The Cold War legacy lurking in U.S. groundwater

Even after regulators say uranium mine cleanup is complete, polluted water and sickness are often left behind

Uranium contamination extends several miles in an aquifer under the Bluewater disposal site in New Mexico. (Mauricio Rodriguez Pons / ProPublica) In America’s rush to build the nuclear arsenal that won the Cold War, safety was sacrificed for speed.

Uranium mills that helped fuel the weapons also dumped radioactive and toxic waste into rivers like the Cheyenne in South Dakota and the Animas in Colorado . Thousands of sheep turned blue and died after foraging on land tainted by processing sites in North Dakota. And cancer wards across the West swelled with sick uranium workers.

The U.S. government bankrolled the industry, and mining companies rushed to profit, building more than 50 mills and processing sites to refine uranium ore .But the government didn’t have a plan for the toxic byproducts of this nuclear assembly […]

About the author: StockMan

Please remember:

The information provided here is for general knowledge and educational purposes only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial advice.
Every individual's financial situation is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Before making any investment or financial decisions, you should always consult with a qualified financial advisor who understands your specific circumstances and goals.

Any information posted on the website has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and as such, should never be acted upon. Please be aware that any information posted on this site should not be considered to be financial advice and i am not a financial advisor.

Posting Guidelines
Do
  • Do contribute something to the discussion
  • Do post factual information, analysis and your view on company valuations
  • Do disclose if you have an interest in a security
  • Do take our Terms of Use seriously
Do Not
  • Do not make low-content posts, unsubstantiated ramps or untruthful/misleading statements
  • Do not complain about a post unless you have reported it first, and not on the forum.
  • Do not post financial advice
  • Do not advertise or post sponsored content

Get involved!

Get Connected!

Come and join our community. Expand your network and get to know new people!

Comments

No comments yet