Suction dredging has been practiced in California for 40 years without harming the environment. It removes toxic heavy metals like mercury from rivers and does not contribute mercury itself. Studies show its impacts are temporary and localized. It supports wildlife by improving salmon habitats and removing non-native fish. While some claim it is just recreational, it has economic value by producing jobs, tax revenue, and $22 million worth of gold annually. Banning it has cost California $30 million per year in lost economic activity with no proven environmental benefits.
Modeling of Predictive interaction of Water Parameters in Groundwaterijtsrd
The assessment presented in this article is centred on investigating the interaction of turbidity, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids interaction within the water bearing aquifer of Obite to Oboburu communities of Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Experimental and modeled turbidity, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids investigated are within recommended standard of World Health Organization revealing the reliability of model equation in predicting groundwater parameters distribution upon influence of time, recharge, flow rate. Ottos C. G | Isaac E. O"Modeling of Predictive interaction of Water Parameters in Groundwater" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-3 , April 2018, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd11292.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/civil-engineering/11292/modeling-of-predictive-interaction-of-water-parameters-in-groundwater/ottos-c-g
Western Lake Erie “impairment” designation: What does it mean? How can it hap...Ohio Environmental Council
This document discusses waterway impairment designations under the Clean Water Act. It explains that if water quality criteria for a waterway are not met, it is considered "impaired" and requires a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to limit pollutants. The TMDL process for the Chesapeake Bay is discussed as a case study, including litigation that led to its establishment and requirements for states to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads by certain percentages and timelines. Nonpoint sources are included in TMDLs and states must describe plans to achieve load reductions.
The document discusses concerns about chemicals in the environment in the UK. It notes that more than 80,000 chemicals are used daily, many contaminate soils, rivers and wildlife, and some accumulate in humans and wildlife with adverse effects. The chemical market is also growing by around 2,000 new compounds per year. The UK is particularly vulnerable due to its high population density and limited water available to dilute waste. Historic chemicals like DDT and TBT caused significant environmental damage. Current challenges include endocrine disrupting chemicals, antibiotics in the environment, and mixtures of chemicals. Tighter regulations could significantly increase costs but are needed to protect the environment and human health.
The document discusses environmental impacts and regulatory failures related to fracking in Ohio. It summarizes concerns about risks to public health and the environment from water and air pollution, increased toxic waste, and inadequate chemical disclosure laws and emergency response regulations. Specific incidents of well blowouts, fires, and fish kills are presented as examples illustrating the need for strengthened rules regarding setbacks, containment, chemical information sharing, and first responder resources.
Industry and mining, urban waste-water and water related health hazards in th...AndesBFP
The document discusses analyzing water quality in the Andean region by examining the proportion of water arriving at dams and cities that originates from protected areas upstream. It notes that data on industry, mining, and urban water impacts is lacking for the Andes. Protected areas are likely to have higher water quality since they encourage infiltration, reducing erosion and pollution from activities like agriculture, pesticides, and mining. The document calculates the percentage of upstream flow originating from protected areas using rainfall and land cover datasets to identify potential areas of higher or lower water quality arriving at different points.
This document summarizes a study that used environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus maculosus) along the St. Clair-Detroit River System. The study sampled eDNA from four sites with varying mudpuppy trapping success. Initial results were inconclusive due to inconsistencies. Ongoing eDNA sampling is being integrated with additional samples and protocol adjustments to better understand mudpuppy occupancy. Local habitat restoration appears important for mudpuppy conservation in occupied areas of this degraded river system.
This document discusses the conservation and management of water resources in rural areas through smart monitoring systems. It covers topics such as the global distribution of water, water quality assessment, treatment methods like chlorination, and the implementation of gravity-fed water systems. The key points are that smart water monitoring using mobile technologies can help address water security challenges in rural India. It also emphasizes the need to provide adequate and safe drinking water to all rural areas through technical, financial, and institutional innovations in water resources management.
The document analyzes the impacts of farmland proximity on the Hillsborough River in Florida. ArcGIS was used to map farmland within 3, 6, and 9 miles of the river. Significant amounts of farmland, including strawberry and blueberry farms, were located within these buffers. Water quality impairments like high chlorophyll a, low dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and mercury in fish tissue were found throughout the river. The proximity of farmland likely contributes to these impairments through fertilizer and livestock waste runoff entering the river and causing eutrophication.
Modeling of Predictive interaction of Water Parameters in Groundwaterijtsrd
The assessment presented in this article is centred on investigating the interaction of turbidity, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids interaction within the water bearing aquifer of Obite to Oboburu communities of Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Experimental and modeled turbidity, total suspended solids and total dissolved solids investigated are within recommended standard of World Health Organization revealing the reliability of model equation in predicting groundwater parameters distribution upon influence of time, recharge, flow rate. Ottos C. G | Isaac E. O"Modeling of Predictive interaction of Water Parameters in Groundwater" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-2 | Issue-3 , April 2018, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd11292.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/civil-engineering/11292/modeling-of-predictive-interaction-of-water-parameters-in-groundwater/ottos-c-g
Western Lake Erie “impairment” designation: What does it mean? How can it hap...Ohio Environmental Council
This document discusses waterway impairment designations under the Clean Water Act. It explains that if water quality criteria for a waterway are not met, it is considered "impaired" and requires a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) to limit pollutants. The TMDL process for the Chesapeake Bay is discussed as a case study, including litigation that led to its establishment and requirements for states to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment loads by certain percentages and timelines. Nonpoint sources are included in TMDLs and states must describe plans to achieve load reductions.
The document discusses concerns about chemicals in the environment in the UK. It notes that more than 80,000 chemicals are used daily, many contaminate soils, rivers and wildlife, and some accumulate in humans and wildlife with adverse effects. The chemical market is also growing by around 2,000 new compounds per year. The UK is particularly vulnerable due to its high population density and limited water available to dilute waste. Historic chemicals like DDT and TBT caused significant environmental damage. Current challenges include endocrine disrupting chemicals, antibiotics in the environment, and mixtures of chemicals. Tighter regulations could significantly increase costs but are needed to protect the environment and human health.
The document discusses environmental impacts and regulatory failures related to fracking in Ohio. It summarizes concerns about risks to public health and the environment from water and air pollution, increased toxic waste, and inadequate chemical disclosure laws and emergency response regulations. Specific incidents of well blowouts, fires, and fish kills are presented as examples illustrating the need for strengthened rules regarding setbacks, containment, chemical information sharing, and first responder resources.
Industry and mining, urban waste-water and water related health hazards in th...AndesBFP
The document discusses analyzing water quality in the Andean region by examining the proportion of water arriving at dams and cities that originates from protected areas upstream. It notes that data on industry, mining, and urban water impacts is lacking for the Andes. Protected areas are likely to have higher water quality since they encourage infiltration, reducing erosion and pollution from activities like agriculture, pesticides, and mining. The document calculates the percentage of upstream flow originating from protected areas using rainfall and land cover datasets to identify potential areas of higher or lower water quality arriving at different points.
