We, the undersigned, urge the Environmental Protection Agency, the New Mexico Environment Department, and Chevron Mining Inc. to consider up to date techniques for disposing of mine waste at the molybdenum mine in Questa, New Mexico,
Currently 2000 gallons of water per minute carry tailings (finely ground waste material) to an impoundment area overlooking the town. Heavy metals in these tailings inevitably leach into the ground water below, and later, as the ponds dry, the contaminated dust left behind becomes airborne.
Backfilling the open pit at the mine with the tailings, or the use of modern paste technology to solidify the tailings, are good alternatives to prevent the excessive use of fresh water, reduce contamination of groundwater below the tailing ponds, and eliminate air pollution from tailings dust. We ask that no remediation plan for the site be adopted without a study of, and public comment on, these alternatives.
