Selenium (Se) and Phosphate Mining in Southeast Idaho

Smoky Canyon Mine. Taken from, http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/awetzler/ WindowsLiveWriter/AsgoesIdahosogoestheNation_11818/PanelF_after_2.jpg

Found in Fertilizers

Used in flares and match tips

Used in Pesticides and herbicides for agriculture

Also found in: toothpaste, soda pop, detergents, and roundup.

Phosphorous (P) from phosphate ores

Match tips containing phosphoroushttp://img.ehowcdn.com/article-page-main/ehow/images/a06/cp/et/obtain-red-phosphorus-800x800.jpg. Taken by,

Roundup containing prosperous. Taken by, http://makanaka.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/roundup3.jpg

Toothpaste containing phosphorous. Taken by, http://www.ida.org.in/Information/newimages/tooth-paste.jpg

Soda pop containing phosphorus. Taken by, http://s4.hubimg.com/u/3845251_f260.jpg

Mines in Caribou County. Taken by, http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3424564834_8515a7b5f2.jpgEastern Idaho phosphate mines. Taken by, http://archive.sltrib.com/images/2007/0921/024342_phosphate-mines-pollution.gif

Phosphate mines east of Soda Springs

Selenium in the water

Selenium in Monsanto's runoff stream. Taken from, http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfWHfQIzgaw/TgePGYR8CjI/AAAAAAAACzY/MFwWy_m9-hw/s1600/run+off.jpg

Orphan (inactive) mines not closed properly

Selenium rich mine tailings dumped near streams

Top soil non existent in some reclaimed sites

Cause:

Reclaimed Phosphate mine

Abandoned mine in southeast Idaho. Taken by, http://patagonia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d07fd53ef0147e299eb68970b-500wi

1. Plants absorb the selenium from streams and surface runoff

2. Some cows, sheep, fish, and wildlife diagnosed with chronic selenosis (selenium poisoning)

3. Humans consume fish and wildlife containing high levels of selenium

Result

Left: cow died from selenium poisoning. Taken from, http://www.cariboucleanwater.org/images/dead-cow-8-20-09.jpg

Cows with selenium poisoning

Right: cow with chronic selenosis. Taken by, http://patagonia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d07fd53ef014e5f3ecb70970c-500wi

Selenium occurs naturally in our bodies, however when concentrated into high doses can lead to Chronic Selenosis (selenium poisoning) and even death

Drinking water derived from contaminated streams in the

area may be harmful due to high levels of selenium

Consuming Fish, wildlife, and domestic animals that graze in pastures near contaminated streams may also be harmful if Selenium levels are great enough

Risk to humans

Pros Cons

Fertilizers Selenium released into local water system

Herbicides and Pesticides Harmful to landscape

Foods Killing plants and animals - Chronic selenosis (Selenium poisoning)

Toothpaste and soap detergents Humans consuming plants and wildlife rich in Selenium may be harmful

Pros and Cons of mining phosphate in Southeast Idaho

Many mines have been in violation of the clean water act for nearly a decade from high selenium levels.

5 Phosphate mine companies in Southeast Idaho: J.R. Simplot Company, Monsanto, Rhodia, NuWest Industries (Agrium), and Astaris (formally FMC) produce more than 5.4 million metric tons of ore per year

The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is still accepting new mine proposals for the area

3 of the approximately 13-17 orphan mines are now superfund sites (Smoky Canyon Mine, Valley Mine, and South Rasmussen Ridge Mine) all located in Caribou County

Did you know

Buck, Jones, Brian, Jeffery. "Interagency/Industry coordination at phosphate mines in Southeastern Idaho. "http://www.fs.fed.us. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct 2011. <http://www.fs.fed.us/geology/buck-jones.pdf>.

"Idaho: Phosphate Mining - Poisoning Lands, Waters, Wildlife. "http://www.greateryellowstone.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct 2011. <http://www.greateryellowstone.org/issues/lands/Feature.php?id=287

Blanchard, Tom. "Hard rock and Phosphate Mining in Idaho. "http://www.wildwhiteclouds.org. March 2002, n.d. Web. 4 Oct 2011. <http://www.wildwhiteclouds.org/news_mining_IdahoMiningRpt.pdf>.

References