CARSON CITY – Following an extensive, two-year research project funded by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and Nevada mining companies, Dr. Chris Eckley, a post-doctoral researcher with Dr. Mae Gustin at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), presented today a preview of their research results that quantified mercury emissions to the air from areas disturbed by two active gold mines in Nevada. Although NDEP has been requiring mercury emission controls at specific discharge points at gold mines since 2006, little has been known about the potential for mercury emissions from other non-point source activities.
The research focused on mercury emissions from a variety of surfaces disturbed by mining activities at Newmont’s Twin Creeks Mine northeast of Winnemucca, Nev., and Cortez Pipeline, a Barrick property located south of Battle Mountain, Nev. Fugitive emissions from waste rock, heap leaches, tailings impoundments, active pit surfaces, stockpiles and reclaimed sites were estimated and compared to mercury releases from sites undisturbed by mining.
The results showed that mercury emissions from mining disturbances are approximately 20 percent of the mercury emitted by the regulated point sources at these two gold mines. The study showed heap leaching and tailings impoundments produced the greatest emissions. However, the amount of mercury emitted from these types of disturbances can vary significantly among mines, depending primarily on the mercury concentration at the disturbed site, the moisture content of the tailings and whether or not the heaps are actively being leached with cyanide.
“Because the results show that most of the fugitive emissions come from either the tailings or heaps, these results will allow us to focus future efforts on the non-point sources of greatest importance,” said Leo Drozdoff, NDEP Administrator. “We are pleased to see that, although some mercury is released as a result of mining disturbances, the amount emitted is significantly less than the current point source emissions where we are, and have been, focusing our mercury reduction efforts. The study also shows that current reclamation practices will return these emissions to near natural levels.”
Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that is geologically concentrated in areas with volcanic, geothermal and past hydrothermal activity -- activities that are responsible for forming metal deposits. Because of Nevada’s highly mineralized geology, the state is home to large areas of naturally occurring mercury and that mercury is often associated with gold and silver deposits.
“NDEP will be discussing the results of this study over the next few months with industry and other interested stakeholders to evaluate the need for future research opportunities and the availability of possible management practices to minimize these emissions,” said Dr. Colleen Cripps, Deputy Administrator for NDEP.
The final report will be available after peer review sometime in early 2010.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Now's the time to recycle batteries and other household items
It's that time of year again when we are reminded not only to change our clocks back but to also change our batteries in home smoke detectors. But instead of tossing them out with the garbage, why not recycle them?
Recycling batteries can keep hazardous metals out of landfills. RadioShack and Office Depot are two stores that accept reusable ones. Because the batteries are so small, it might be a good idea to fill a small bag with them before making the trip to the recycler.
On a larger scale, car batteries contain lead and can't be dropped off at the local landfill, because toxic metals can leach into groundwater. But almost any retailer selling car batteries will also collect and recycle your old one.
For ideas on how to Recycle Anything, click here.
Other important household items to recycle are those funky, twisted fluorescent light bulbs. Many energy companies are pushing for the use of these new Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs). These household bulbs are miniature versions of the full-sized fluorescent light bulbs used mostly in commercial buildings.
A CFL is a very energy efficient lamp and have become popular. A concern is that a CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of Mercury (about one-fifth of that found in the average watch battery, and less than 1/100th of the mercury found in an amalgam dental filling). The net benefit of using the more energy efficient lamp is positive, and this is especially true if the mercury in the fluorescent lamp is kept out of the waste stream when the lamp expires.
Click here to visit the NDEP web page containing a clearinghouse of information about recycling fluorescent light bulbs.
Recycling batteries can keep hazardous metals out of landfills. RadioShack and Office Depot are two stores that accept reusable ones. Because the batteries are so small, it might be a good idea to fill a small bag with them before making the trip to the recycler.
On a larger scale, car batteries contain lead and can't be dropped off at the local landfill, because toxic metals can leach into groundwater. But almost any retailer selling car batteries will also collect and recycle your old one.
For ideas on how to Recycle Anything, click here.
