Kennecott or Not

A mine in the Upper Peninsula has been approved to begin mining operations but many locals and environmentalists have concerns. One of these concerns is that AMD could result from the mining. AMD is when acids seep into the ground and poses a risk of contaminating local groundwater, rivers and wildlife. The mining will destroy local forests that have a large tourist interest that would hurt the local economy.

The owners of the new mine are going to use an old mill that had been closed down. Before they reopen the mill they are going to do a brownfield cleanup which means they are going to cleanup all of the chemicals and pollutants that were already at the mill to begin with. Other benefits of opening the mine are employment for the locals. Many people in the UP are unemployed from all of the old mines that shut down so this could help put people back to work and revitalize the economies up there.

After the owners do the brownfield cleanup they are going to build a new water treatment facility to ensure that no chemicals and pollutants endanger local wildlife such as trout.

Website Links and Info:
http://www.northwoodswild.org/projects/sulfide-and-uranium-mining
http://www.eagle-project.com/library/media/Heartland_Institute.pdf
NorthWoods Wilderness Recovery
Bruce Edward Walker

The Iceland Volcano

There is a volcano erupting in Iceland because of a fault that runs through the region.

This volcano is grounding air traffic because it sent so much volcanic ash into the atmosphere that its disrupting the planes engines, putting them at risk of crashing. Another negative effect of the eruption is the disruption to the local ecosystems and agriculture.

The volcano isn't affecting the United States because of its location and wind patterns.

Website Link and Info: http://www.pdc.org/PDCNewsWebArticles/2010/Iceland/eruption.htm
Title: Pacific Disaster Center