Beware the Hidden Threats Beneath

Concerns over uranium contamination by tribes are raised, yet arsenic, associated with uranium deposits, poses a more significant risk. A geological survey reveals high arsenic levels in Arizona's groundwater, which, despite being naturally occurring, could be amplified by mining activities. Initial effects on groundwater would likely manifest in shallow systems near mines. The survey indicates that groundwater contamination is improbable if mine shafts remain dry and liners of containment ponds are intact. The issues of groundwater management intertwine deeply with tribal rights and economic development debates, attracting criticism from local lawmakers regarding federal decisions.