Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some fauna and flora.

"Of a major concern is the possibility that continual exposure to relatively
low levels of these heavy metals through the consumption of these fauna and flora may entail adverse health effect."

Gbaruko, B. C. & Friday, O. U. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in some fauna and flora. International Journal of Environmental Sciences Technology 4, 197-202 (2007). URL \#.

Blueberries and Mining - An Agricultural Dilemma!

Mining causes a variety of pollution problems and can reduce the natural "scrub" of the landscape. Minnesota has a thriving blueberry industry but with pollution -- there will be inevitable crop declines because pollution and changes in water flow will harm the plants and pollution will effect the numbers of bees. Bees... like natural environments which is free of chemicals. Pollution of this sort will also effect other crops including Christmas trees. Blueberries of the Minnesota region offer a distinct flavor that is beneficial for cooking and baking. It is also one of the healthiest of all foods. Destruction of the soil and their water habitats could do great harm and they may never recover.

Read more: A Sticky Situation for Pollinators: Minnesota DNR

Rufus Isaacs Explains Bees and Blueberries

Considering the reduction in bee colonies -- it is pretty good assumption that sulfide mining is not gonna help this! Water loss and changes in water flow will not either!

Tourism vs. Mining: Which Will the Great Lakes Region Choose for its Economic Future?

The disaster at Massey’s West Virginia Upper Big Branch mine is an example of unenforced regulations. Reports now show that safety inspectors were not given access to the mines that took the lives of 29 miners when it collapsed last April......

"They disrupt the hydrologic regime underground and the groundwater flows differently than it did before. When you raise the pH, you create a different set of problems chemically and water quality-wise. It is better, but they are not going to be able to create a situation where there are no adverse effects to the groundwater and water quality." Oh, there goes the blueberry crop!

Read more here.

State board gets potential stake in PolyMet mining project

Eveleth, Minn. — A state agency could become part owner of a controversial copper-nickel mine proposed in northern Minnesota. Read more here..

Olfactory Maternal Exposure to Both Metals & Chemicals Enhance Neurotoxic Effect in Fetus~!

Maternal exposure to PAHs by nose-only has a negative effect on the fetus. There is a potentiating effect between PAHs and metals. Metals can alter the binding of Sp1 and in this study, we also see that PAHs disturb Sp1 and may contribute to neurotoxicity in utero.

Darryl. MODULATION IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL EXPRESSION PROFILE OF Sp1 SUBSEQUENT TO TRANSPLACENTAL EXPOSURE OF FETAL RATS TO DESORBED BENZO[a]PYRENE FOLLOWING MATERNAL INHALATION. Inhalation Toxicology 12, 511-535 (2010). URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/089583700402897. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8425830

For more on the topic of how metals and pollution contribute to environmental disease...see:
*Greenhouse Gases and Environmental Illness
*Toxins and Their Effects on Bones and Development  

Cravaack says he'll push for two new mines

Republican Rep.-elect Chip Cravaack said Monday that he will push to open two new precious metals mines in northeastern Minnesota as he prepares to take office after unseating 18-term Democratic Rep. Jim Oberstar.

Read at this link....Cravaack says he'll push for two new mines


Learn more about the hazards and health effects of mining and toxic environments many that are ignored by those that endorse and are in support of mining policies here.....http://www.heirs-online.com/

Greenhouse Gases and Their Effects on Environmental Illness and Immunity~!

Greenhouse Gases and Their Effects on Environmental Illness and Immunity~!

Proteins in Bone Health, Development and Disease in Environmental Illness

Proteins in Bone Health, Development and Disease in Environmental Illness

The U licenses technology that may reduce chemicals used in mining

The University of Minnesota announced Thursday it has licensed technology to a start-up that may reduce toxic waste emissions from copper mines.  Read more

EPA's Climate Change Requirements Grow: Underground Coal Mines Added to List July 6, 2010

Some underground coal mine operators already saddled with copious amounts of paperwork will soon be required to monitor and report their greenhouse gas emissions. Read more about requirements for those underground,,,,

Read more: EPA's Climate Change Requirements Grow: Underground Coal Mines Added to List July 6, 2010

Region's coal mining past takes toll on air quality, study says

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region has the 11th highest death rate in the country from air pollutants emitted by power plants that burn coal, according to a new study.

Read more here...

Co-exposure to mercury increases immunotoxicity of trichloroethylene.

" TCE can promote autoimmune disease following chronic exposure, a shorter exposure to a binary mixture of TCE and HgCl2 accelerated disease development. Co-exposure to TCE and HgCl2 also generated a unique liver-specific antibody response not found in mice exposed to a single toxicant."


Gilbert, K. M., Rowley, B., Gomez-Acevedo, H. & Blossom, S. J. Co-exposure to mercury increases immunotoxicity of trichloroethylene. Toxicological Sciences URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfq345.

Preliminary Study Suggest PCB, Lead, and Mercury Associated with Liver Disease

Preliminary studies suggest that PCB, lead, and mercury exposures may increase the risk of NAFLD, and recommend additional studies to confirm these associations."

CiteULike: Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Lead, and Mercury Are Associated with Liver Disease in American Adults: NHANES 2003-2004.:

Study Suggests Water Pollution Associated With Antibiotic Gene Resistance~!

"results suggest that pollution has increased background AR levels in a setting where other causes of AR are less prevalent."

CiteULike: Antibiotic Resistance Gene Abundances Associated with Waste Discharges to the Almendares River near Havana, Cuba.:

Effect of selected heavy metals on the histopathology of different tissues of earthworm Eudrillus eugeniae.

