nuclear-news

In the nearby ski town of Telluride, according to the Telluride Daily Planet, the DOE “received a sharp mandate from Telluride residents: Any mining is too much, and its leasing program should be disbanded.”….

Opponents not only want the DOE to reject new uranium mining in the area, they also want past contamination cleaned up.

“Instead of promoting mining when DOE has plentiful uranium stockpiles, the public has requested DOE turn its focus to the environmental and economic benefits that would flow from requiring the immediate and comprehensive reclamation of 13 of the leased tracts,” said Hillary White of Sheep Mountain Alliance. “This would require no federal monies as the reclamation responsibilities must be met by the private companies who leased these tracts.”

As Telluride Town Council member David Oyster spoke out against the leasing program, demonstrators at the Telluride meeting donned black hoods in honor of those killed in nuclear bomb attacks or nuclear accidents. Some of the uranium used in the nation’s first nuclear bombs came from the Uravan Mineral Belt in Colorado…..

The ULP program includes the renewal of 13 previously active leases that were mined but not reclaimed and 18 new leases and would allow mining for up to 10 years. Critics claim uranium tailings have already fouled the scenic Dolores and San Miguel Rivers, both popular fishing and rafting destinations.

“Pollution from uranium development can be fatal for people, fish and wildlife, and can last for hundreds and even thousands of years,” said Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity. “The Department of Energy works for the public and the public is right to insist on reclamation rather than more uranium pollution. It’s time for the government to start listening.”….

http://coloradoindependent.com/96510/doe-gets-an-earful-on-uranium-mine-leasing-program-near-telluride-montrose