Coconino County, Arizona (3TV/CBS 5) — A uranium mine is operating less than 10 miles from the Grand Canyon and within the new Grand Canyon National Monument that President Biden proclaimed last summer.

The mine has raised concerns among local tribes, environmental groups and Coconino County leaders, who are now discussing what can be done.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has expressed disapproval of the uranium mine in the past. On Tuesday, they voted to affirm their disapproval and require the state to take steps to monitor the mine's impact.

This land is protected under new monument status. But because of mining laws that are more than 150 years old, Energy Fuels already had the rights to the uranium mine, which began operations late last year.

Havasupai leaders said they were concerned about the potential lasting impact that uranium leaked into the mine's underground aquifer could have on their sacred land.

Arizona's family recently spoke to the Grand Canyon Trust about their concerns. Energy Director Amber Raymond said she is also concerned about the impact on tribes and the environment. “The reason the Grand Canyon Trust is involved is because it impacts both the canyon and its precious water resources, as the tribes are occupying space that they have used, visited, and occupied for centuries. ,” Raymond said. “This is very important to the Havasupai people.”

Supervisors shared that uranium from the mine will be transported through Flagstaff, where most of the county's population lives. They said there is no common safety plan in case an accident occurs on that route.

So with this vote, they are calling for the closure of the mine as a whole. If not, at least the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to see more frequent testing of water and air quality at mine sites and along transportation routes.

They also want to share that data with the public on a monthly basis. Finally, they want his 1980 environmental impact statement for the mine to be reevaluated.

They say all this is to protect the tribe, the county and the millions of people who visit the Grand Canyon each year.

“Just to be clear, this is the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world,” said District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman. “This is an area of ​​deep historical, cultural, geographical, recreational and spiritual significance.”

Mine representatives said they were not concerned about contamination and were working with the state government to ensure compliance with regulations.

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