"In general, earthworms can be used as biomarkers in toxicity studies related to heavy metals at cellular levels."

Read more: CiteULike: Effect of selected heavy metals on the histopathology of different tissues of earthworm Eudrillus eugeniae.:

Tiny Green Bubble • Wild Rice Fields of Minnesota Threatened by Increasing Pollution

"Anderson points to research from the DNR that relates a spike in sulfates in the St. Louis River at the point where it passes south of the mines, collecting water from tributaries near the mines. Said Anderson, “Above the Partridge River, the river’s choked with wild rice and, of course, flocks of ducks that go with it. When you get to the Partridge River … the end of wild rice. That’s when the first mining-impacted water hits the St. Louis River.”"

Read more: Tiny Green Bubble • Wild Rice Fields of Minnesota Threatened by Increasing Pollution:

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dibenzothiophenes in wetland sediments and aquatic insects in the oil sands area of northeastern Alberta, Canada.

CiteULike: Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dibenzothiophenes in wetland sediments and aquatic insects in the oil sands area of northeastern Alberta, Canada.: "Wayland, M., Headley, J. V., Peru, K. M., Crosley, R., and Brownlee, B. G. (2008). Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dibenzothiophenes in wetland sediments and aquatic insects in the oil sands area of northeastern Alberta, Canada. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 136(1-3):167-182."

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the urine of mining workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust.

CiteULike: Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the urine of mining workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust.: "excreted amounts of aromatic amines found as metabolites of the nitro-arenes were about 5- to 10-fold higher as one might expect from the levels determined by personal air sampling at the workplace of the individuals."

Seidel, A., Dahmann, D., Krekeler, H., and Jacob, J. (2002). Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic compounds in the urine of mining workers occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust. International journal of hygiene and environmental health, 204(5-6):333-338. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8365603

HSolvents, PAHs and BDNF as a Modulator of TrkB, Anxiety and Nrf2~!

Health and Environmental Illness Research Blog: Solvents, PAHs and BDNF as a Modulator of TrkB, Anxiety and Nrf2~!: "Solvents, PAHs and BDNF as a Modulator of TrkB, Anxiety and Nrf2~!"

Research suggests mercury linked to dementia

"New research by Northeastern University professor Richard Deth and academic colleagues in Germany suggests that long-term exposure to mercury may produce Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in people"

Read more: Research suggests mercury linked to dementia:

Comment: This is also the same researcher that has provided research that heavy metals contributes to autistic behaviors.

Deth, R. and Waly, M. Effects of Mercury on Methionine Synthase: Implications for Disordered Methylation in Autism. Autism Research Institute. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/6536181

Culley, D. J., Raghavan, S. V., Waly, M., Baxter, M. G., Yukhananov, R., Deth, R. C., and Crosby, G. (2007). Nitrous Oxide Decreases Cortical Methionine Synthase Transiently but Produces Lasting Memory Impairment in Aged Rats. Anesth Analg, 105(1):83-88. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/6557028

USGS studies causes and effects of mercury moving through the environment - Topeka watershed | Examiner.com

"A new report by USGS examines 5-years worth of data on mercury in Indiana fish and waters. The biggest curve ball that we all should have seen coming....water coming out of reservoirs has higher levels of mercury"

Read more: USGS studies causes and effects of mercury moving through the environment - Topeka watershed Examiner.com:

Major Public Health Risks of Metallic Sulfide Mining~!

"The most dangerous substances likely to be found at the NorthMet site as a result of mining are mercury (methylmercury), sulfuric acid, and the heavy metals of arsenic, copper, lead, and manganese."

Read more: Welcome to the Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness web site:

A biomarker of mercury body-burden correlated with diagnostic domain specific clinical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

"results show an association between the apparent level of mercury toxicity as measured by recognized urinary porphyrin biomarkers of mercury toxicity and the magnitude of the specific hallmark features of autism as assessed by ATEC."

Read more: CiteULike: A biomarker of mercury body-burden correlated with diagnostic domain specific clinical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.:

Elevated plasma cytokines in autism spectrum disorders provide evidence of immune dysfunction and are associated with impaired behavioral outcome.

"we report significantly shifted cytokine profiles in ASD. These findings suggest that ongoing inflammatory responses may be linked to disturbances in behavior and require confirmation in larger replication studies."

Read more: CiteULike: Elevated plasma cytokines in autism spectrum disorders provide evidence of immune dysfunction and are associated with impaired behavioral outcome.:

The Severity of Autism Is Associated with Toxic Metal Body Burden and Red Blood Cell Glutathione Levels

"significant correlations of severity of autism and the urinary excretion of toxic metals, such that a higher body burden of toxic metals was associated with more severe autistic symptoms"

Read more: The Severity of Autism Is Associated with Toxic Metal Body Burden and Red Blood Cell Glutathione Levels:

Adams, J. B., Baral, M., Geis, E., Mitchell, J., Ingram, J., Hensley, A., Zappia, I., Newmark, S., Gehn, E., Rubin, R. A., Mitchell, K., Bradstreet, J., and El-Dahr, J. M. (2009). The Severity of Autism Is Associated with Toxic Metal Body Burden and Red Blood Cell Glutathione Levels. Journal of Toxicology, 2009. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8357229

 

 

Nrf2/INrf2 (Keap1) Signaling in Oxidative Stress and Cellular Protection

Pathways SABiosciences: "Nrf2-/- mice are prone to acute damages induced by acetaminophen, ovalbumin, cigarette smoke, pentachlorophenol and 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide [62-68]."

