Slavik reported in late January 2024 that [of course] Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District President Wilfred Korth is trying to get the attention of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality before it’s too late....[Too late?? Fear Pandering right off by Lavik].
Uranium Energy Corp is a U.S.-based uranium production and exploration company
operating North America's newest uranium mine.
Uranium Energy Corporation’s permit for its surface mining of uranium in the Ander area is up for renewal, according to Korth. He would like the TCEQ to conduct a public meeting in Goliad County for residents to voice their concerns about the effects of the mining on the groundwater. [Here are the ol 'concerns' popping up again for no reason other than the limelight, and for pandering anti-uranium mining. Remember, NO uranium drilling or in situ mining project ever contaminated drinking water in Texas. Yes, be vigilant, but have credible consultants to tell you when something has gone awry.]
“The permit is basically the same, and that’s part of the issue,” Korth said. “They didn’t submit any new data on the area that they’re looking at mining, even though we know from the water well tests that we’ve done that things have changed.” [What? Where is the proof or is this just more BS?]
Korth said the mining that UEC has planned could stir up the aquifers that are used to draw drinking water.
“Once they potentially put arsenic and other pollutants into that water, it’s not going to be the same quality to drink.” [More nonsense BS]
Almost 13 years ago, the TCEQ approved permits for two UEC injection wells to dispose of uranium mining waste underground. Backlash from the GCGCD and county residents convinced the TCEQ to make significant changes in the permit. According to Korth, no uranium mining has occurred under current permits. [More BS].
In a letter to the TCEQ dated April 11, the GCGCD requested the TCEQ conduct a public meeting “for the benefit of Goliad County citizens.” According to Korth, the TCEQ has not issued a deadline for setting a public meeting.
“There is no deadline now, but it could happen any day,” Korth said. “All of a sudden, we’ll get a notice.” [Of course; Nothing is wrong with that]
Korth said UEC submitted its request to renew the permit in December 2020. The GCGCD sent its comments on the permit to the TCEQ in April.
“From our previous experience, we know that if we don’t get a lot of citizens to express their concerns, the state won’t grant the hearing." [The State is doing what it is supposed to]
Willfred Korth, GCGCD President
In the letter to the TCEQ, the GCGCD contended:
“The original mining permit application was filed with two faults in the area of review (AOR). The contested case regarding this permit only addressed two faults in the AOR. As currently understood, there are many more faults in the AOR.” [Even if there are faults, doesn't mean they are permeable; even so, any migration would be incredibly slow in porous media. More leaping to conclusions without sound professional advice.]
The GCDC also claims in the letter that UEC’s proposed activities in the area would “adversely affect public health and welfare.” [More BS]
Requests for a public meeting can be made directly by the public to the TCEQ on the TCEQ website. The UEC did not return an attempt by the Advance-Guard seeking comment. [Why should they?]
“From our previous experience, we know that if we don’t get a lot of citizens to express their concerns, the state won’t grant the hearing,” Korth said. [Especially if there is no reason for such meetings, which would be unnecessary fear-pandering coming out of Korth].
For more information on the permit or requesting a public meeting, residents should call the GCGCD office at 361-645-1716.
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