Other important household items to recycle are those funky, twisted fluorescent light bulbs. Many energy companies are pushing for the use of these new Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs). These household bulbs are miniature versions of the full-sized fluorescent light bulbs used mostly in commercial buildings.
A CFL is a very energy efficient lamp and have become popular. A concern is that a CFL bulb generally contains an average of 5 mg of Mercury (about one-fifth of that found in the average watch battery, and less than 1/100th of the mercury found in an amalgam dental filling). The net benefit of using the more energy efficient lamp is positive, and this is especially true if the mercury in the fluorescent lamp is kept out of the waste stream when the lamp expires.
Click here to visit the NDEP web page containing a clearinghouse of information about recycling fluorescent light bulbs.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Queenstake, NDEP sign agreement
Jerritt Canyon Mine to be 
allowed to restart after court filing
CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) announces today the completion of an agreement with Yukon-Nevada Gold Corp.’s Queenstake Resources USA Ltd. (Queenstake) that addresses environmental compliance at the Jerritt Canyon Mine. The consent decree, signed by the NDEP and Yukon-Nevada Gold, was submitted to the Elko County District Court Monday, Oct. 12. Following the official court approval of the decree, the Jerritt Canyon Mine may resume operations.
The consent decree requires Queenstake to correct all environmental non-compliance issues and make extensive environmental improvements. It also requires provisions for stipulated penalties should the company not meet deadlines included in the decree. The decree consolidates all outstanding enforcement actions called for by the NDEP. Queenstake has also agreed to pay a $550,000 settlement.
“We are satisfied with the agreement that we’ve reached with Queenstake as it addresses our environmental concerns at the Jerritt Canyon Mine,” said Leo Drozdoff, NDEP Administrator. “NDEP staff will closely monitor activities to ensure the Jerritt Canyon Mine is in full compliance with the agreement and all appropriate regulatory requirements.”
The consent decree requires extensive operational monitoring of process and emissions controls, including monthly mercury emissions testing to ensure the systems are operating as designed. The decree also requires continued improvements of fluids management systems, implementation of environmental audits and compliance plans for air quality, and the addition of emissions controls on supporting process equipment.
On June 5, 2009 the NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease mill and roaster operations at the Jerritt Canyon Mine. Since then, Queenstake and the NDEP have worked closely to address all outstanding compliance issues that have accrued since 2006.
HISTORY
In December 2006, the NDEP issued violations to Queenstake for failure to properly maintain process equipment and air pollution control systems. This started a year-long investigation by NDEP to determine if the emissions control systems, including mercury emissions control equipment were operating properly. In February 2007, Queenstake was ordered to evaluate the air pollution control systems for the two roaster circuits and to verify their performance through emissions testing. Queenstake failed to fully conduct the required evaluations and in March 2008, the NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease operation of the roaster circuits.
In April 2008, NDEP worked with Queenstake on a restart plan that included additional operational changes and controls, and the installation of the calomel-based mercury control system. In August 2008, Queenstake independently shut down all operations and consequently failed to meet NDEP’s established conditions.
After the company installed a continuous emissions monitoring system, optimized the continuous roaster control systems and completed the design for the new mercury controls, the NDEP allowed Queenstake to restart ore processing operations in March 2009. As part of that NDEP order, Queenstake was required to commence operation of the new control system by May 30, 2009. Queenstake failed to meet this deadline and NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease operations in June 2009. The Jerritt Canyon Mine has remained shut down since that time.
allowed to restart after court filing
CARSON CITY – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) announces today the completion of an agreement with Yukon-Nevada Gold Corp.’s Queenstake Resources USA Ltd. (Queenstake) that addresses environmental compliance at the Jerritt Canyon Mine. The consent decree, signed by the NDEP and Yukon-Nevada Gold, was submitted to the Elko County District Court Monday, Oct. 12. Following the official court approval of the decree, the Jerritt Canyon Mine may resume operations.
The consent decree requires Queenstake to correct all environmental non-compliance issues and make extensive environmental improvements. It also requires provisions for stipulated penalties should the company not meet deadlines included in the decree. The decree consolidates all outstanding enforcement actions called for by the NDEP. Queenstake has also agreed to pay a $550,000 settlement.