Sulfide Mines, Meth Labs and Heavy Metals == Why Would You?

What heavy metal poisoning and other toxic pollutants produced from meth labs and toxic environments like sulfide mines feels likes -- it feels like your muscles and skin is on fire -- it hurts and hurts--- and then your muscles and brain stops functions or does not work. I have been there and have lived it  and continue to live it every day of my life....

Oh, yes, and then there is the threat of cancer, lung disease and infertility..and the development of sensiivity to pollutants that are considered "normal" in the regular environment....Why in the world would you want this in your town?

Minnesota: Mercury and coal - SourceWatch

"In February 2009, the MPCA released a study showing that methylmercury levels in large Minnesota fish including northern pike and walleye had increased unexpectedly. Mercury levels had declined by 37 percent between 1982 and the mid-1990s, but have since increased by 15 percent. The analysis, which was based on tissue samples from fish collected from over 800 state lakes, concerns scientists because the mercury is toxic to humans and wildlife. The agency said that a local source of mercury is not likely to be responsible. Instead, mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants outside the state and factors related to global climate change are probably to blame."

Mercury and coal - SourceWatch:

Report from 2003- Mercury Release in Minnesota's Iron Industry from Taconite~!

"Mercury (Hg) release is intrinsically linked to the firing of pellets, airborne Hg emissions from Minnesota’s iron industry effectively began with taconite processing in 1949...."
Average mercury concentration in NE Minnesota precipitation is higher than dissolved mercury in most streams and lakes, underscoring the importance of sedimentation and uptake by soils and vegetation in regional mercury cycles. Atmospheric deposition of mercury from precipitation appears to be increasing or holding steady since 1990 despite large reductions in Minnesota’s statewide emission rates. Lake sediment records indicate that mercury is being delivered to lakes at rates much greater now than in pre-industrial times, but some lakes reveal recent declines.


Berndt, M. E. (2003). Mercury and Mining in Minnesota.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8356901
files.dnr.state.mn.us/lands_minerals/mercuryandmining.pdf

Mining Pollution: Hazardous Pollution Created by Mining Activities

"Coal, various metals and other subterranean materials are mined because they are valuable to the economy and they are depended on for every day living. Mining these materials, however, has led to the pollution of the environment. In some cases, the hazards associated with this pollution is mitigated and the impact is minimum."

Read more: Mining Pollution: Hazardous Pollution Created by Mining Activities:

What's old is new again — High Country News

What's old is new again — High Country News: "Two stories about mining projects in California that crossed my path last week remind me that some narratives just don't seem to go away"

EPA Gold Mining Regulations Webinar Held May 25

"On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, EPA held a webinar to discuss the proposed national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants at gold ore processing and production facilities. EPA has identified these facilities and similar mineral processing facilities to be the 6th largest source of mercury emissions in the United States."

Read more: EPA Gold Mining Regulations Webinar Held May 25:

Birds Are Becoming Gay From Mercury Pollution, According To New Study On White Ibis Breeding

"According to Nature.com, coal-fired plants and gold mining are the main sources of global mercury pollution, though the burning of medical and municipal waste is likely the prime culprit in Florida, ingested by the wetlands birds through their food sources."

Read more: Birds Are Becoming Gay From Mercury Pollution, According To New Study On White Ibis Breeding:

Arsenic in Newly Discovered Life Form Produced at High Levels in Mine Drainage~!

Researchers are about to make a public announcement of a new life form that has been found in Mono Lake in California. This is a poisonous lake that is found at the base of Yosemite that contains significant amounts of arsenic -- a metal that is essentially toxic to humans in anything but very small amounts. These new findings have set the scientific community abuz because its discovery will alter the thinking of the origins of life. In the case of this new life form one of the six elements that generally make up life forms as we have previously known it has been replaced by arsenic which brings up an important issue about pollution. How are the activities of man which produces areas where heavy metals become elevated than is commonly found in nature influencing life and the "evolution" of it? Earlier last week, I posted that heavy metals increase the potential for bacterial resistance which is an important consideration for public health. Now, one must also consider in relation to this discovery that heavy metals could play an important role in the creation of this new life form and therefore, potentiation of the "evolution" of life becomes an important issue to consider from heavy metal pollution.  Personally, I am not sure we have the "technology" yet to adequately face this "demon".

Several weeks ago, I noted how sulfide mining can produce environments similar to what biologists call "hot spots" where environmental factors are in place that force "adaptive changes" in organisms. In this case, sulfide mining could be comparable to a "small" Yosemite and poisonous Mono Lake. On the other hand, sulfide mining is different because while Mono Lake is considered "contained" --no one can predict how far the pollution from acid mine drainage will spread by water or by air during evaporation.

While some scientists may be excited by the discovery of a new life form -- it also raises the issue of concern for adaptive biologists, anthropologists and public health workers because most organisms on earth may not be able to effectively "adaptive" to the existence of these kinds of "new organisms"!

As Dorothy might have said in the classic movie Wizard of Oz,,,,,"Toto, I want to go back to Kansas! Things seemed ordinary and familiar there!"

