First Sulfates, Now Asbestos: The GTAC Toxic Stew Thickens
One step backwards for that mine, two steps backwards, as it seems asbestos rain is in the forecast. Thirty-five years of mountain-top dynamiting, open-pit excavating, milling and trucking could put those fibers in the air, drinking, fishing and rice-growing waters.
Asbestos mineral fibers have been found in a rock sample at the site of a proposed iron ore mine by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The agency said Monday that asbestos was confirmed by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey recently after a DNR geologist visiting the site last spring suspected the rock contained telltale fibers of the known carcinogen.
Another scientist told Wisconsin Public Radio:
“What’s really a surprise is the abundance of it, at least in this one location,” he says. “The [asbestos]is probably 60 percent of the rock. That is the richest rock I’ve ever seen.”
This should do wonders for tourism in the Hurley, Mercer and Manitowish Waters area. Who wouldn't want to rent or own a cabin downwind from a fine-particle asbestos dump?
ReplyDeleteTourism is northern Wisconsin's heritage and it's future -- toxic mining, not so much.