This document summarizes a study that used environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus maculosus) along the St. Clair-Detroit River System. The study sampled eDNA from four sites with varying mudpuppy trapping success. Initial results were inconclusive due to inconsistencies. Ongoing eDNA sampling is being integrated with additional samples and protocol adjustments to better understand mudpuppy occupancy. Local habitat restoration appears important for mudpuppy conservation in occupied areas of this degraded river system.
This document discusses the conservation and management of water resources in rural areas through smart monitoring systems. It covers topics such as the global distribution of water, water quality assessment, treatment methods like chlorination, and the implementation of gravity-fed water systems. The key points are that smart water monitoring using mobile technologies can help address water security challenges in rural India. It also emphasizes the need to provide adequate and safe drinking water to all rural areas through technical, financial, and institutional innovations in water resources management.
The document analyzes the impacts of farmland proximity on the Hillsborough River in Florida. ArcGIS was used to map farmland within 3, 6, and 9 miles of the river. Significant amounts of farmland, including strawberry and blueberry farms, were located within these buffers. Water quality impairments like high chlorophyll a, low dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and mercury in fish tissue were found throughout the river. The proximity of farmland likely contributes to these impairments through fertilizer and livestock waste runoff entering the river and causing eutrophication.
The document summarizes a study that assessed heavy metal pollution in the Panchganga River in India and biomagnification of heavy metals in molluscs. The study found alarming levels of heavy metal contamination in the river, with some metal concentrations exceeding legal limits. Several heavy metals accumulated in high levels in the tissues of mollusc species collected from the river. Continuous monitoring is needed to limit further pollution in the river, which affects the health of the entire river ecosystem.
Geospatial and Statistical Assessment of Groundwater Contamination Due to Lan...Kavya Prabhakar
This study assessed groundwater contamination from a landfill leachate plume in Kozhikode, India. Groundwater samples were collected from wells near the landfill during wet and dry seasons and analyzed for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. Most samples exceeded drinking water standards. Spatial analysis using GIS showed contamination was highest within 300m of the landfill. The leachate was also analyzed and found to contain high levels of contaminants like dissolved solids, chlorides, COD and BOD. Leachate pollution indices were calculated and revealed significant pollution potential from the landfill leachate.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
A Brief Survey on Impact of Flood on Children, Water Sanitation and Hygiene i...Dr. Amarjeet Singh
Considerable rainfall raises the water level. When
the water level is higher than the conduit bank, the water
diverts out from the stream, there will surge. Surges are
caused by atmosphere ponders and events that pass on more
precipitation to a waste bowl that can be immediately
absorbed or secured inside the bowl. Surges can be caused by
typical, natural or anthropogenic factors. There are a couple
of purposes behind surges and change from region to area.
Flood is coming to fruition in view of unprecedented
geophysical event to make an astounding danger to human
life and property. Surge occurring in thickly populated locale
can do most extraordinary mischief to life and property.
Country practices and deforestation have altogether changed
the condition in whole stream bowls. Passing, disease, harm,
expulsion of people and fiscal hardship are the standard
consequences of surge. So the purpose of this examination
work is to research the effect of flooding on children, water
sanitation and cleanliness.
This document discusses a lecture on hydrology and the hydrologic cycle. It defines hydrology as the study of the hydrologic cycle, which is the endless circulation of water between the earth and atmosphere. Hydrology encompasses hydrosciences and deals with the distribution and circulation of water on earth and its chemical and biological properties in the environment. Applied hydrology discusses how hydrology concepts are used for human welfare, including water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and more. The hydrologic cycle is then defined as the circulation of water through the atmosphere and lithosphere, with the hydrophere existing up to 15km in the atmosphere and 1km into the lithosphere.
Global Nitrogen Cycle, Eutrophication, and Coastal Hypoxia: State of Knowledg...Iwl Pcu
Presentation delivered by Robert Diaz during the GEF STAP session during the 6th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference in 2011 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The document outlines a data collection plan for an environmental design project studying chlorine levels in drinking water in Lindsay, Ontario. The plan aims to collect 40 water samples from 4 quadrants of the city to determine if chlorine concentrations decrease the further the sampling sites are from the water treatment plant. Materials needed for sampling and testing are listed. A stratified random sampling method will be used targeting 5 samples from each quadrant. GPS data will be collected to map sampling locations. The schedule and questions for a team meeting are also included.
Identification of Pollution Sources & Water Quality Analysis of Dhanmondi & H...Tariq Mehmood
Pollution Sources of Dhanmondi & Hatirjheel lake were identified. Water samples were taken based on the pollution sources, samples were taken on monthly basis during rainy as well as dry season. Water samples were tested in lab based on various parameter. BOD, COD, pH, Color, Turbidity, DO Phosphate, nitrate and various other tests were performed and results of both lakes were compared.
After the successful completion of all the tests over the period of year results showed that Hatirjheel is much more polluted than Dhanmondi lake.
A so-called "fact sheet" prepared for the FreshWater Accountability Project Ohio by Dr. Marvin Resnikoff that purports to show dangers from Utica Shale drilling waste (rock, soil, etc.) that may contain low levels of radioactivity. Resnikoff is a well-known anti-driller who uses the radioactivity issue to push his agenda to curtail drilling.
This document is a research paper that explores the impacts of traditional stormwater management versus green infrastructure on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It summarizes that water quality data shows lower nitrogen levels in Gunston Cove, which receives runoff from Fairfax County that uses green infrastructure, compared to the Upper Potomac River, which receives runoff from Montgomery County that uses traditional stormwater management. Fairfax County has implemented several green stormwater initiatives while Montgomery County was sued for not meeting water quality standards. The document provides background on threats to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and reviews literature on the water quality and stormwater management approaches of the different watersheds.
This document discusses considerations for testing sites for graywater irrigation and potential impacts to groundwater. It provides summaries of what others have said about graywater systems and their ability to effectively treat wastewater on-site. Guidelines from the state environmental and health agencies regarding graywater usage and underground injection are presented, noting restrictions within groundwater source protection zones.
This study analyzed 20 public drinking water wells on Cape Cod, Massachusetts for 92 organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) including pharmaceuticals, hormones, and consumer product chemicals. The goals were to evaluate the presence of OWCs in the wells and determine if surrogates of wastewater impact like nitrate, boron, and residential development could identify wells most impacted by OWCs. Fifteen of the 20 wells contained at least one OWC, with the two most frequently detected being the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole and the perfluorosurfactant perfluorooctane sulfonate. Maximum concentrations of two pharmaceuticals matched or exceeded levels reported in other U.S. public water sources, indicating
Water Resources in Urban Setting: The Case of the City of JeddahAmro Elfeki
Presentation at the workshop on Soil, Water and Coastal Resources, 16-17 Oct., 2008, organized by KUAST (King Abdullal University of Science and Technology), held at Jeddah Hilton, Jeddah, KSA
Trace Metals Concentration in Shallow Well Water in Enugu Metropolispaperpublications3
Abstract: This work assesses the concentration of heavy metals in Enugu Municipal well-water considering the fact that some Enugu inhabitants depend on well-water as their major source of water supply. Water from twenty four (24) different hand dug wells from six locations were investigated for Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Cd, and Fe using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The result of the study expressed as the means and standard deviations were compared to WHO and EU standards for drinking water, and it was found that well waters from Iva-Valley and Uwani areas suffer from Cd and Mn pollution. The remaining four locations (Emene, Asata, Abakpa Nike and Achara Layout) were all free from Cd and Mn pollution. Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb concentrations were either completely absent or below world threshold limits at all the locations.