Cheng, H., Hu, Y., Luo, J., Xu, B., and Zhao, J. (2009). Geochemical processes controlling fate and transport of arsenic in acid mine drainage (AMD) and natural systems. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 165(1-3):13-26. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8352070

National Resource Defense Counsil. Arsenc in Drinking Water. http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/qarsenic.asp

"Life as we don't know it' discovery could prove existence of aliens. Richard Alleyne. The Telegraph. December 3, 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8174040/Life-as-we-dont-know-it-discovery-could-prove-existence-of-aliens.html

NASA find New Life Form. Jesus Diaz. Wired Science. http://networkedblogs.com/bmZS7

Those with Nrf2 Deficiency May Be More At Risk from Potential Changes in Minnesota Manganese Laws!

I hope the health department looks at the consequences of changes like these considering the new research on the health effects of toxic metals. Especially that certain polymorphisms in this system and the genes it regulates may put people and animals more at risk for permanent health effects including neurological and cognitive impairment that may be permanent and can be passed on to future generations. Since polymorphisms exist in populations and their descendants in Minnesota -- I hope the health department understands the consequences related to environmental justice issue considering in addtion to population factors, the economic and environmental factors related to where the sulfide mines are being proposed.  "The Nrf2 antioxidant system may play a role in protection against manganese toxicity. It is expected that the PolyMet mine will leach manganese from tailings."

"This may be hard to understand, but just as the pressure builds to permit sulfide mining and processing, the Minnesota Health Department is proposing to repeal the Health Risk Limits that protect Minnesota drinking water from overly high levels of manganese contamination."

Will Minnesota Lose Protection from Manganese Pollution in Drinking Water? | Just Change Law:

Source#2: Li, H., Wu, S., Shi, N., Lin, W., You, J., and Zhou, W. (2010). NF-E2-related factor 2 activation in PC12 cells: its protective role in manganese-induced damage. Archives of toxicology, pages 1-10. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8337080

Health and Environmental Illness Research Blog: Elevated Levels of Ammonia Impair the NO/cGMP Through Alterations of Cellular Transporters~!

Health and Environmental Illness Research Blog: Elevated Levels of Ammonia Impair the NO/cGMP Through Alterations of Cellular Transporters~!: "Elevated Levels of Ammonia Impair the NO/cGMP Through Alterations of Cellular Transporters~!"

First round of comments on PolyMet land exchange ends soon - TwinCities.com

"The U.S. Forest Service is accepting comments through Monday on a plan to receive five tracts of forest land totaling 6,772 acres in exchange for the land where Polymet Corp. wants to dig Minnesota's first copper mine"

Read more: First round of comments on PolyMet land exchange ends soon - TwinCities.com:

Mining pollution may be hurting Minn's wild rice | Minnesota Public Radio News

"High levels of sulfates released from Minnesota's mining industry are suspected of diminishing Minnesota's native wild rice beds. The state is reconsidering its current standard for sulfate in wild rice waters, but until recently it hasn't been enforcing the existing standard."

Read more: Mining pollution may be hurting Minn's wild rice | Minnesota Public Radio News:

Heavy-metal and antibiotic resistance in the bacterial flora of sediments of New York Bight.

"heavy-metal contamination of an ecosystem can result in a selection pressure for antibiotic resistance in bacteria in that system."

Applied and environmental microbiology, Vol. 36, No. 3. (September 1978), pp. 465-472. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8316782


Recommended:

Association of Heavy Metals and Antibiotic Resistance.

"Antibiotic resistant bacteria are, however, found in the environment as well. Intense use of antibiotics for livestock and other agricultural practices contributes to this pool of resistance. But not all cases of resistance are caused by direct use of antibiotics. Many metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and vanadium, are often correlated with antibiotic resistance."

Bowne, D. R. and Wohl, D. L. A Landscape Perspective on Antibiotic Resistance. Some citation information not available. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8316766

Evaluation of central auditory processing in adolescents exposed to metallic mercury.

"adolescents exposed to metallic mercury presented a lower performance on most of the auditory processing tests when compared to those who had no history of exposure to mercury. The main deficit found in the study was related to difficulty in distinguishing successive brief sounds."

Read more: CiteULike: [Evaluation of central auditory processing in adolescents exposed to metallic mercury.]:

CiteULike: Heavy metals, islet function and diabetes development.

"we summarize the evidence which suggests that some heavy metals may play an important role in diabetes mellitus as environmental risk factors"

Read more: CiteULike: Heavy metals, islet function and diabetes development.:

Midwest Mining Rush Threatens Water: Part VI: Minnesota: This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land

"More than a quarter of a million people a year visit the legendary Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota to hike, camp and canoe its million acres of untouched forests, ancient rocks and fresh water lakes."

Read more: Midwest Mining Rush Threatens Water: Part VI: Minnesota: This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land:

Agricultural soils spiked with copper mine wastes and copper concentrate: Implications for copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation

"Results showed that smelter dust, tailing sand, and CuSO4 are more likely to be bioavailable and, thus, toxic to plants compared with smelter slag, concentrate, and ore at equivalent total copper concentrations"

CiteULike: Agricultural soils spiked with copper mine wastes and copper concentrate: Implications for copper bioavailability and bioaccumulation:

Clean-up continues in Mo “Lead Belt” « KMOX-AM

"For the last year, crews hired by the U-S EPA have been digging up yards in towns south of St. Louis."

Read more: Clean-up continues in Mo “Lead Belt” « KMOX-AM:

Shale Gas Drilling: Pros & Cons via 60 Minutes

Mine Waste Causes Altered Neurotransmission in Rodent Brains

Comment: So what are you gonna do with the people exposed?

"In mining waste-exposed animals, the combined action of metals may compromise the synthesis of dopamine, but efficient modifications of re-uptake and catabolism rates could maintain normal basal release rates. While this may be ok, during normal metabolic stress...higher demands could lead to lower dopamine levels necessary for normal neural brain function.

