Friday, Oct 7 2011 3:45PM
Some tribes and environmentalists in Nevada are trying to halt the expansion of a gold mine, citing concerns about water and air quality.
Native American tribes in Nevada, along with environmentalists, are trying to keep a 2009 court order intact that would prevent the expansion of a gold mine in the state amid fears the work would diminish the area's air and water quality.
The Associated Press reports a case is being filed against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on behalf of the groups, who say an environmental impact study conducted by BLM wasn't comprehensive.
"We have great concerns when large corporations and the federal government can trample our natural resources," Bryan Cassadore, chairman of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, told the AP. "The spring water and natural resources of rural Nevada has always been important to the Western Shoshone Indians for thousands of years and continues to be."
Additionally, lawyers for the tribes and environmentalists told the news source BLM doesn't have a quality plan in place for the expansion of gold mine operations, citing little efforts to protect the groundwater near the mine site.
The National Environmental Policy Act mandates a thorough investigation of projects on federal land to ensure air and water quality standards are maintained for nearby communities.
For further reference, check out this source:
The Associated Press