Dr. Michael Wireman, a hydrogeologist for U.S. EPA Region 8; and Mr. Robert Duraski, an Air Quality Specialist for the U.S. EPA.
The purpose of this study is twofold. First, the study is intended to provide baseline information on the current concentrations of trace metals and radionuclides associated with uranium ore in water bodies and Aeolian particulates in San Miguel County prior to the commencement of any new uranium mining and milling operations. This will provide a benchmark prior to the commencement of activities. Second, the study will develop a structure and protocol for monitoring over time for trace metals and radionuclides associated with uranium ore in water bodies and Aeolian particulates in San Miguel County into the future.