Effects of Oral Exposure to Mining Waste on in Vivo Dopamine Release from Rat Striatum:

Environmental Pollution in Water Becomes Air Pollution!

Environmental pollution in water becomes air pollution through evaporation....do not let anyone tell you different. So the pollutants released into water environments will eventually be dispersed into the air! To understand this in simple terms this author describes the process and health effects of a humidifier. He writes,

"Any particulate matter that is present in the water will become airborne along with the water. When the water evaporates, the particulate matter will settle as dust in the room."

In the case of mining, the "dust" settles on the flora and fauna which provide food for herbivores and omnivores that also eat plants and the fruits of plants.

Source: I need to use steam or ultrasonic evaporation?
http://steamunits.longseo.com/i-need-to-use-steam-or-ultrasonic-evaporation/

Assessing the nature of the combined effects of copper and zinc on estuarine infaunal communities.

"Elevated levels of copper and zinc in sediment have been shown to adversely affect estuarine infauna."

Read more: CiteULike: Assessing the nature of the combined effects of copper and zinc on estuarine infaunal communities.:

Suppression of statin effectiveness by copper and zinc in yeast and human cells.

"copper and zinc impair the ability of statin to reduce sterol biosynthesis, dietary intake of these metals could have clinical relevance for statin treatment in humans."

Read more: CiteULike: Suppression of statin effectiveness by copper and zinc in yeast and human cells.:

Kennecott Minerals fails to ammend permit: Unlawful utility installation | In The Woods: The Blog for Carl Sams & Jean Stoick

Kennecott Minerals’ mining permit does not authorize construction or installation of power lines along AAA road, according to “Unlawful Utility Installation: Kennecott Fails to Ammend Permit” from SaveTheWildUP.org."

Read more: Kennecott Minerals fails to ammend permit: Unlawful utility installation In The Woods: The Blog for Carl Sams & Jean Stoick: "

Fast-tracked projects, and pollution? | StarTribune.com

"A special team was set up to streamline mining and ethanol projects at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently. But the team is approving permits so quickly that it's damaging Minnesota's air and water, say current and former scientists at the agency. According to the article, MPCA scientist with knowledge of some of the meetings said that their purpose is more to "manipulate the process" to avoid regulations and receive variances from normal pollution limits."

Fast-tracked projects, and pollution? | StarTribune.com:

Popping the PolyMet Pill |

Popping the PolyMet Pill |: "It’s amazing how easily politicians and media swallow the feel-good propaganda pill presented by powerful mining interests. Mining companies may have cornered the market on minerals, but who owns the monopoly on truth?"

Watch: Helicopter Looking for Sulfide Minerals Near Lake in Minnesota

Maps show drilling impact on state forests - News - The Times-Tribune

"series of topographic maps shows the impact of an estimated 54 Marcellus Shale well pads being drilled on 65,000 acres of the Tioga State Forest during the next five to 10 years"

Read more: Maps show drilling impact on state forests - News - The Times-Tribune:

EPA tells neighbors of NC mine's pollution threat - BusinessWeek

EPA tells neighbors of NC mine's pollution threat - BusinessWeek: "Neighbors of an abandoned Ashe County, N.C., copper mine are getting an update about what the government has done to keep hazardous substances from spreading in the water and keep a dam from collapsing."

Big Oil and Other Interest Groups Join McCain VP Palin's Lawsuit to Reverse Polar Bear Listing : TreeHugger

"American Petroleum Institute (gee, what a surprise) and several other industry groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers (yup, these guys) and the National Mining Association, are joining the Palin administration's efforts to overturn the polar bear listing, as the WaPo's Kari Lydersen reports"

Read more: Big Oil and Other Interest Groups Join McCain VP Palin's Lawsuit to Reverse Polar Bear Listing : TreeHugger:

Natural gas, unnatural risk: Hydrofracking endangers our water

"There is no higher priority for New York's state and federal legislators than to put the brakes on the idea of opening areas upstate to the controversial form of natural gas drilling called hydraulic fracturing - 'fracking,' for short."

Read more: Natural gas, unnatural risk: Hydrofracking endangers our water:

Inquirer Editorial: Drilling ban is too late | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/01/2010

"Gov. Rendell's order banning natural-gas drilling in 1.5 million acres of state forest sounded impressive until you drill below the surface."


Inquirer Editorial: Drilling ban is too late | Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/01/2010:

Crews race weather at Copper Butte toxic cleanup | KATU.com - Portland News, Sports, Traffic Weather and Breaking News - Portland, Oregon - Portland, Oregon | Local & Regional

"When Matt Dwyer brings up the weather, it isn't to make small talk with his co-workers at the Blue Ledge Mine site high in the Siskiyou Mountains."

Read more: Crews race weather at Copper Butte toxic cleanup KATU.com - Portland News, Sports, Traffic Weather and Breaking News - Portland, Oregon - Portland, Oregon Local & Regional:

Copper Could Inspire Microbes To Resist | Latest News | Chemical & Engineering News

"For decades, microbes in soils have shown signs of resistance to antibiotics used in medicine and agriculture, raising concerns of possible human health impacts. New research in Environmental Science & Technology DOI: 10.1021/es101798r) indicates that copper, which is widely used in pesticides and animal feed, might prime microbes for such resistance."

