dendroica:Proposed rules could give copper mines free rein to pollute waterA state water quality com
dendroica:Proposed rules could give copper mines free rein to pollute waterA state water quality commission will soon vote on a proposed copper mining rule that some experts say violates state law, could upend New Mexico’s long efforts to protect groundwater and would give other industries in the state a loophole to pollute aquifers.Currently, state law prohibits pollution of groundwater above water quality standards by any industry, but the Environment Department has provided some exceptions through variances.The proposed new rule would let copper mine operations contaminate groundwater without variances, as long as the contamination was contained and fully removed up to state standards before the mine closed. Specifically, the change would allow Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold to contaminate groundwater beneath any of its Southern New Mexico mining properties, as long as it followed the containment and cleanup regulations…(read more: The Santa Fe New Mexican) -- source link