S5c2 chapter 2-facts and figures related to irrigation.Shivu P
In this chapter some of the facts and figures related to rain fall, scarcity of drinking water and water for irrigation (drought), poor chemical quality of the bore well water and poor microbiological quality of the surface water due to water pollution, scarcity of electricity and the solutions for the same are mentioned.
An Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in the Choba Section of the New ...Scientific Review SR
Assessment of heavy metals concentration in water and sediments of the Choba section of the New
Calabar River, Eastern Niger Delta were carried out. Seven (7) river sediments and twelve (12) surface water
samples were collected for the study. The heavy metals studied were: Mn, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cr, and Cu for in both
river sediment and surface water. The World Health Organization (WHO) standards were used in evaluating
Pollution Index (PI) of heavy metals in surface water. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) level of river sediments
ranged from 5.12 – 33.26, with only PLI values <1 considered unpolluted. The other samples analyzed revealed
high pollution levels, with Cu, Cr and Mn having moderate to considerable Contamination Factor levels, while
the others were of low levels. For surface water, Pb and Zn had high Pollution Index values, with Pb having PI
values ranging 10 – 211, with considerable contribution of pollutants from anthropogenic activities into the river.
There is urgent need for regular monitoring of the Choba section of the River. The regulatory government agency
responsible for protecting the environment should also pay adequate attention to this stretch of the river to avoid
further contamination.
20141031 pud-eng-odu lake gaston-seminar2014-leahy-projecthistory-final (2)shawnjr043
This document summarizes information presented by Thomas M. Leahy about the Lake Gaston water transfer project. It discusses how Virginia Beach needed a new water supply, pursued the Lake Gaston project to transfer 60 million gallons per day from the Roanoke River Basin via a 76 mile pipeline, and the extensive permitting and environmental review process over 15 years to approve the project. It also compares past and current costs of the Lake Gaston project versus alternative water sources like desalination and wastewater reuse.
The document discusses the environmental impacts of high volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for natural gas in Pennsylvania. It notes that HVHF uses much larger volumes of water and chemical additives compared to traditional fracking methods. Regulatory loopholes and inadequate oversight of water withdrawals, wastewater disposal, and facility siting have led to concerns about impacts to water resources, habitat fragmentation, and threats to public water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. The organization discussed, Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna, is working to educate the public and advocate for stronger regulations and enforcement to better protect the environment.
The Effect Of Global Warming On Thermohaline CirculationAmanda Hengel
The document discusses the potential effects of global warming on thermohaline circulation. Thermohaline circulation, also known as the ocean conveyor belt, involves the global system of ocean currents driven by differences in water density due to temperature and salinity. Studies have shown that prolonged global warming could weaken or shut down thermohaline circulation, leading to regional cooling in some areas. The document then provides background on global warming and increasing carbon dioxide levels due to human activities like fossil fuel burning.
This document summarizes two USGS studies on uranium mining sites in the American Southwest. The first study examined a derelict mine in Fry Canyon, Utah and found heavy metal contamination in downstream groundwater for over 4 km, posing risks to local residents and livestock. The second study analyzed sites in northern Arizona and found some soil contamination near mine sites but no widespread water contamination, likely due to reclamation practices. While the Arizona study showed limited impacts from closed mines, concerns remain about potential cumulative effects from large-scale new mining. The author concludes it is prudent to maintain a moratorium on new claims until more data on active mines is available.
The document summarizes a study that assessed heavy metal pollution in the Panchganga River in India and biomagnification of heavy metals in molluscs. The study found alarming levels of heavy metal contamination in the river, with some metal concentrations exceeding legal limits. Several heavy metals accumulated in high levels in the tissues of mollusc species collected from the river. Continuous monitoring is needed to limit further pollution in the river, which affects the health of the entire river ecosystem.
Geospatial and Statistical Assessment of Groundwater Contamination Due to Lan...Kavya Prabhakar
This study assessed groundwater contamination from a landfill leachate plume in Kozhikode, India. Groundwater samples were collected from wells near the landfill during wet and dry seasons and analyzed for physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. Most samples exceeded drinking water standards. Spatial analysis using GIS showed contamination was highest within 300m of the landfill. The leachate was also analyzed and found to contain high levels of contaminants like dissolved solids, chlorides, COD and BOD. Leachate pollution indices were calculated and revealed significant pollution potential from the landfill leachate.
International Journal of Engineering and Science Invention (IJESI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of computer science and electronics. IJESI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Engineering Science and Technology, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
A Brief Survey on Impact of Flood on Children, Water Sanitation and Hygiene i...Dr. Amarjeet Singh
Considerable rainfall raises the water level. When
the water level is higher than the conduit bank, the water
diverts out from the stream, there will surge. Surges are
caused by atmosphere ponders and events that pass on more
precipitation to a waste bowl that can be immediately
absorbed or secured inside the bowl. Surges can be caused by
typical, natural or anthropogenic factors. There are a couple
of purposes behind surges and change from region to area.
Flood is coming to fruition in view of unprecedented
geophysical event to make an astounding danger to human
life and property. Surge occurring in thickly populated locale
can do most extraordinary mischief to life and property.
Country practices and deforestation have altogether changed
the condition in whole stream bowls. Passing, disease, harm,
expulsion of people and fiscal hardship are the standard
consequences of surge. So the purpose of this examination
work is to research the effect of flooding on children, water
sanitation and cleanliness.
This document discusses a lecture on hydrology and the hydrologic cycle. It defines hydrology as the study of the hydrologic cycle, which is the endless circulation of water between the earth and atmosphere. Hydrology encompasses hydrosciences and deals with the distribution and circulation of water on earth and its chemical and biological properties in the environment. Applied hydrology discusses how hydrology concepts are used for human welfare, including water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and more. The hydrologic cycle is then defined as the circulation of water through the atmosphere and lithosphere, with the hydrophere existing up to 15km in the atmosphere and 1km into the lithosphere.
Global Nitrogen Cycle, Eutrophication, and Coastal Hypoxia: State of Knowledg...Iwl Pcu
Presentation delivered by Robert Diaz during the GEF STAP session during the 6th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference in 2011 in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
The document outlines a data collection plan for an environmental design project studying chlorine levels in drinking water in Lindsay, Ontario. The plan aims to collect 40 water samples from 4 quadrants of the city to determine if chlorine concentrations decrease the further the sampling sites are from the water treatment plant. Materials needed for sampling and testing are listed. A stratified random sampling method will be used targeting 5 samples from each quadrant. GPS data will be collected to map sampling locations. The schedule and questions for a team meeting are also included.
Identification of Pollution Sources & Water Quality Analysis of Dhanmondi & H...Tariq Mehmood
Pollution Sources of Dhanmondi & Hatirjheel lake were identified. Water samples were taken based on the pollution sources, samples were taken on monthly basis during rainy as well as dry season. Water samples were tested in lab based on various parameter. BOD, COD, pH, Color, Turbidity, DO Phosphate, nitrate and various other tests were performed and results of both lakes were compared.
