Protect Montana’s Smith River from Arsenic

Tintina Resources wants to mine for copper at the headwaters of the Smith River. This spring, Earthworks and MEIC challenged Tintina’s plans for a massive exploration tunnel, and the company withdrew its application.

Now, the mining company has submitted plans for pump tests to evaluate the hydrology of the area before it submits a full mine proposal. Its pump test proposal involves pumping roughly 1 million gallons of arsenic-laden groundwater, and spraying it over 40 acres of land at the headwaters of the river. They hope the arsenic will be taken up by the plants, and not reach headwater streams or groundwater.

This isn’t the best way. It’s just the cheapest.

Full Story and the way you can help: http://org.salsalabs.com/o/676/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=16078

Please share this with anyone who understands the beauty of the Smith, has floated through its gorgeous canyons or knows how to spell Smith…