Officials set aside $200,000 proposed uranium mine

Fearing contamination in the Evangeline Aquifer, Goliad County has joined with ranchers, environmentalists and economic development groups to fight a proposed uranium mine.

The Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District said it measured an increase in minerals and iron in wells during the past year as Uranium Energy Corp. explored for uranium in the area. The minerals resulted in clogged filters and discolored water.

County officials joined with the Sierra Club, local ranchers and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council recently to announce their intentions to fight the mine.

Goliad County, which has about 7,000 residents and is about 80 miles southeast of San Antonio, has allotted $200,000 for the campaign.

"It is our county. It is our water, and it is our future," said Art Dohmann, president of the groundwater district.

Uranium Energy Corp., which has offices in Canada and the southwestern United States, is seeking a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a full-scale mining operation.

Company officials couldn't be reached for comment, but they have said that their exploration for uranium has nothing to do with the well contamination. They have cited a letter from the state Railroad Commission that blames the contamination on "natural sources."

The company would use a method known as in situ mining, which involves injecting an oxygenated solution into the ground to help mobilize and leach out the uranium.

Local officials fear that the mining is changing the flow of the Evangeline Aquifer, which could flush high levels of radium into the drinking supply. Radium has been found in test wells. The groundwater district commissioned an engineering study, which found that its concerns were valid.

High levels of iron and minerals have been measured in a well owned by goat rancher Mary Anklam, whose property is near the operation. She said she lost several interested buyers when they found out her Boer goats were raised near the proposed uranium mine.

"They are afraid the babies will be deformed or that they won't be able to eat the meat," she said. "Last year, I had people coming saying, 'I'll buy every baby that hits the ground.' "

Pat Calhoun, president of the Goliad County Farm Bureau, said the uncertainty is a problem, whether or not the mine's threat is real. He said he's been unable to find solid information on what long-term exposure would do to livestock.

"There are no answers to our questions. That's the point," he said.

"Nobody knows."