After the successful completion of all the tests over the period of year results showed that Hatirjheel is much more polluted than Dhanmondi lake.
A so-called "fact sheet" prepared for the FreshWater Accountability Project Ohio by Dr. Marvin Resnikoff that purports to show dangers from Utica Shale drilling waste (rock, soil, etc.) that may contain low levels of radioactivity. Resnikoff is a well-known anti-driller who uses the radioactivity issue to push his agenda to curtail drilling.
This document is a research paper that explores the impacts of traditional stormwater management versus green infrastructure on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It summarizes that water quality data shows lower nitrogen levels in Gunston Cove, which receives runoff from Fairfax County that uses green infrastructure, compared to the Upper Potomac River, which receives runoff from Montgomery County that uses traditional stormwater management. Fairfax County has implemented several green stormwater initiatives while Montgomery County was sued for not meeting water quality standards. The document provides background on threats to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and reviews literature on the water quality and stormwater management approaches of the different watersheds.
This document discusses considerations for testing sites for graywater irrigation and potential impacts to groundwater. It provides summaries of what others have said about graywater systems and their ability to effectively treat wastewater on-site. Guidelines from the state environmental and health agencies regarding graywater usage and underground injection are presented, noting restrictions within groundwater source protection zones.
This study analyzed 20 public drinking water wells on Cape Cod, Massachusetts for 92 organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) including pharmaceuticals, hormones, and consumer product chemicals. The goals were to evaluate the presence of OWCs in the wells and determine if surrogates of wastewater impact like nitrate, boron, and residential development could identify wells most impacted by OWCs. Fifteen of the 20 wells contained at least one OWC, with the two most frequently detected being the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole and the perfluorosurfactant perfluorooctane sulfonate. Maximum concentrations of two pharmaceuticals matched or exceeded levels reported in other U.S. public water sources, indicating
Water Resources in Urban Setting: The Case of the City of JeddahAmro Elfeki
Presentation at the workshop on Soil, Water and Coastal Resources, 16-17 Oct., 2008, organized by KUAST (King Abdullal University of Science and Technology), held at Jeddah Hilton, Jeddah, KSA
Trace Metals Concentration in Shallow Well Water in Enugu Metropolispaperpublications3
Abstract: This work assesses the concentration of heavy metals in Enugu Municipal well-water considering the fact that some Enugu inhabitants depend on well-water as their major source of water supply. Water from twenty four (24) different hand dug wells from six locations were investigated for Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Cd, and Fe using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The result of the study expressed as the means and standard deviations were compared to WHO and EU standards for drinking water, and it was found that well waters from Iva-Valley and Uwani areas suffer from Cd and Mn pollution. The remaining four locations (Emene, Asata, Abakpa Nike and Achara Layout) were all free from Cd and Mn pollution. Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb concentrations were either completely absent or below world threshold limits at all the locations.
S5c2 chapter 2-facts and figures related to irrigation.Shivu P
In this chapter some of the facts and figures related to rain fall, scarcity of drinking water and water for irrigation (drought), poor chemical quality of the bore well water and poor microbiological quality of the surface water due to water pollution, scarcity of electricity and the solutions for the same are mentioned.
An Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in the Choba Section of the New ...Scientific Review SR
Assessment of heavy metals concentration in water and sediments of the Choba section of the New
Calabar River, Eastern Niger Delta were carried out. Seven (7) river sediments and twelve (12) surface water
samples were collected for the study. The heavy metals studied were: Mn, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Cr, and Cu for in both
river sediment and surface water. The World Health Organization (WHO) standards were used in evaluating
Pollution Index (PI) of heavy metals in surface water. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) level of river sediments
ranged from 5.12 – 33.26, with only PLI values <1 considered unpolluted. The other samples analyzed revealed
high pollution levels, with Cu, Cr and Mn having moderate to considerable Contamination Factor levels, while
the others were of low levels. For surface water, Pb and Zn had high Pollution Index values, with Pb having PI
values ranging 10 – 211, with considerable contribution of pollutants from anthropogenic activities into the river.
There is urgent need for regular monitoring of the Choba section of the River. The regulatory government agency
responsible for protecting the environment should also pay adequate attention to this stretch of the river to avoid
further contamination.
20141031 pud-eng-odu lake gaston-seminar2014-leahy-projecthistory-final (2)shawnjr043
This document summarizes information presented by Thomas M. Leahy about the Lake Gaston water transfer project. It discusses how Virginia Beach needed a new water supply, pursued the Lake Gaston project to transfer 60 million gallons per day from the Roanoke River Basin via a 76 mile pipeline, and the extensive permitting and environmental review process over 15 years to approve the project. It also compares past and current costs of the Lake Gaston project versus alternative water sources like desalination and wastewater reuse.
The document discusses the environmental impacts of high volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for natural gas in Pennsylvania. It notes that HVHF uses much larger volumes of water and chemical additives compared to traditional fracking methods. Regulatory loopholes and inadequate oversight of water withdrawals, wastewater disposal, and facility siting have led to concerns about impacts to water resources, habitat fragmentation, and threats to public water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. The organization discussed, Stewards of the Lower Susquehanna, is working to educate the public and advocate for stronger regulations and enforcement to better protect the environment.
The Effect Of Global Warming On Thermohaline CirculationAmanda Hengel
The document discusses the potential effects of global warming on thermohaline circulation. Thermohaline circulation, also known as the ocean conveyor belt, involves the global system of ocean currents driven by differences in water density due to temperature and salinity. Studies have shown that prolonged global warming could weaken or shut down thermohaline circulation, leading to regional cooling in some areas. The document then provides background on global warming and increasing carbon dioxide levels due to human activities like fossil fuel burning.
This document summarizes two USGS studies on uranium mining sites in the American Southwest. The first study examined a derelict mine in Fry Canyon, Utah and found heavy metal contamination in downstream groundwater for over 4 km, posing risks to local residents and livestock. The second study analyzed sites in northern Arizona and found some soil contamination near mine sites but no widespread water contamination, likely due to reclamation practices. While the Arizona study showed limited impacts from closed mines, concerns remain about potential cumulative effects from large-scale new mining. The author concludes it is prudent to maintain a moratorium on new claims until more data on active mines is available.
This document provides an overview of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Colorado, including:
- A brief history of Colorado's natural resource extraction, beginning with the gold rush in 1859.
- An explanation of the fracking process, which uses water and chemicals to create fissures in shale rock to release oil and gas.
- Statistics about fracking in Colorado's Denver-Julesburg Basin, where over 20,000 wells have been drilled 3,000-14,000 feet below the surface to extract resources.
This document discusses the impacts of hardrock metal mining on fisheries and aquatic life in western US states. It summarizes that the 1872 Mining Law allows mining to damage aquatic ecosystems by producing acid mine drainage and toxic metal contamination in streams and rivers. Modern large-scale mining operations disturb huge areas of land and generate vast quantities of waste. The mining industry is not required to fully reclaim mine sites or provide financial assurances for long-term water treatment, shifting long-term costs to taxpayers. The article calls for reforms to the 1872 Mining Law to better protect fisheries and aquatic life from future hardrock mining impacts.
