Conservation groups are urging Arizona regulators to deny a key permit for a uranium mine near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. They say it threatens the area’s environment and tribal water resources. KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports.
In recent years water has continuously flowed from a shallow aquifer into the Pinyon Plain Mine, formerly known as the Canyon Mine. It’s then pumped to the surface and evaporated onsite. Environmental groups say the millions of gallons a year that enter the shaft contain high levels toxins. They worry deeper aquifers that feed springs in the Grand Canyon and serve as the Havasupai Tribe’s sole water source could be contaminated...