Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Roca Honda Mine

Chapter 3. Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
and the lack of safety procedures that existed when mining operations began (Brugge et
al., 2006; Brugge et al., 1997).
Further to these studies, it was noted in stakeholder engagement activities for this EIS that
residents are concerned about the proposed current and future mining developments. Specifically,
Native and non-Native residents worry about current and future levels of contamination of water,
air, land and animals caused by mining activities. The Native concept of health does not separate
environmental and human experiences; all people and all living things are connected. This means
that any impact to the environment affects the health of the Native peoples. Water contamination
was the primary concern of the tribes and tribal stakeholders when it came to health impacts
(Boone et al., 2012; Luarkie et al., 2012; Juanico et al., 2012). Water is not only important for
farming practices and daily living; water is also a very important component of cultural health in
these communities. Impacts to air quality (contaminated dust particles) and to the land
(contaminated soils) were also important concerns of the Native tribes. A specific concern about
how these factors would impact health of animals and, therefore, health of residents that hunt and
consume animals was also mentioned.
Native and non-Native stakeholders also believe they have been disregarded in the past and some
feel hurt and betrayed as they believe their concerns are not being acted upon by various
governing agencies (Head-Dylla, 2012; Gunnell, 2012; Luarkie et al., 2012; Juanico 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 for generations to come (Head-Dylla et al., 2012; Gunnell, 2012; Boone et al., 2012; Luarkie
et al., 2012; Juanico et al., 2012). These stakeholders believe that any future developments would
further exacerbate existing health issues in the area and have concerns about the development of
the current or future mines.
Assessment and Cleanup Programs in the ROI
The legacy of uranium mining continues in New Mexico, due to a number of sites still unreclaimed
and, thus, posing potential hazards to nearby residents. These sites include: the 500
abandoned mines in Navajo Nation; the Grants Mining District located in the northwestern New
Mexico including many sites close to the proposed action site; the Jackpile Mine (once the
world’s largest open pit uranium mine) located on the Pueblo of Laguna; the United Nuclear
Corporation Superfund site located 17 miles northeast of Gallup on the southern border of the
Navajo Indian Reservation; and the Homestake Mining Company site in Cibola County, north of
Grants (USEPA, 2011f). A number of assessment programs and plans have been initiated to
reclaim the land and rectify some of the environmental and health legacy issues due to uranium
mining in the area (USEPA, 2008; USEPA, 2011a). These cleanup programs are outlined below.
Grants Mining District 5-Year Plan (2010-2014)
The Grants Mining District was an extremely active uranium mining area in New Mexico from
the 1950s to the late 20th century and is comprised of an area of 100 miles by 25 miles. The
Grants Mining District 5-year plan includes: assessment of water supply for contamination;
assessment and cleanup of legacy uranium mines; contaminant assessment, cleanup, and longterm
management of former uranium milling sites; assessment and cleanup of contaminated
structures; and ongoing public health surveillance activities (USEPA, 2011i). The assessment and
430 DEIS for Roca Honda Mine, Cibola National Forest