Location
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Start Date
1-5-2014 10:00 AM
End Date
1-5-2014 11:00 AM
Project Type
Poster- Restricted to Campus Access
Description
Since the 2012 legislation allowing for metallic mineral mining in Maine passed, new mining laws have been introduced, and their formation has been controversial. While some see them as progressive, others are still unhappy about the loopholes that they provide. In this study, we looked at how protective the new laws would be of environmental health by looking at macroinvertebrate abundance and composition. This was done by analyzing case studies from other metallic mineral mines in the United States and abroad to see how the environment was impacted. We found that metal concentrations remain high at sites downstream from mining operations, even years after they have closed, which negatively impacts freshwater invertebrates. Based off of our results we recommend several options for improved waste treatment. In order to effectively treat waste, all mining waste must be contained and directed to a robust treatment plant to insure effluent is not toxic to the environment. Plants must be built to withstand extreme events, especially when considering climate change. Compounds removed during treatment must be effectively contained to prevent re-entrance into the ecosystem.
Faculty Sponsor
Russ Cole
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Environmental Studies Program
CLAS Field of Study
Interdisciplinary Studies
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
528
Reclaiming the Loopholes in Maine's Proposed Mining Laws
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Since the 2012 legislation allowing for metallic mineral mining in Maine passed, new mining laws have been introduced, and their formation has been controversial. While some see them as progressive, others are still unhappy about the loopholes that they provide. In this study, we looked at how protective the new laws would be of environmental health by looking at macroinvertebrate abundance and composition. This was done by analyzing case studies from other metallic mineral mines in the United States and abroad to see how the environment was impacted. We found that metal concentrations remain high at sites downstream from mining operations, even years after they have closed, which negatively impacts freshwater invertebrates. Based off of our results we recommend several options for improved waste treatment. In order to effectively treat waste, all mining waste must be contained and directed to a robust treatment plant to insure effluent is not toxic to the environment. Plants must be built to withstand extreme events, especially when considering climate change. Compounds removed during treatment must be effectively contained to prevent re-entrance into the ecosystem.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/109