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."

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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

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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"

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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.'"

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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.'"

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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

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

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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

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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

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

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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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