Chapter
The Deadly Legacy of Uranium Mining
46:30 - 50:49 (04:18)
The biggest expulsion of radioactive material in the US happened on July 16th, 1979, when a dam broke at the Church Rock uranium mill, and even the best designed mine operations have to figure out what to do with toxic tailings.
Clips
The Church Rock uranium mill's dam broke in 1979, causing the biggest expulsion of radioactive material in the United States' history, contaminating the nearby river with toxic sludge, leading to numerous health issues and casualties.
46:30 - 50:05 (03:34)
Radioactive contamination
Summary
The Church Rock uranium mill's dam broke in 1979, causing the biggest expulsion of radioactive material in the United States' history, contaminating the nearby river with toxic sludge, leading to numerous health issues and casualties.
ChapterThe Deadly Legacy of Uranium Mining
EpisodeHow Uranium Mining Works
PodcastStuff You Should Know
Companies are required to engage in a reclamation bond that sets aside a specific amount of their budget to clean up land after use.
50:05 - 50:49 (00:44)
Land Management
Summary
Companies are required to engage in a reclamation bond that sets aside a specific amount of their budget to clean up land after use. Fines for breaking these rules can cost up to a quarter of a million dollars.