“We are satisfied with the agreement that we’ve reached with Queenstake as it addresses our environmental concerns at the Jerritt Canyon Mine,” said Leo Drozdoff, NDEP Administrator. “NDEP staff will closely monitor activities to ensure the Jerritt Canyon Mine is in full compliance with the agreement and all appropriate regulatory requirements.”
The consent decree requires extensive operational monitoring of process and emissions controls, including monthly mercury emissions testing to ensure the systems are operating as designed. The decree also requires continued improvements of fluids management systems, implementation of environmental audits and compliance plans for air quality, and the addition of emissions controls on supporting process equipment.
On June 5, 2009 the NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease mill and roaster operations at the Jerritt Canyon Mine. Since then, Queenstake and the NDEP have worked closely to address all outstanding compliance issues that have accrued since 2006.
HISTORY
In December 2006, the NDEP issued violations to Queenstake for failure to properly maintain process equipment and air pollution control systems. This started a year-long investigation by NDEP to determine if the emissions control systems, including mercury emissions control equipment were operating properly. In February 2007, Queenstake was ordered to evaluate the air pollution control systems for the two roaster circuits and to verify their performance through emissions testing. Queenstake failed to fully conduct the required evaluations and in March 2008, the NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease operation of the roaster circuits.
In April 2008, NDEP worked with Queenstake on a restart plan that included additional operational changes and controls, and the installation of the calomel-based mercury control system. In August 2008, Queenstake independently shut down all operations and consequently failed to meet NDEP’s established conditions.
After the company installed a continuous emissions monitoring system, optimized the continuous roaster control systems and completed the design for the new mercury controls, the NDEP allowed Queenstake to restart ore processing operations in March 2009. As part of that NDEP order, Queenstake was required to commence operation of the new control system by May 30, 2009. Queenstake failed to meet this deadline and NDEP ordered Queenstake to cease operations in June 2009. The Jerritt Canyon Mine has remained shut down since that time.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Mercury dangers highlighted in new campaign
The U.S. EPA, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched a campaign to educate children about the dangers of mercury.The campaign is asking Nevada television stations to play 30-second public service announcements for the next 16 weeks during children's programming, especially after mercury spill incidents.
Click here for more information and to view the video in English and Spanish.
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection also has information on its website about mercury. Click here to view NDEP's comprehensive mercury information. To report hazardous spills, including mercury, call (in-state) 1-888-331-6337, or (out-of-state) 1-775-687-9485.
How to Handle a Small Mercury Spill:
- DO turn off ventilating or air conditioning system and open windows and doors that vent to the outdoors.
- DO set aside everything you think might be contaminated with mercury.
- DO immediately remove children from the area.
- DO make sure to avoid skin contact by wearing gloves when handling spill.
- DO clean up the silver mercury beads by using one sheet of paper to carefully roll them onto a second sheet of paper, or use an eye dropper to collect it all.
- DO place the mercury into a sealable container, such as a plastic bag or any available airtight container.
- DON'T try to soak it up with a towel or rag to remove.
- DON'T vacuum carpeted floors contaminated with liquid mercury.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Carson River Snapshot Day set for Oct. 17
The public is invited to take part in the Fourth-Annual Carson River Snapshot Day Oct. 17, 2009. Volunteers, under the guidance of a water resource professional, will collect watershed information from 10 locations along the river at exactly the same time that morning, providing a “snapshot” of current environmental conditions at the Carson River.
During the event, volunteers will make visual observations of habitat and land uses, and measure physical and chemical characteristics. Participants will perform field tests to measure dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and temperature. Water samples also will be collected and analyzed at a laboratory for nutrients, sediment, and bacteria.
The data collected will be used to screen for potential water quality problems, help to establish baseline conditions, and provide additional data for water resource agencies.
Local students, scout troops and interested citizens are invited to volunteer for this important event. Experience is not necessary. Training will be provided on the day of the event. The staging location on the day of the event will be the Carson Water Subconservancy District Office in Carson City.
