The satellite image above shows Moab, UT.  The Colorado River flows from the top left to the bottom left.  Northwest of the river, there is an estimated 16 million tons of uranium mill tailings which are currently being removed and the land reclaimed.  Surrounding Moab, are lands used to raise cattle, grow crops, 4-Wheel, hike, and bike.  All the drinking water for the community comes from a large sandstone aquifer, which is recharged from precipitation falling in the local area.  Minor livestock and rural wells tap shallower aquifer systems.

http://www.moabtailings.org/index.htm

http://www.theprospector.com/html/moab1.html

http://www.gjem.energy.gov/moab/

http://planetsave.com/2009/06/05/uranium-tailings-removed-from-moab-site/

From the assigned readings, answer the following questions:

1. Where did the Uranium come from?
2. What factors drove the demand for Uranium and how did those factors change over time?
3. Why were the Uranium tailings stored north of Moab?

Long-term storage of mining waste has impacts on the surrounding environment. Using the image above, complete the following tasks on your copy of the topographic map :

1. Using an orange pencil, indicate areas of aquifer recharge (typically higher topography).
2. Using a blue pencil, indicate areas of aquifer discharge (where water is at surface).
3. Use blue arrows to indicate the direction of subsurface flow.
4. Use a brown pencil to indicate industrial areas.
5. Use a green pencil to indicate agricultural areas.
6. Use a red pencil to indicate recreational areas.
7. Indicate with yellow, the sources of domestic water supply.

Answer the following:

1. List and describe the potential pollution sources and their pollutants to the
1. Colorado River
2. Domestic Water Supply
3. What specific impacts might these pollutants have on people living in the area?
4. What strategies should the community use to decrease potential impacts of water pollutants?