Vegetational stabilization of uranium spoil areas, grants, New Mexico

Kelley, N.E.

doi:10.2172/6384016

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…There have been numerous environmental and health studies centered around the Jackpile-Paguate Mine and the Grants District. Early studies focused mostly on water availability (Risser et al, 1984) and quality (West, 1972;Kaufmann et al, 1976;Longmire and Brookins, 1982;Popp et al, 1984;Zehner, 1985), vegetation (Kelley, 1979), and health of workers (Schubauer-Berigan et al, 2009), nearby residents, and animals (Momeni et al, 1983;Lapham et al, 1989;Gilliland et al, 2000). More recent studies are more inclusive of the entire ecosystem affected by uranium mining, defining the processes involved.…”

Section: Environmental and Uranium Transport Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geology of the Mount Taylor area

Frey¹,

Kelley²,

Zeigler³

et al. 2020

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We gratefully dedicate this special publication about the geology of the Mount Taylor area to the Pueblo of Laguna. The Pueblo has supported and participated in both geologic and environmental research in and around Mount Taylor and Jackpile Mine. Mount Taylor is an important cultural site to the Laguna community. In addition, the Pueblo has been impacted by mining activities associated with uranium extraction in the area, including at Jackpile Mine.The Pueblo of Laguna has been working with the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources' mapping program for over a decade. Pueblo approval to access Laguna lands has facilitated the production of six STATEMAP geologic quadrangle maps. These maps were used to compile a geologic map of the Mount Taylor volcano, one of the featured works of the 2021 field conference.The Laguna Environmental & Natural Resources Department (ENRD) also worked closely with several undergraduate and graduate students from New Mexico universities, whose studies focused on uranium mobility and the impact of mining activities at sites such as the Jackpile Mine in northern Laguna Pueblo. ENRD provided escorts, logistics, and site assistance to more than 10 university students and professionals who were participating in "Energize New Mexico," an NSF program dedicated to investigating energy industries that are not carbon emitters. This group of studies, which will also be featured during the 2021 field conference, was preceded by NMT soil and plant studies in the early 2000s and will continue with UNM and NMT health studies.This research direction is indicative of the change in perspective toward mining that Laguna Pueblo has seen in the last one hundred years, from the 1950s "uranium capital of the world" to the modern focus on identifying hazards, remediating sites, and mitigating health effects, a focus described in McLemore et al. (this volume). Mining provided jobs for thousands in McKinley and Cibola counties, including members of the Laguna tribe. Mining also affected the health of citizens within the local communities.The people of Laguna Pueblo have occupied the area since they migrated from Mesa Verde around 1300 A.D. or earlier. Their strong affinity with Mount Taylor, located only about 20 miles from the pueblo, is shared with many indigenous cultures, serving as a spiritual site and for hunting, grazing, farming, and collecting resources. Laguna Pueblo supported what became the successful 2008 designation of Mount Taylor as a Traditional Cultural Property, when the mountain became eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.Thanks to the Pueblo of Laguna for its dedication to this landscape and for their partnerships with the many groups working in the area.

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Section: Environmental and Uranium Transport Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geology of the Mount Taylor area

Frey¹,

Kelley²,

Zeigler³

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Vegetation growing atop or adjacent to a uranium mill tailings disposal area may exhibit elevated levels of contaminants such as radium-226 as a result of either root uptake and translocation or surficial contamination of foliage by airborne particulates (Moffett and Tellier, 1977;Dreesen and otl)ers, 1978;Kelley, 1978;Whicker, 1978). Thick soil covers will mitigate both pathways.…”

Section: Contamination Of Terrestrial and Aquatic Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thick soil covers will mitigate both pathways. However, many plants, especially selected species native to arid zones are deep-rooted, and may penetrate the underlying tailings (Kelley, 1978;Whicker, 1978;Wullstein, 1978). Researchers, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, are examining the uptake of radionuclides by plant sp·ecies that may be involved in the vegetative stabilization of uranium mill tailings (written 8 commun., R. H. Kennedy, 1979).…”

Section: Contamination Of Terrestrial and Aquatic Vegetationmentioning

confidence: 99%