The Production Of The Sinclair Refinery SiteRikki Wright
The document provides a description and history of the Sinclair Refinery Site in Wellsville, New York. It discusses how various wastes from operating and dismantling the refinery from the late 1800s to 1963, including oils, sludge, soils and ash, were disposed of in two on-site landfills adjacent to the Genesee River over 30 years. Now approximately 6,000 people live within a mile of the landfill and several businesses and a university campus are located on the refinery portion of the site. Throughout its operation and after closure, wastes were disposed of in the landfills posing risks to human health and the environment.
This document discusses pollution of California's coastline from various sources and its negative environmental effects. It identifies the main types of pollution as runoff from cities, trash from beach visitors, pollution from cargo ships, and air pollution. Runoff introduces bacteria that harms ecosystems and human health. Trash kills and sickens wildlife that ingest it. Cargo ship accidents cause major oil spills that damage habitats and coastlines. Air pollution produces smog that impacts both coastal and inland areas. Overall, the document examines how different types of pollution contaminate California's coast and degrade its coastal environments.
Anti-Drilling Letter to OH Gov. John Kasich Requesting He Shut Down Injection...Marcellus Drilling News
The letter requests that the Governor of Ohio issue an executive order to immediately halt the underground injection of drilling and fracking waste in Ohio due to various environmental and public health concerns. Specifically, it notes that Ohio has become the regional dumping ground for fracking waste, injecting nearly 600 million gallons last year. Underground injection disposal wells have been linked to earthquakes and the casing and cementing of wells degrade over time, creating potential pathways for underground water contamination. The waste also contains harmful and carcinogenic chemicals as well as radioactive materials like radium-226 that will remain hazardous for generations. Regulations cannot eliminate these risks to local communities and taxpayers.
Desalination of the Sea Around Us, Part ICarol Reeb
This is a talk on seawater desalination I gave in Seaside California on October 19th, 2010. It is divided in two parts.
Part I contains information on seawater desalination and how the process can impact the marine environment.
Part II provides specific examples of how brine discharged from these plants can affect species, especially eggs and developing young.
It ends with an illustration of how water recycling could be a better long-term solution to our looming water crisis on the Monterey Peninsula and in the State of California.
Thirsty Central Florida has plans for St. Johns _ JacksonvilleDavid Hunt
Utility managers in Central Florida are considering drawing up to 262 million gallons of water per day from the St. Johns River and its tributary, the Ocklawaha River, to support growing water demands. This large daily drawdown of water from the rivers could lower their flows by 4.9% and negatively impact the environment by increasing saltwater intrusion and changing habitats. Opponents argue the plans could damage the river ecosystem and are pushing for more conservation efforts and an independent environmental assessment before approving any water extraction.
This document discusses hydraulic fracking and its potential risks and benefits. It summarizes that fracking involves drilling wells deep underground and injecting water and chemicals to extract oil and gas from shale rock. However, this process carries several environmental and health risks including potential groundwater contamination, air and water pollution, and induced earthquakes. While fracking has increased US natural gas production, its long term impacts need further study to determine if it is a overall boon or bane. The document examines several cases of potential groundwater contamination linked to fracking and waste disposal.
This document is the winter 2013 issue of The Planet Magazine, which is the quarterly student publication of Western Washington University's Huxley College of the Environment. It features several articles about environmental policy issues, including stories on the Alberta tar sands and the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, coal exports from Washington state, invasive mussels in Lake Whatcom, and the challenges facing the Washington State Liquor Control Board in regulating the newly legalized marijuana industry under Initiative 502. The magazine is produced and written by students at Huxley College and aims to promote environmental advocacy through responsible journalism.
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's Darlington Relicensing Hearing presentation- Novem...LOWaterkeeper
This is Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's presentation at the Darlington Relicensing Day 2 Hearing in Courtice, Ontario. Represented by Pippa Feinstein and Lake Ontario Waterkeeper's Public Interest Articling Fellow, Tristan Willis.
The EPA was working to access and treat contaminated water at the Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado when they accidentally triggered the release of 3 million gallons of acidic, metal-laden wastewater into the Animas River. The toxic plume turned the river orange as it flowed downstream, forcing Durango to stop using river water and closing recreational access. High levels of pollutants like iron, aluminum, and copper were detected in the river. Officials are monitoring impacts to fish and downstream communities as the contaminated water moves through the watershed. The accident underscores risks of abandoned mines and will impact views of EPA cleanup efforts.
This document discusses the issue of global warming and whether it is fact or fiction. It provides background on global warming, including its definition as changing weather patterns caused by increased CO2 trapping heat. Evidence for both sides of the debate is presented, with some scientists arguing it is occurring and others saying natural climate changes are normal. Potential causes of global warming discussed include pollution from factories, drilling, mining, and chemical runoff. The document also examines historical perspectives and the views of native tribes on climate patterns.
The document discusses Marcellus shale, a type of sedimentary rock located underground in parts of the northeastern U.S. that contains large natural gas reserves. It describes the geological formation and composition of Marcellus shale. The document also discusses the techniques of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that have enabled extraction of natural gas from this shale rock in recent years, fueling an energy boom. However, fracking continues to face environmental and public health concerns from critics.
Appendix A: Accompanying case study to November 30, 2016 submission to the Fi...LOWaterkeeper
This is a support document to the November 2016 Fisheries Act submission by Fraser Riverkeeper, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Fundy Baykeeper, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, and Ottawa Riverkeeper. This support document is prepared by Pippa Feinstein for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper / Swim Drink Fish Canada.
Beyond the Basics of A/B Tests: Highly Innovative Experimentation Tactics You...Aggregage
This webinar will explore cutting-edge, less familiar but powerful experimentation methodologies which address well-known limitations of standard A/B Testing. Designed for data and product leaders, this session aims to inspire the embrace of innovative approaches and provide insights into the frontiers of experimentation!
Build applications with generative AI on Google CloudMárton Kodok
We will explore Vertex AI - Model Garden powered experiences, we are going to learn more about the integration of these generative AI APIs. We are going to see in action what the Gemini family of generative models are for developers to build and deploy AI-driven applications. Vertex AI includes a suite of foundation models, these are referred to as the PaLM and Gemini family of generative ai models, and they come in different versions. We are going to cover how to use via API to: - execute prompts in text and chat - cover multimodal use cases with image prompts. - finetune and distill to improve knowledge domains - run function calls with foundation models to optimize them for specific tasks. At the end of the session, developers will understand how to innovate with generative AI and develop apps using the generative ai industry trends.
Open Source Contributions to Postgres: The Basics POSETTE 2024ElizabethGarrettChri
Postgres is the most advanced open-source database in the world and it's supported by a community, not a single company. So how does this work? How does code actually get into Postgres? I recently had a patch submitted and committed and I want to share what I learned in that process. I’ll give you an overview of Postgres versions and how the underlying project codebase functions. I’ll also show you the process for submitting a patch and getting that tested and committed.