Read more: Copper Could Inspire Microbes To Resist Latest News Chemical & Engineering News:

Chronic Illness Linked To Coal-mining Pollution, Study Shows

"“People in coal-mining communities need better access to healthcare, cleaner air, cleaner water, and stricter enforcement of environmental standards,” he said. “Our study helps open the door for further explorations of community health and coal mining. We owe it to people in those communities to start protecting and repairing their health.”"

Read more: Chronic Illness Linked To Coal-mining Pollution, Study Shows:

Quick fix for coal mine methane emissions

Quick fix for coal mine methane emissions: "A new methane burner, developed at the University of Sydney and under consideration by mining companies, has potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from underground coal mines by almost 90 per cent."

Neuronal inactivation of PGC-1 Protect Mice From Diet-Indued Obesity and Leads to Neurodegneration!

Neuronal inactivation of PPAR{gamma} Coactivator 1... [J Biol Chem. 2010] - PubMed result: "Neuronal inactivation of PPAR{gamma} Coactivator 1{alpha}(PGC-1{alpha}) protects mice from diet-induced obesity and leads to degenerative lesions."

Task Force seeks public input on draft work plan - Kenora Daily Miner and News - Ontario, CA

Task Force seeks public input on draft work plan - Kenora Daily Miner and News - Ontario, CA: "The International Lake of the Woods and Rainy River Watershed Task Force presented its final draft work plan for public review and comment in Kenora on Wednesday."

Maryland: Meth lab chemicals in basement worry soldier — Meth Lab Homes

"I am concerned that I have purchased a meth lab home. Our neighbor recently informed us that our basement had been used as a meth lab in the past."

Read more: Maryland: Meth lab chemicals in basement worry soldier — Meth Lab Homes:

Sulfide mining in MN should be investigated | DL-Online | Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Sulfide mining in MN should be investigated | DL-Online | Detroit Lakes, Minnesota: "They say a new type of mining in Northern Minnesota could bring several hundred jobs with it, but what must be investigated are the effects that this type of mining has on its environment and its communities"

Feds give up video of country star killing tame bear in Minn. | StarTribune.com

Feds give up video of country star killing tame bear in Minn. | StarTribune.com: "An animal-rights organization is claiming victory in a three-year legal fight to force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release a videotape of country music star Troy Gentry illegally killing a tame black bear on an enclosed game farm in east-central Minnesota"

Fact Sheet: Coal Combustion Residues (CCR) - Surface Impoundments with High Hazard Potential Ratings | Industrial Waste | US EPA

Fact Sheet: Coal Combustion Residues (CCR) - Surface Impoundments with High Hazard Potential Ratings | Industrial Waste | US EPA: "Fact Sheet: Coal Combustion Residues (CCR) - Surface Impoundments with High Hazard Potential Ratings"

Public Meeting Tonight On PolyMet Land Swap Plan - AM 650 WNMT Northern Minnesota Talk

"A proposed land-swap to allow PolyMet to build a copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes -- that's the topic of a public meeting tonight in Aurora and tomorrow night in New Brighton"

Read more: Public Meeting Tonight On PolyMet Land Swap Plan - AM 650 WNMT Northern Minnesota Talk:

copper,

Barnett Complex Mine H2S Poisoning

Barnett Complex Mine H2S Poisoning: "Seven men died Monday, April 12, 1971, as a result of exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas in advance workings on the 800-foot level of the Barnett Complex Mine, Ozark-Mahoning Company, Pope County, Illinois"

Watch: EPA Grant To Help With Mercury Research

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Minnesota Mining: EPA Grant To Help With Mercury Research

 Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports | NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW

"Hibbing (Northland's NewsCenter)That could all change thanks to a large kick start by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency."


Read more: EPA Grant To Help With Mercury Research Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW for Duluth MN / Superior WI Iron Range:

Coal Association backs Manchin - The Herald Dispatch

- The Herald Dispatch
"In an election campaign that has been focused on who can represent West Virginia's coal interests better in Washington, Gov. Joe Manchin received a key endorsement on Thursday."


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Further reading: Some Aspects of Pneumoconiosis in a Group of Mechanised Iron Foundries: Third Report of the Sub-Committee on Dust and Fume

Taconite/Mesothelioma Study Complete | FOX 21 Online

"VIRGINIA-Data collection for a study about respiratory diseases in taconite miners has finally been completed"

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Durango Herald News, Environmental groups to sue feds

"The Durango-based San Juan Citizens Alliance and two other environmental groups announced Tuesday their intention to sue the federal Office of Surface Mining for dereliction of duty in regulating coal mining in New Mexico"

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Mechanisms of heavy metal-induced autoimmunity.

"In genetically susceptible mice or rats, administration of subtoxic doses of mercury induces both the production of highly specific autoantibodies and a polyclonal activation of the immune system."


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EPA urges court not to block mining crackdown

via Charleton Gazette - W. Virginia

EPA urges court not to block mining crackdown - News - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports -


Library tags: heavy metal, heavy_metal, heavy, particulate matter, mining,

Chile miners may face range of health problems

Chile miners may face range of health problems

Protection of Radio-Collared Bears May Warn and Prevent Significant Mine Damage~1

These are my most recent submissions to legislators in Minnesota. My first submissions seemed to fall on deaf ears!

October 21, 2010

Dear Legislative Representative,

Request: Protection of radio-collared bears in St. Louis County, Minnesota.

