Where do we go from here?
As evidence mounts on our drinking water problems, the question is, “Where do we go from here?” Going through the data that is being done by many independent organizations leads one to believe that we have not been given the truth about our water quality, even when the regulatory agency information shows that there is a serious water quality problem. In the following, I will try to explain to what I am referring.
Let us look at the Clyde Mine situation. Of the several tests taken, only one test showed a safe level. Yet, that test was suspect. The test used was the 903.1 test for Radium 226. This test is used for drinking water not for water containing high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS). Mine water has extremely high levels of TDS.
Research has shown that when using the 903.1 testing for Radium 226, the testing can be off by 100 to 1000 times. The more accurate test for Radium 226 is the Gamma Spec Test; however, after repeated requests to the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to use the Gamma Spec Test, the DEP has refused to do the test. This is very suspect to me.
Let me go on to the other chemicals that were not in compliance. The following are the DEP results for samples taken in June of 2016. The Specific conductance was 8370 µs; the allowable limit is 1000 µs (suggested). TDS was 7266 mg/L; the acceptable limit is 500 mg/L. Sulfate was 3630 mg/L; the acceptable limit is 250 mg/L. Chloride was 812 mg/l and the acceptable value is 250 mg/L. The Bromide was 5086 ppb (as of April 2016) and there is no standard for Bromide. Calcium level was 263 mg/L and the acceptable level is 250 mg/L. Sodium level was 1980 mg/L and the acceptable level is 500 mg/L. Iron was 1.666 mg/L and acceptable level is 0.3 mg/L. Manganese was 2.258 mg/l and the acceptable level is 0.05 mg/L. Osmotic pressure was 136 MOS/KG and the acceptable level is 50. MOS/KG
As you can see from these testings, the results show that the Clyde Mine discharge is out of compliance. This data was obtained from the DEP testing done November 1, 2016. This is the DEP’s own data. The question remains, “What has been done to correct the problem?” To my knowledge, NOT A THING has been done to address these problems. In fact, it took several years for the DEP to even admit there may be a problem with the Clyde Mine discharge.
Don’t they believe their own data?
Now, if we take this data and add it to the chemicals found in South Western Water Authority, the problem in our drinking water grows and grows. Many of the new found chemicals in our drinking water were not here until the drilling started. Is there a correlation to drilling and these chemicals? I will let you decide for yourself.
The Clyde Mine situation is not good, but from early evidence it is beginning to show that the Dilworth Mine discharge may even be much worse. The one thing that is very evident is that the Bromide levels coming from the Dilworth Mine are much higher than those from the Clyde Mine discharges. Further data and research will reveal what is the actual status from the Dilworth discharge.
We know these discharges can be cleaned and should be cleaned. The Cumberland Mine is proof that the water can be cleaned. Early reports from the Cumberland Mine are showing progress toward clean water. In fact, the mine is actually recycling their cleaned water. This is a good sign for our raw drinking water supplies, but we have a long way to go.
The problem is compounded by the fact that some regulatory agencies fail to address the problems. The political office holders must recognize these problems and question the DEP’s water testing and force them to address the problems. To those who think the water discharge from the Clyde Mine is okay and it is time to move on, well, look at the testing data. The discharge from the Clyde Mine is not okay and instead of sweeping it under the carpet, ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT. The residents deserve it.
For the NRA members, don’t forget the NRA banquet in Carmichaels on Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m.
Educate yourselves on these problems and demand better. It is the right thing to do. And, always remember we have an obligation to our Maker to do what is right.