Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
many communities regarding the perceived quality of their surrounding environment and the
impacts that may occur to their health.
Aside from actual exposure to environmental contamination, the perception of exposure to
contamination is also linked with known health consequences. The issue of exposure to
environmental contaminants is contentious, and few data exist to support or deny resident
concerns regarding degradation of environmental quality and local health impacts. In general, the
field of public health addresses this concern through efforts to control exposure to environmental
contaminants, rather than through responding to specific increases in disease rates related to a
known exposure.
Perception of contamination may result in stress and anxiety about the safety of subsistence foods
and avoidance of subsistence food sources (CEAA, 2010; Joyce, 2010; Loring et al., 2010), with
potential changes in nutrition-related diseases as a result. It is important to note that these health
results arise regardless of whether or not there is any “real” contamination at a level that could
induce toxicological effects in humans; the effects are linked to the perception of contamination,
rather than to measured levels.
In discussion with representatives from the Pueblo of Zuni and Pueblo of Laguna, it was
mentioned that tribal members partake in regular hunting around the project area, close to Mt.
Taylor. Hunting has become more important for supplying food to families since the economic
collapse in 2008, which has made healthy nutritious foods more unattainable (Bonne et al, 2012;
Luarkie et al., 2012). Several members of the tribes in the project area mentioned that they were
concerned about the contamination of animals by mining activities and how that would impact
their health if consumed. Hunting is not only important from a nutritional standpoint, but can also
contribute to cultural identity, tradition, and social cohesion. Hunting has been an important part
of pueblo culture for hundreds of years (Bonne et al, 2012; Luarkie et al., 2012).
Perception of contamination can also increase stress levels. In the project area many residents are
already concerned about past uranium mining and current levels of contamination. In addition to
the concern that the proposed action would further contaminate water, air, and land, they also feel
disappointed and betrayed as they feel their concerns are not being acted upon by various
governing agencies (Head-Dylla, 2012; Gunnell, 2012; Luarkie et al., 2012). It was expressed
several times by these community members that the idea of adding another mine to an area that
has many unresolved issues with legacy contamination is unreasonable and possibly inhumane.
Many stakeholders see this as a concern for not only the present generation, but generations to
come (Head-Dylla et al., 2012; Gunnell, 2012; Bonne et al., 2012; Luarkie et al., 2012; Juanico et
al., 2012). Stress and mental health are key components of overall health and well-being.
Unmanaged stress has physical health consequences that include weakened immune systems,
weakened functioning of the circulatory and metabolic systems, and increased incidence of
cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes (Brunner and Marmot, 2006). Assigning a quantitative
estimate on expected stress response is not possible given the data available; however, it could be
estimated that stress will increase with perceived contamination. In order to reduce health impacts
related to perceived contamination of water, air and land the following mitigation strategies could
be implemented:
• Public consultation with community members on Project-related issues causing anxiety;
DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest 413