The Afterthought Mine has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List, reflecting its significance as a site requiring immediate investigation and cleanup due to hazardous contaminant release.
Contaminated water from the mine contains 100 times the acute risk level for cadmium, and 1,200 times for copper, suggesting severe environmental hazards.
EPA geologist John Hillenbrand warns that the acid drainage from the mine could have a devastating impact on local fish populations, highlighting environmental risks.
While the water contamination poses limited threats to humans, the mine’s waste and tailings could endanger local public safety and ecosystems.
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