by Bob Spitzer, Stevensville
I keep hearing about the possibility of mining rare-earth minerals near the headwaters of the Bitterroot River. Apparently, these minerals are important for everything from cellphones to national defense.
I understand that. I am not opposed to mining, jobs or national security. I am rather fond of all three. But I am also fond of clean water, and I have yet to find a cellphone that will water a hayfield, support trout or fill a family’s drinking glass.
The current proposal is described as “exploration,” not a full-scale mine. That sounds reassuring until you learn that the exploration could involve drilling, blasting, enlarging an old mine tunnel and removing approximately 3,000 tons—or six million pounds—of rock.
That is quite an exploration. When I explore my refrigerator, I seldom need explosives or a helicopter.
The real question is not whether America needs rare-earth minerals. It does. The question is whether the headwaters of the Bitterroot River are the right place to take this particular risk.
Water runs downhill. That scientific discovery did not require a government grant. Sheep Creek flows into the West Fork, then Painted Rocks Reservoir and eventually the Bitterroot River. If contamination occurs at the top, it will not stop at the company property line and ask permission before continuing downstream.
Before any ground is disturbed, we should require a complete and independent environmental review with genuine public participation. Surface water and groundwater should be tested to establish a baseline. The rock should be independently examined for asbestos-form minerals and radioactive materials. The company should also post a financial bond large enough to cover the worst credible accident—not merely the most convenient estimate.
Promises are wonderful things, but they do not clean rivers. If the company is confident that its operation is safe, it should welcome independent testing, public scrutiny and enforceable safeguards.
This should not be a Republican or Democratic issue. Polluted water does not check voter registration before flowing downstream.
The minerals may be valuable, but so is the Bitterroot River. Minerals can be mined elsewhere. The Bitterroot cannot be replaced elsewhere.
Until independent science proves that this project will not endanger our water, wildlife, farms and communities, my answer is simple: not at the headwaters, and certainly not on the fast track.
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