Obviously, from the comments 3 weeks ago made by Minnesota DNR Commissioner, he has continued to ignore important research and all attempts by the Wildlife Research Institute to reduce bear-human conflict and ensure public safety (1) and is “truly in the dark” about Rogers’ research and educational programs presented regularly to wildlife professionals and the public. This is a recent statement made by the Deputy from the MN DNR Fish and Wildlife Department,  "we will be looking at his permit to see if there is a need for additional restrictions, to limit the potential impact on hunters and the local community.'' (2) Clearly it demonstrates the DNR has little interest in the needs and regard of the public and enjoys using verbal intimidation and threats targeting Dr. Rogers in the media. It appears to be a consistent pattern of behavior of the Minnesota DNR to purposely incite negative comments and further discredit the researcher. Coming from a researcher’s perspective, it is very apparent the DNR’s motives have nothing to do with “protecting the rights of hunting” but restricting “animal research” and promoting the interests of mining. 

Interestingly, in the Minneapolis Star Tribune article, “The bear whisperer: Scholar plans to expand educational empire”, dated October 16 2010, one commenter (at about #87 username: thewildtruth) provided proof of what sounds like impropriety when he stated, {he sits on two company boards and said, “If the MNDNR fails to strip Rogers of his permit, the DNR WILL restrict the number of bears that he can collar. Hopefully, to six (6) or less. Of course, we can always set up our own “research facility” and lay claim to the same bears that Rogers’ allegedly studies….and then pursue legal action to bar him from “socializing” with those bears, as it will interfere with our studies. If you do not think that will happen, it has already started.} (2) Of course, anyone that has this verbosity to say this – must have open ended “license” with the Department of Natural Resources which suggests something else…that is NOT LEGAL!  Since when does a company tell state government what to do?  Considering that there have been issues before with Governor Pawlenty’s supervision of the Minnesota DNR and who is now running for federal office…as a citizen of the United States, this has me very concerned. It should also concern anyone that is a voter or reading this and believes health and security of the people of this land is of the utmost importance.

So what is the motive the negative statements from state officials and what does it have to do with bears? What this has to do with are the monetary and exploratory interests of mining companies and secondary interests in the same general area where the research study takes place (see below). It also explains why there was obvious “forced” support from the state and so many negative Internet comments about Bear Head State Park winning the 100,000 grant. The real issue is these mines have a poor history of meeting "pollutant and emissions standards” and can disperse toxic particulates, metal dust and “odor” emissions that can cause acute or sub-acute poisoning to people and wildlife that can alter gene expression. Such gene changes have been demonstrated in humans and animals and can result in illness or cognitive deficiencies that may precipitate, at least in animals, disruptive or displays of “nuisance-type”.  Dr. Rogers’ research includes bio-monitoring and close observations of bear behavior which poses a significant “matter of concern” to mining managers. Of course with his experience he will be the first to identify any health or environmental “issues” from pollutants and emissions and also, I am sure, be the first to report it.  For the area in question, wildlife that could be affected will include federally protected animals including birds of prey, wolves, lynx, and other species including pets like “hunting dogs” and amphibians and not just research and non-research bears.  Past experience already has shown federal intervention where the lynx were concerned and other situations demonstrate poor handling of animals (ie. Solo Bear) and therefore, does not promote assurances against future abuses of the rights of the exposed that become ill or cognitively deficient from pollution emissions that lead to disruptive or displays of “nuisance-type” behavior.

Ethically and legally it is not right that Dr. Rogers’ valuable research and bears should suffer because of the political him-hawing going on at the state level. These radio-collared research bears need protection because state officials are proving they lack regulatory control and are allowing too much “license” to mining interests in St. Louis County, Minnesota. What really underlies the need for protection of these bears has nothing to do with “protecting hunting rights”, nor is it just about the bears and the hazard posed by them because they are wild animals. From past events, it is apparent the interests of the mining industry and political maneuverings by state leadership take precendence over protecting the health and welfare of the people and the environment in St. Louis County. In Minnesota it seems the DNR enjoys playing hardball with a bunch of bears while jeopardizing important scientific research and people's health, security and safety just to appease the interests of the mining corporations. That is a shame!

Thanks for your consideration and your time.

Kimberly Kramer

Health Educator and Researcher

4000 E Bristol Street

.

Elkhart IN 46514

contact@heirs-online.com

PS A copy of this will be sent by email and hardcopy.

(All research support is open access at http://www.heirs-online.com/ and www.heirsresearch.blogspot.com and citation library at http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS

Important tags include mining, metals, neuroinflammation, animal health and others.

The sources used and cited in this document include:

1.      Wildlife Research Institute 2008 Research Plan and Public Safety Assessment. http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/papers/WRI-Response-to-DNR-April-2008-Part-I.pdf 

2.      The Bear Whisperer: Scholar Plans on Expanding Educational Empire. Minneapolis Star Tribune. October 16, 2010 http://www.startribune.com/local/105081984.html

3.      Ely Lease Sale Map – Information from Minnesota DNR http://www.sosbluewaters.org/Ely_Lease_Sale_Map.htm

Ashland county could be home to new taconite mine | Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports | NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW for Duluth MN / Superior WI | Local

Ashland county could be home to new taconite mine Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW for Duluth MN / Superior WI Local: "Ashland, WI (Northlands NewsCenter)-The Penokee Range is one of the most pristine places in Ashland County and it could become home to Wisconsin's newest taconite mine."