End-to-end pipeline agility - Berlin Buzzwords 2024Lars Albertsson
We describe how we achieve high change agility in data engineering by eliminating the fear of breaking downstream data pipelines through end-to-end pipeline testing, and by using schema metaprogramming to safely eliminate boilerplate involved in changes that affect whole pipelines.
A quick poll on agility in changing pipelines from end to end indicated a huge span in capabilities. For the question "How long time does it take for all downstream pipelines to be adapted to an upstream change," the median response was 6 months, but some respondents could do it in less than a day. When quantitative data engineering differences between the best and worst are measured, the span is often 100x-1000x, sometimes even more.
A long time ago, we suffered at Spotify from fear of changing pipelines due to not knowing what the impact might be downstream. We made plans for a technical solution to test pipelines end-to-end to mitigate that fear, but the effort failed for cultural reasons. We eventually solved this challenge, but in a different context. In this presentation we will describe how we test full pipelines effectively by manipulating workflow orchestration, which enables us to make changes in pipelines without fear of breaking downstream.
Making schema changes that affect many jobs also involves a lot of toil and boilerplate. Using schema-on-read mitigates some of it, but has drawbacks since it makes it more difficult to detect errors early. We will describe how we have rejected this tradeoff by applying schema metaprogramming, eliminating boilerplate but keeping the protection of static typing, thereby further improving agility to quickly modify data pipelines without fear.
STATATHON: Unleashing the Power of Statistics in a 48-Hour Knowledge Extravag...sameer shah
"Join us for STATATHON, a dynamic 2-day event dedicated to exploring statistical knowledge and its real-world applications. From theory to practice, participants engage in intensive learning sessions, workshops, and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of statistical methodologies and their significance in various fields."
"Financial Odyssey: Navigating Past Performance Through Diverse Analytical Lens"sameer shah
Embark on a captivating financial journey with 'Financial Odyssey,' our hackathon project. Delve deep into the past performance of two companies as we employ an array of financial statement analysis techniques. From ratio analysis to trend analysis, uncover insights crucial for informed decision-making in the dynamic world of finance."
1. T H E W E S T E R N M I N I N G A L L I A N C E
The Western Mining Alliance www.thewma.org
1
Suction Dredging for Gold
What is a Suction
Dredge?
Is suction dredging really harmful to the environment?
The truth about suction gold dredging is far different than
environmental groups would lead you to believe. The US
EPA says “...the impacts by small scale dredging activity are
primarily contained within the mined areas and persist for
about a month after mining season.”
A Floating Sluice Box
If you look closely at the picture to the right you will see a
running suction dredge. While some turbidity is created it
is short lived and water clarity returns to normal within 100
meters of the dredge site. A gold dredge is nothing more
than a floating sluice box that uses an engine and pump to
create a vacuum and send gravel, and hopefully gold, into
the metal box suspended between the two pontoons. This
sluice box filters out all heavy metals, including mercury,
and returns the clean gravel to the river.
Powered by a Lawnmower Engine
The key to suction dredging is portability. This limits the
size of a dredge. The bigger the dredge, the bigger the river
or stream must be to operate it.
The average size of a dredge engine is 5 horsepower. The
same size that powers your lawnmower. Modern gold
dredging uses dredges similar to the picture to the left.
Nothing is added to the water, but heavy metals are
captured by the sluice box and removed.
Removing Toxic Metals
Gold dredges do not add mercury to the water.
Environmentalists would like you to believe that suction
gold dredges are “stirring up” old mercury but did you
know that in the forty years these small devices have been
in operation they have removed over 2.5 tons of mercury
left over from the gold rush. The amount of mercury
recovered is dwarfed by the amount of lead, iron and other
heavy metals removed by suction gold miners. A suction
dredge engine is air cooled it adds nothing to the water and
is in fact an order of magnitude cleaner than your average
motor boat.
Doing No Environmental Harm
There is broad scientific evidence that suction dredging
effects are both temporary and localized. [Ref. 22] For every
study cited that claims dredging harms the environment
there are studies that refute that. Some of the most credible,
detailed and in-depth studies of suction dredging were
ignored in the Environmental Impact Report (US EPA
Similkameen and US EPA Forty Mile studies). Still, the
SEIR found no documented cases of environmental damage
from gold suction dredges.
Speculation and assumptions about effects that may occur
in the future completely disregard the real world of hard
evidence. The California SEIR disregarded the current state
of the environment while acknowledging that assuming a
state where suction dredging had never taken place was
“hypothetical” and did not reflect the real world. Despite
this acknowledgment the State of California pushed ahead
with a study that ignored the real world, used experiments
that were so flawed that results couldn’t be used and relied
on speculation instead of facts.
The modern suction gold dredge is the most environmentally friendly method of mining ever devised. It cleans our rivers of toxic
heavy metals and creates better habitat for our fisheries.
Mercury
Dredges do not add mercury to
rivers - they remove it. A California
Department of Water Resources Study
of lakes in historical gold mining areas
found no statistical relationship
between mercury levels and historical
gold mining areas [Ref. 11]. The
California Department of Health
Website states no case of mercury
poisoning has ever been recorded in
California due to eating fish [Ref. 17].
A US EPA study on mercury trends
[Ref. 1] found that mercury levels in the
two analyzed California Rivers, the
Sacramento and Klamath dropped in
mercury levels by over 3% in a study
period of 30 years. The drop in
mercury in the Sacramento River was
over 7% during the same study period.
Yet environmentalists claim the
mercury problem is getting worse. This
begs the question of which EPA study
are they citing that shows this?
Wildlife
Claims that suction dredging harms
wildlife are not backed up by science, facts
or documented cases. In 1,388 pages of the
environmental impact report not a single
case of documented harm was recorded
[Ref. 8]
A 2011 study by the US Park Service
observed a 10,000% increase in frog
populations following removal of non-
native trout. [Ref. 19] Similar studies have
proven the same results [Ref. 4].
Speculation that dredging harms salmon is
not backed up by evidence. In the 1994 EIR
the State of California states “On rivers
where dams have been constructed...suction
dredges can actually improve spawning
riffles.” [Ref. 21]
In the 1994 California EIR the State
concluded that “impacts to benthic
invertebrate communities...are transitory
and localized.” The science and the data
did not change from one study to the next,
but the State’s conclusions did.
Turbidity
Turbidity is simply the temporary
clouding of the water by silt disturbed while
moving gravel. A US EPA study on a 10”
suction dredge operation in Alaska found
that turbidity levels returned to normal
within 160 meters of the dredge [Ref. 24]
The 1994 California Environmental Impact
Report [Ref. 21] found the effects from
turbidity are “localized and temporary.”
While acknowledging that the local effects
can be significant the report goes on to state
that these effects dissipate rapidly and are
gone once the dredge shuts down. Turbidity
is simply the muddying of the water.
Muddy water clears rapidly downstream.
Trace Metals
The California Environmental Impact
Report states that the effects from trace
metals in suction dredging operations is a
“Significant and Unavoidable Impact”
without science or facts to back up the
claim.
The truth is no data supports this claim
while the best researched and documented
government study provided just the
opposite conclusion. [Ref. 20] “Results
showed that metals concentrations
discharged from small scale gold dredges
are not a significant concern for aquatic life
in the Similkameen River.” [Ref. 20] The
study went on to conclude “...water quality
concerns were probably negligible for
metals...”
