Goliad vs. Uranium: Why This Texas County Is Saying ‘No’ to Mining
The Goliad County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution opposing uranium mining within the county in Texas. This action comes in response to the Uranium Energy Corp (NYSE: URC) application to renew its permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to continue uranium mining operations in the northwestern part of the county.
The resolution follows a public meeting organized by TCEQ, where Goliad residents expressed overwhelming opposition to the mining activities. Goliad County Judge Mike Bennett emphasized the community’s unified stance against the operations, stating, “It was well attended. There was a lot of passionate discussion during that meeting. I think it’s safe to say that the people that attended that meeting do not want uranium mining in their county.”
The primary concern voiced by residents and officials alike is the potential contamination of the county’s water table, which is crucial for the local ecosystem and economy. Precinct 1 Commissioner Kenneth Edwards articulated this anxiety, drawing a stark analogy: “It just boggles me that they would consider taking any chance at all with messing up our water table, and the science says it can’t happen, but we all know it can.”
Edwards’ skepticism about the assurances provided by UEC and the state’s environmental agencies reflects a deep-rooted mistrust, particularly when it comes to the risks associated with ISR mining. This method involves injecting a solution into the ground to dissolve uranium deposits and then pumping the solution back to the surface, a process that critics argue can lead to irreversible contamination of groundwater.
Goliad County’s opposition is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, ongoing struggle in Texas over uranium mining. Historically, the state has been a significant site for uranium extraction, especially during the Cold War era when demand for nuclear fuel was high. However, the legacy of uranium mining in Texas is marred by environmental degradation and legal battles over contamination.
For instance, in the late 2000s, environmentalists and residents in South Texas called for a moratorium on uranium mining, highlighting the dangers posed by weak state regulations. A report by the Alliance of Texans for Uranium Research and Action found that at 51 out of 80 sites, the TCEQ had relaxed water quality standards, failing to enforce initial restoration requirements.
Goliad County’s economy heavily relies on ecotourism, ranching, and hunting, all of which depend on a clean and sustainable water supply. The resolution passed by the Commissioners Court underscores this dependency, stating that “the role of groundwater and surface water interaction in sustaining the fragile ecosystem within Goliad County is important.” The document further stresses that the county’s economic health is “highly dependent upon a reliable source of groundwater.”
The ISR method’s potential to lower water quality is viewed as a significant threat, as outlined in the resolution: “Uranium intrusion, uranium contamination, and lowered water quality are risks from the in-situ uranium mining.”
UEC, which operates several ISR projects in South Texas as part of its hub-and-spoke strategy, has been seeking to renew its permit for continued operations in Goliad County. The company has a track record of securing permits, despite public opposition.
In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partially withdrew an aquifer exemption previously granted to UEC for its Goliad project, citing insufficient data to ensure that the area would not serve as a future drinking water source. This withdrawal was hailed as a victory by local residents and environmentalists, yet UEC has continued its operations in other parts of Texas.
The upcoming TCEQ meeting on August 28, 2024, is expected to be another flashpoint. The Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District has already announced its intention to present its case against the permit renewal, likely escalating the legal battle. As the district noted on its Facebook page, this fight is not just about one permit but about setting a precedent for how groundwater resources are managed and protected in Texas.
Goliad County’s resistance to uranium mining may indeed set a precedent, as highlighted by various environmental advocacy groups. If successful, it could embolden other counties in Texas and beyond to take a firmer stand against similar projects, potentially reshaping the landscape of uranium mining regulation in the United States.
Information for this briefing was found via South Texas News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
