The Buzz
Arizona's abandoned mines
Mar 10, 2023
In Arizona, abandoned mines pose significant risks to both safety and the environment. Ongoing cleanup efforts focus on sealing these dangerous sites, such as those in Prescott National Forest. The health impacts on local communities from hazardous waste are explored, alongside measures taken for environmental remediation. The podcast also delves into the historical significance of these mines in local culture and the complexities of defining their impact. Innovative methods are developed to map and manage these hazardous sites effectively.
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Quick takeaways
- Arizona is grappling with potentially hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines, posing risks to humans and wildlife due to hazardous conditions.
- Efforts to seal and clean up these sites involve collaboration among agencies and innovative solutions like building consolidation cells to manage contaminated waste.
Deep dives
The Scope of Arizona's Abandoned Mine Problem
Arizona faces a significant issue with abandoned mines, with estimates ranging from about 1,300 to over 200,000 sites in the state. The discrepancy in numbers highlights the complexity of defining what constitutes a mine, with some being merely exploratory holes. These abandoned sites pose numerous dangers, including the risk of accidents for both humans and wildlife, as well as environmental contamination due to hazardous waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated several of these problem areas, such as the Iron King Mine, as Superfund sites due to the severe pollution caused by historical mining practices.
