Environmental group worried about mining's effect on Colorado River
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
Environmentalists are warning that threats of toxic pollution from future mining activity lurk on the Colorado River.
The Washington-based Environmental Working Group says it's found more than 5,500 hard-rock mining claims within 10 miles of the river and nearly 1,200 within five miles. Environmental groups say mines too close to a river could contaminate the water and damage fragile ecosystems.
The Colorado supplies water for drinking and irrigation to more than 25 million people in Arizona and six other states.
Mining companies argue that only a few of the claims identified in the advocacy group's study will turn into mines. They also say existing laws protect the land by forcing mining operations to undergo many reviews before any ore's removed.