Team Leaders are also needed. The number of sites to be sampled will depend on the number of team leaders who participate. Team Leaders will need to attend a Team Leader Training at 3 p.m. Oct. 7. Location information will be provided during signups.
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer or become a Team Leader, contact Mary Kay Wagner at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, at 775-687-9454.
This event, modeled after the Truckee River Snapshot Day, is sponsored by the Carson Water Subconservancy District and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
During the event, volunteers will make visual observations of habitat and land uses, and measure physical and chemical characteristics. Participants will perform field tests to measure dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and temperature. Water samples also will be collected and analyzed at a laboratory for nutrients, sediment, and bacteria.
The data collected will be used to screen for potential water quality problems, help to establish baseline conditions, and provide additional data for water resource agencies.
Local students, scout troops and interested citizens are invited to volunteer for this important event. Experience is not necessary. Training will be provided on the day of the event. The staging location on the day of the event will be the Carson Water Subconservancy District Office in Carson City.
Team Leaders are also needed. The number of sites to be sampled will depend on the number of team leaders who participate. Team Leaders will need to attend a Team Leader Training at 3 p.m. Oct. 7. Location information will be provided during signups.
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer or become a Team Leader, contact Mary Kay Wagner at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, at 775-687-9454.
This event, modeled after the Truckee River Snapshot Day, is sponsored by the Carson Water Subconservancy District and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NDEP Deputy Administrator Tom Porta chosen to lead ASIWPCA
NDEP Deputy Administrator Tom Porta was recently selected to serve as national president for the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA).
"As ASIWPCA moves forward into the coming year we have many challenges and opportunities ahead of us," Porta wrote to the Association members recently.
Click here to view the Association's web site.
According to ASWIPCA's site: "Founded in 1961, the ASIWPCA is a national, nonpartisan professional organization. ASIWPCA members are the State, Interstate and Territorial officials who are responsible for the implementation of surface water protection programs throughout the nation.
In addition to serving as a liaison among these officials, ASIWPCA facilitates their communication with the Federal government and promotes public education. Long before the enactment of the Clean Water Act, State and Interstate professionals were working to protect and improve water quality. They continue to lead the way in creating and realizing a vision for clean water in America."
"As ASIWPCA moves forward into the coming year we have many challenges and opportunities ahead of us," Porta wrote to the Association members recently.
Click here to view the Association's web site.
According to ASWIPCA's site: "Founded in 1961, the ASIWPCA is a national, nonpartisan professional organization. ASIWPCA members are the State, Interstate and Territorial officials who are responsible for the implementation of surface water protection programs throughout the nation.
In addition to serving as a liaison among these officials, ASIWPCA facilitates their communication with the Federal government and promotes public education. Long before the enactment of the Clean Water Act, State and Interstate professionals were working to protect and improve water quality. They continue to lead the way in creating and realizing a vision for clean water in America."
Natives Impacted by Mining Conference to be held
The Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Tribal-State Environmental Liaison Office will hold a "Natives Impacted by Mining" Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 22-24 at the Atlantis Casino and Resort in Reno.
The conference will allow representatives from government agencies, organizations and tribes to discuss issues and concerns regarding mining. Speakers will include representatives from the Western Shoshone Defense Project, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Yerington Paiute Tribe, Bureau of Land Management, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Nevada Mining Association, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and the Great Basin Resource Watch.
To attend the conference, contact Danielle Bouas at 775-687-9530 by Aug. 28. For information about the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Tribal-State Environmental Liaison Office, contact Liaison Officer Tansey Smith at 775-687-9483 or email her at tsmith(at)ndep.nv.gov.
The conference will allow representatives from government agencies, organizations and tribes to discuss issues and concerns regarding mining. Speakers will include representatives from the Western Shoshone Defense Project, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Yerington Paiute Tribe, Bureau of Land Management, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Nevada Mining Association, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, and the Great Basin Resource Watch.
To attend the conference, contact Danielle Bouas at 775-687-9530 by Aug. 28. For information about the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada Tribal-State Environmental Liaison Office, contact Liaison Officer Tansey Smith at 775-687-9483 or email her at tsmith(at)ndep.nv.gov.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
