10:34pm April 26, 2012

➸ SIGN AND REBLOG: EPA: Don't Sacrifice Navajo Water for Uranium Mining

The Colorado Plateau of New Mexico still bears the unhealed sores of the Uranium Boom of the last century – radioactive waste piles, contaminated water and hundreds of mines on Navajo land abandoned by companies looking to make a quick profit.  Despite the massive contamination, companies want to start a new era of mining in this region. 

I know this because I am Diné (Navajo) and live in Church Rock, New Mexico - only yards away from a proposed new uranium mine. As a resident and former miner, I have experienced the effects of uranium exploitation first-hand. Many of my relatives and neighbors, including myself, have suffered health problems due to working at or living near the mines.  In fact, one study has found that cancer rates among Navajo living near mine tailings are 17 times higher than the national average.

Knowing the inherent risks of this industry, I am concerned about the long-term effects and threats to the safety and health of our people, our water, and local plants and animals.  An elementary school sits near the proposed uranium processing plant and I am concerned about the safety of my community.

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