Antinuclear

BHP’s Yeelirrie uranium mining poses riskes to groundwater, and to biodiversity

the report had “glazed over” a lot of the research into the mine’s potential environmental impact…”There’s potential for leakages and spills … there is a great concern for contamination of water.”

BHP uranium report unveils risks, MICHAEL BENNETT, The West Australian February 27, 2010,

BHP Billiton documents have revealed the company’s proposed $17 billion Yeelirrie uranium mine could threaten vulnerable animal species previously found in the area.

The resource giant’s preliminary environmental report for what may be Australia’s first major uranium mine in 20 years also details risks to the area’s groundwater-dependent ecosystems because of possible changes to water flow and a reduced groundwater recharge. A desktop review of data dealing with the area, south east of Leonora, indicated 285 vertebrate fauna species potentially occur in the project zone.

Thirty-two species are labelled of “conservation significance”, with 10 vulnerable species including the bilby, black-flanked rock wallaby, shield-back trapdoor spider, mallee fowl and princess parrot………..

The initial report classifies the Yeelirrie project as being in its early stages and stipulates a number of investigations under Environmental Protection Authority regulations are still to be carried out.

It also lists as potential radiation impacts the dispersion of uranium-bearing dust and contamination of surface or groundwater.

Conservation Council uranium free campaign head Natalie Lowrey said the report had “glazed over” a lot of the research into the mine’s potential environmental impact.

“There needs to be a lot more research,” she said. “There’s potential for leakages and spills … there is a great concern for contamination of water.”

BHP uranium report unveils risks – The West Australian

February 27, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, uranium, water, Western Australia | antinuclear, Australia, BHP, BHP Billiton, uranium, water