The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife. Research is ongoing to reduce the uncertainties of mining impacts and effects on water quality and quantity, and better understand the potential toxicological and radiological effects of mining on wildlife, as well as to evaluate the potential impacts on cultural and tribal resources.
Return to The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station or Ecosystem Dynamics
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station
Below are publications associated with this project.
Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife.
Closed uranium mine (background) with detention pond (foreground) near the Grand Canyon North Rim. 2016 Public domain. The use of uranium is an alternative energy source to petroleum products and some of the United States’ highest quality ore is located on the Colorado Plateau. However, some regions where suitable mining efforts are conducted include areas that are near important environmental resources such as National Parks that provide viewscapes and habitat for wildlife. Research is ongoing to reduce the uncertainties of mining impacts and effects on water quality and quantity, and better understand the potential toxicological and radiological effects of mining on wildlife, as well as to evaluate the potential impacts on cultural and tribal resources.
Stacked mist-nets and acoustic detector outside boundary fence of closed uranium mine near the Grand Canyon North Rim, 2015. Public domain. Acoustic bat detectors and light traps used to sample for bats and insects at detention ponds located on and near uranium mines adjacent to the Grand Canyon. Public domain. Return to The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station or Ecosystem Dynamics
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station
The New Mexico Landscapes Field Station is a place-based, globally-connected, ecological research group that studies and interprets ecosystem and wildlife dynamics, working with land managers and community leaders to deliver solutions that foster the linked health of human and natural systems. Our partnerships, and co-location, with land management agencies provide us with opportunities to deliver... - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Exposure pathways and biological receptors: baseline data for the canyon uranium mine, Coconino County, Arizona
Recent restrictions on uranium mining within the Grand Canyon watershed have drawn attention to scientific data gaps in evaluating the possible effects of ore extraction to human populations as well as wildlife communities in the area. Tissue contaminant concentrations, one of the most basic data requirements to determine exposure, are not available for biota from any historical or active uraniumAuthorsJo Ellen Hinck, Greg L. Linder, Abigail J. Darrah, Charles A. Drost, Michael C. Duniway, Matthew J. Johnson, Francisca M. Méndez-Harclerode, Erika M. Nowak, Ernest W. Valdez, Charles van Riper, S.W. Wolff - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.