This study was discarded by the
California Department of Fish and Game as
not being relevant to California Rivers
based on an assumption that Washington
Rivers were somehow different than
California waters.
The Truth about Suction Dredging
The modern gold dredge: small, clean and the most efficient
device in use for removing heavy metals from our rivers.
Support suction gold dredging and help rebuild our economy and preserve our western heritage
2. T H E W E S T E R N M I N I N G A L L I A N C E
2
The Western Mining Alliance www.thewma.org
Mining Claims Protect the Environment
There are over 55,000 Federal mining claims in California.
[Ref BLM Mining Claim Database] Suction gold dredging
and related activities occur throughout the State but are
concentrated in the gold bearing areas of the State known as
the Motherlode.
Almost 4% of the population of Sierra County own mining
claims and an even larger percentage are miners. Yet, Sierra
County is one of the most pristine and wild areas of the
State. Sierra County, and many other counties, are proof
that suction dredging and the environment coexist, while at
the same time creating jobs and tourism and create a
significant economic base.
Suction dredgers operate on Federal mining claims. A
mining claim is real property in every sense of the word as
held by courts. A mining claim, and mining is a right
granted by Congress in the 1872 Mining Law. As opposed
to all other outdoor activities miners hold a right to mine.
This right may not be prohibited or preempted and this
right has been upheld in Federal courts.
On average there is one suction dredger per half mile of
river. This extraordinarily low density of dredgers means
there are fewer dredges on the Yuba River on a summer day
than rafters. There are over 100,000 miles of waterways in
California and in 2009 there were about 3,500 dredge
permits issued.
The indiscriminate movement of river bottom is
economically not feasible. This self regulating effect is
motivated by time and money it is not the result of
government regulations.
Dredging and Wildlife
Environmentalist lawsuits to halt suction dredging are not
based in fact. The lawsuits to halt suction dredging began
with claims that suction dredging harmed endangered
salmon. There is not a shred of evidence to support this
claim. In recent government studies on endangered salmon
population counts have continued to drop. Even with a
complete halt in suction dredging salmon counts are not
recovering. [Ref. 24]
The continued decline of salmon has nothing to do with
suction dredging but suction dredges do provide the loose
gravel spawning grounds they require [Ref. 21].
Additionally, under existing regulations suction dredging in
salmon spawning rivers is not allowed during spawning
season.
Claims that suction dredging destroys invertebrate
populations, thus harming fish are unfounded. The
opposite is true. In an EPA study of large dredges operating
on the Forty Mile River of Alaska they found that
invertebrate populations had recovered to normal following
major dredging operations “Our results suggest that all
measures except macroinvertebrate density appear to fully
recover within 10 days since dredging.” [Ref. 22].
Further claims that a suction dredge may entrain (suck up)
insects and fish and kill them is again not supported by
government testing. “Those organisms that are entrained by
the dredge will not necessarily be killed. For example,
Griffith and Andrews (1981) examined 3,600 organisms and
reported less than 1% mortality for macroinvertebrates
entrained through a 3 inch suction dredge.” [Ref. 22]
Did you Know?
Despite the shrill cry of environmentalists here are the facts:
• In the California SEIR suction dredge study conducted on
the S. Fork of the Yuba River - while working in one of
the acknowledged mercury hotspots of California more
gold was found than mercury.
• In a 2005 study by the Regional Water Quality Board that
investigated whether a unmodified suction dredge could
be used to clean the river of mercury the study found that
a normal suction dredge was 98% efficient at mercury
recovery. [Ref. 7]
• Not one person has ever been sickened by mercury from
eating fish caught from California waters [Ref. 17]
• Environmentalists have proposed using a suction dredge
built in Canada to recover mercury using taxpayer funds
even though the environmentalist dredge operates at best
in the 93% efficiency range and worse for fine mercury.
[Ref. 6]
• The 1994 California SEIR found that suction dredging on
dammed rivers (almost all rivers in California) improves
salmon spawning grounds. [Ref. 21]
• Despite a two year ban on suction dredging salmon
counts on California rivers in 2011 were the lowest
numbers in over twenty years. [Ref. 24]
• The decimation of endangered amphibians is the result of
the CDFG fish stocking program. [Ref. 4]
• The 1994 and the 2012 Environmental Impact reports
found a 96% compliance rate by suction dredgers with
regulations. [Ref. 21]
Suction Dredge Facts
There are over 55,000 mining claims in California
3. T H E W E S T E R N M I N I N G A L L I A N C E
The Western Mining Alliance www.thewma.org
3
The Economics of
Dredging
Radical environmental groups like to claim that suction
gold dredging is merely recreational.
The Facts
Mining is a right guaranteed by Congress and this right has
been upheld by numerous court decisions. Mining, as
opposed to fishing or other outdoor activities, is guaranteed
by law. There is no definition in the 1872 mining law of a
recreational miner. Mining is hard work and despite the
method of mining all miners are seeking to recover valuable
minerals including suction dredging for gold.
Gold, even in very small quantities, is extremely valuable
and it would be the rare person that would not recover a
paying deposit of gold. The “recreational” miner becomes
professional very rapidly when a paying streak of gold is
found.
According to the US Geological Survey the combined gold
production from suction dredging in California would
qualify as the second largest producer of gold in the State.
With over 14,000 ounces of the precious metal produced by
independent suction dredgers the annual value of gold
recovered is $22 million in real value.
Tax Dollars
Mining claims produce tax revenue for local governments.
All mining claim holders pay property taxes. No other
outdoor user group pays property taxes on land they do not
own. There are 55,000 mining claims in California [Ref. 23].
Mining claims are real property and can be bought and sold
as real property. These transactions, like real estate are
taxed. The Western Mining Alliance estimates, based on
researching the BLM mining claim database, that 20% of
mining claims change hands each year resulting in $30
million in taxable real estate transactions. Despite wide
variances in how individual counties assess mining claims
the minimum property tax on a small mining claim is
approximately $50 per year. Some claims command much
higher property taxes based on their sale price, but a
conservative estimate of tax revenue would be $2.7 million
annually. Importantly, that’s almost $3 million in revenue
each and every year that goes into the local tax base.
Without a mining claim that same Federal land is not
taxable. Mining claims are an important source of tax
revenue for rural counties.
The Flip Side
During the forty years suction dredging was continuously
ongoing and producing jobs, tax revenue and creating small
businesses the cost to the State of California was zero.
According to testimony provided by the California
Department of Fish and Game in the court case Karuks vs.
Fish and Game the Department stated that the costs of
running the dredging program was entirely covered by
revenues from permitting.
The radical environmental groups who would shut suction
dredging down have cost the State over $5 million to date
while completely eliminating the $22 million in gold
produced by miners. To date the environmentalists have
cost the State:
1. Legal reimbursement to the environmental groups and
Karuk tribe for Karuks vs. CDFG
2. $2 million in program costs to produce the Subsequent
Environmental Impact Report
3. Legal reimbursement in Hillman vs. CDFG
4. Current lawsuit costs in PLP vs. State of California
challenging the legality of AB 120 / SB 670
5. Current lawsuits costs in PLP vs. CDFG challenging the
Subsequent EIR and the resultant regulations
In a cost/benefit analysis it’s clear that the State has lost
nearly $30 million a year as a result of extremist
environmental groups seeking to ban mining in California.