DNR Awarded $1.6 Million To Study Mercury Emissions From Taconite Processing Plants | Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports | NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW for Duluth MN / Superior WI | Local

"(Duluth, MN -Northland's NewsCenter) In an important step forward for mercury research in the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Division of Lands and Minerals was awarded a two-year, $1.6 million competitive grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency"

Read more: DNR Awarded $1.6 Million To Study Mercury Emissions From Taconite Processing Plants Northland's NewsCenter: News, Weather, Sports NBC, CBS, MyNetworkTV, and The CW for Duluth MN / Superior WI Local:

Expeditions: Electroshocking for fish at the Kingston Coal-Ash Spill Site

"'You don't take an adult fish and watch it die of selenium poisoning; it's a loss of a generation of fish,' George explains. 'So it's biologically dead even though it's alive.'"

Read ore: Expeditions: Electroshocking for fish at the Kingston Coal-Ash Spill Site:

Tribes, Turtle Island Project oppose "Acid Mine" in Michigan: Anatomy of a Murder 2008 (Part 2)

Tribes, Turtle Island Project oppose "Acid Mine" in Michigan: Anatomy of a Murder 2008 (Part 2): "Tribes, Turtle Island Project oppose 'Acid Mine' in Michigan: Anatomy of a Murder 2008 (Part 2)"

Washington Post Nails Coal Mine Death Crisis: Big Coal Runs "Clean Coal" Ad on Same Page? - Progressive Democrats of America

"In one of the most bizarre Big Coal public relations ads yet, online readers of the Washington Post today were forced to view a fatuous 'clean coal' ad prior to viewing an extraordinary photo galley on 'Death at American coal mines.'"

Read more: Washington Post Nails Coal Mine Death Crisis: Big Coal Runs "Clean Coal" Ad on Same Page? - Progressive Democrats of America:

Effects of Mining on Vegetation from Air Pollution and Metals.

The author concludes "observed extensive damage of terrestrial vegetation around the mining and smelter complexes in the area is mainly caused by direct impacts of air pollution and metals."


Ambio, Vol. 39, No. 2. (March 2010), pp. 136-147. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/8039372

Chile Miners Keep the Shades On - Yahoo! Buzz

"The Chilean miners have been free for several days now, and are, we presume, getting used to life on the surface. One thing they apparently haven't gotten 100% used to is the sunlight. The miners are still wearing sunglasses, and many online searchers are wondering why."

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CiteULike: The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: II. Exposure Monitoring Surveys and Development of Exposure Groups

The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study: II. Exposure Monitoring Surveys and Development of Exposure Groups: "Annals of Occupational Hygiene, Vol. 54, No. 7. (1 October 2010), pp. 747-761. [Show Formatted]"

Bringing Down The Dust - West Virginia Headline News and Talk Radio

"Citing a continuing rise in the number of black lung cases in the United States coal industry, federal regulators say it's clear the current regulations on dust standards in U.S. coal mines are not working."

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Northshore Mining Company Cited for Air Quality Violations - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

"The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Northshore Mining Company have reached an agreement that resolves the company’s alleged violations of state air quality rules. Northshore Mining will pay an $11,750 civil penalty and complete required corrective actions."

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Why Animals Turn White! - Toxic Metals,,,,Maybe!!!

"Anthropologists study people and all facets of living such as how people and populations inter-relate, their culture, their religion and how biology does or does not effect the way they live. Biologist and ecologist study living things including plants, animals and people and their relationship to their habitats and environments. Often certain beliefs, legends, stories, and superstitions are created to serve a spiritual or social purpose such as to dictate behavior, teach a lesson or provide important information. There is a need to investigate further if a relationsip exists between reverance for the white buffalo (and other non-albino animals) in Native American religion, known historical patterns of disease characteristic of Nrf2 impairment that may be 'inheritable' and settlements of indigenous and native peoples that harvested metals near deposits. This is important for understanding population health and religion, both in the past and present, because even today, the white buffalo is still highly revered by Native Americans."

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A Red Cloud of Heavy Metals Affects Hungarian River

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News:
BBC News - Toxic sludge carpets homes in Hungary: "the red cloud of heavy metals is now affecting a 30km (19-mile) stretch of the River Danube."

Breathing easy not so good in central Illinois - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

Breathing easy not so good in central Illinois - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com: "PEORIA — Bad news: Central Illinois may have some of the worst air in the state when it comes to sulfur dioxide."

Michigan: DNRE Reaches Settlement with Tilden Mine Company LLC and Empire Iron Mining Partnership Regarding Discharge of Mine Tailing

"The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced today that it has entered into a settlement agreement with two Upper Peninsula mining operations to resolve alleged unauthorized discharges of mine tailings in 2008 and 2009."

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Ask Dr. Knowledge: Why is mercury used in mining gold and silver? - The Boston Globe

Ask Dr. Knowledge: Why is mercury used in mining gold and silver? - The Boston Globe: "Why is mercury used in mining gold and silver? Silver and gold, unlike most other metals, can exist in pure states in nature but are often embedded in rocks and are hard to extract."

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Sarah Palin's defence of Alaskan mine threatens Canadian fish - thestar.com

Sarah Palin's defence of Alaskan mine threatens Canadian fish - thestar.com:

The Dolly Varden carp isn't much of a looker except, perhaps, to the opposite sex of the same scaly species. What is exceptional (other than a name from Dickens) is how the impending death of about a thousand of these duller members of the salmon family changed Sarah Palin's life and influenced the fate of fish across Canada."

Runoff from old mines raises fears | StarTribune.com

Runoff from old mines raises fears StarTribune.com

Meth Lab Trash: What you should know about it : Meth Lab Homes

"Meth labs create five to seven pounds of trash for every pound of meth that’s produced – all of which need to be disposed of. Chemicals used to make meth are often poured in to household drains or on to the ground"

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