The EPA recently announced its approval of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s (WDEQ) request to allow the expansion of uranium mining in Sweetwater County.
This approval provides a green light for projects in the Battle Springs Formation, an aquifer located throughout the Great Divide basin in south-central Wyoming. Working with the WDEQ, the EPA determined that the aquifer, which contains uranium, isn’t a current and won’t serve as a future source of drinking water. The decision allows Lost Creek ISR, LLC, to expand its underground mining operations.
“Today’s decision will enable responsible energy development of critical uranium resources while protecting the groundwater of communities in Wyoming and create blue collar jobs along the way,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western in an EPA news release. “This is what the Trump administration is about – restoring American energy dominance while ensuring clean air and water.”
The Underground Injection Control (UIC) program prohibits the injection of fluids into aquifers like Battle Springs unless the EPA exempts the portion containing commercially producible minerals, including uranium, that can be dissolved and extracted. The WDEQ issued a Class III injection well permit for this project.
“This is a win for uranium production in Wyoming,” said Senator John Barrasso in the Agency’s release. “Nuclear power is clean and reliable and creates good paying jobs. Expanding uranium mining in the Battle Springs Formation will help ensure Wyoming continues to lead the United States in uranium production.”
“President Trump’s decision to expand uranium mining in the Battle Springs Formation is a watershed moment for Wyoming’s energy economy that not only recognizes our state’s vital role in the nation’s critical mineral supply chain but better positions us to achieve energy independence,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis. “By allowing Lost Creek ISR to expand their underground mining operations, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin are demonstrating their commitment to Wyoming’s hardworking families while ensuring we engage in responsible resource development that will strengthen Wyoming’s economy and America’s energy security for generations to come.”
“The WDEQ is pleased that EPA has concurred with Wyoming’s assessment and conclusion that the aquifer exemption is protective of drinking water sources and consistent with state and federal law,” WDEQ Director Todd Parfitt saidin the news release.“This action will allow for the responsible development of uranium resources while ensuring drinking water sources are protected.”
Opponents of underground injections cite numerous issues, including:
- Well failures and leaks
- Increased seismic activity due to fluid injection
- Inadequate regulations to properly address risks
- A lack of regular monitoring and maintenance
- Long-term storage issues
“Uranium mining faces significant opposition from environmental groups, Native American tribes, and local communities concerned about health and environmental impacts,” notes law firm Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. “This tension between economic/energy needs and environmental/social concerns will likely continue to shape the industry’s development.”