What was gained? During the thirty year period dredging
was ongoing the US EPA reported a 3% to 7% drop in
mercury levels in California. Did the mining ban reduce
mercury levels further? No. The fact is mercury is not a
threat to human health in the levels found in California
waters. In their zeal to find a fund raising banner the
environmentalists have picked mercury. Ironically, at the
same time these groups are seeking grant money to use
suction dredges to “remediate mercury.” [Ref. 6]
Miners Produce Jobs
Environmentalists do not create jobs with the sole exception
of creating an industry of litigation. Miners create jobs and
the gold recovered from mining produces the phones,
computers, Ipads and electronic systems that make the
world work.
The 1994 Environmental Impact Report conducted surveys
of small towns; miners and businesses to determine the
economic impact of mining and estimated that $24 million
was spent annually conducting suction dredge mining
during the four month mining season [Ref. 22]. Added to
the value of gold recovered, tax revenue and sales taxes the
value of the suction dredge industry is approximately $50
million per year. It should be noted this money is currently
not in the economy. When added to the costs to the State,
the current lost revenue for California is $60 million per
year to maintain the suction dredge ban. The benefit of the
ban is speculative at best.
Forty Years of Suction Gold Dredging Results in This
“Significant effect on the environment means a substantial adverse change in the environment.” California Environmental Quality Act Section 21068
4. T H E W E S T E R N M I N I N G A L L I A N C E
4
The Western Mining Alliance www.thewma.org
The SEIR and Regulations are Opposed By
Environmental extremism destroys jobs and the lives of working Americans. Suction gold dredging creates business; removes
toxins from the waterways and puts real money in the pockets of working people and local governments. The recently completed
$1.5m, 1,388 page SEIR is fatally flawed and will cause irreparable harm to hard working men and women - vote for dredging
County Governments
Siskiyou County
Organizations
Public Lands for the People
The Western Mining Alliance
The New 49ers
Shasta Prospectors
Rural Liberty Alliance
Wise Use Movement
Defend Rural America
North American Miners Association
Shasta Miners and Prospectors Association
Northwest Mineral Prospectors
Millennium Diggers
Plumas County Economic Recovery
Committee
Nevada County Libertarian Party
Shasta Miners and Prospectors Assoc.
Mariposa Gold Grubbers
Pacific Crest Alliance
Businesses
Audio On Hold
Trillium Research
Cold Canyon Mining
Rosewind Enterprises
ICMJ Mining and Prospecting Journal
WeGo Mining
Eclipse LED, LLC
Prospectors Depot
The Mine Shaft
49er Buckle Company
Waukeshaw Mine
Natural Gold Jewelry
Shasta Gold Corp
Elk Creek Campground and RV Park
Golden Caribou Mining Association
RCM Enterprises
Big Mountain Mining
Proline Mining
Southern California Skate and Surf
Rusty’s Gold and Treasure Hunting Supply
Action Mining Supply
Lost Sierra Mining Company
Gold Rush Trading Post
Heckler Fabrication
Placerworks
Jobe Wholesale
Gold Fever Prospecting
Wind Power Generations
Levine Plumbing
Miners Cache
Goldminers Outpost
Old Hawaii Coffee Company
Alaska Mining and Diving Supply
49er Mining and Supply
AAA Precious Metals
Adventures in Prospecting
Brainn Manufacturing
Bucket Digger
Fossickers
Mad Mining
Make Your Own Gold Bars
Millenium Diggers
Miners Creek Prospectors Innovation
Nuggetville Supply Company
Olde West Gun and Loan
Pioneer Mining
ProGold Prospecting
Roaring Camp Mining
Royal Manufacturing Industries
Summit Mining and Equipment
Vac Pac
Precision Dredge and Savannah
Engineering
China Placer Mine
Individuals
Congressman Tom McLintock, US
Congress
Senator Ted Gaines, California 1st District
Bill Connelley, Butte County Supervisor
Lee Adams, Sierra County Supervisor
District One
John D’Agolstini, Sheriff El Dorado County
Rick Dozier, miner, Vacaville
Ron Kliewer, journalist
Kim Yanaguchi, Dist 5 Butte County
Jon A. Becker, President NWMP
Oly and Robbie Collum, Owners Elk Creek
Campground
Assemblyman Dan Logue
Marcia Armstrong, Dist 5 Supervisor,
Siskiyou County
References
1. Chalmers, A.T. et al (2010) Mercury Trends in Fish from Rivers and Lakes in the United States, December 2009
2. George, W., US Geological Survey (2010) Domestic Gold Production
3. Greene, J.C. and Wise, C., (2007) Turbidity and the Effects of Scale, Greene Environmental
4. Knapp, R.A, et al (1996), Non-Native Trout in Natural Lakes of the Sierra Nevada, an Analysis on Their Distribution and Impacts on Wildlife
5. Knapp, R.A. et al (2003) Developing Probabilistic Models to Predict Amphibian Site Occupancy in a Patchy Environment
6. Monohan, C et al (2011), Mechanical Mercury Extraction Process - Test Results at Combie Reservoir
7. State of California, California Water Board (2005), Mercury Losses and Recovery During a Suction Dredge Test in the South Fork of the American River
8. State of California, Department of Fish and Game (2010) Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Study, Suction Dredging, Appendix F - Miner Survey
9. State of California, Department of Toxic Substance Control (2002) Mercury Report
10. State of California, Public Resources Code (As amended 2010), California Environmental Quality Act
11. State of California, The Resources Department (2007) Mercury Contamination in Fish in Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs
12. Prussian, A.M., et al (1997). Suction Dredging Effects on Water Quality. US EPA
13. US Geological Survey (2010) The Effects of Sediment and Mercury Mobilization in the South Yuba River Watershed
14. US Geological Survey (2002), Anthropogenic Sources of Atmospheric Mercury
15. US Environmental Protection Agency (1997) Mercury Report to Congress
16. US Environmental Protection Agency (1995) Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Wildlife
17. State of California, Department of Health, www.oehha.ca.gov/fish/hg, June 2012
18. Plumas County Economic Recovery, Statement on Suction Dredging Economic Impact, March 2012
19. US National Park Service, Restoration of Native Species in High Elevation Aquatic Ecosystems, 2011
20. State of Washington, Effects of Small Scale Gold Dredging on Arsenic, Copper, Lead, and Zinc Concentrations in the Similkameen River, Johnson, et. al, 2005
21. State of California, Environmental Impact Report on Suction Dredging, 1994
22. US Environmental Protection Agency, Impact of suction dredging on water quality, benthic habitat, and biota in the Fortymile River, Resurrection Creek, and Chatanika River, Alaska, Prussian et. al, June 1999
23. US Bureau of Land Management, LR2000 Mining Claim Database, 2012
24. US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, Technical Memorandum, Status Review update for Pacific Salmon and Steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act, Draft February 2011