Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club

For Immediate Release (Thursday, January 24, 2008):
For More Information:
Art Dohmann, Chairman of URAC: 361-564-7082
Raulie Irwin, Spokesperson of URAC: 361-645-2115
Claire Barnhart, Goliad Chamber of Commerce, 361-645-3563
Donna Hoffman, Sierra Club, 512-477-1729 or 512-299-5776

Comments by Mary Anklam, Goliad, Texas

My name is Mary Anklam. I would like to thank the staff of TCEQ for giving us this opportunity. I live less then a half mile from the proposed uranium mining site. We use our well water for cooking, drinking, bathing, and watering our animals 365 days a year. This is our home and we have no other source of water. The loss of our water supply whether it be quality or quantity is not an option.

I raise Boer Goats for meat and for show. My concern is when Uranium mining begins it will harm my family and my animals because of the pollution of the water, air and soil. The area is gently sloping land. Water runs from the exploration area into nearby creeks. This is also the recharge zone for our aquifer.

My business has already suffered because of the exploration for uranium. People don't want to purchase my goats because of the fear of contamination. I now have to take my animals to auction, which I haven't had to do in the past three years. My goats range in price from $150.00 to $400.00. When I take them to auction I can only get $30.00 to $60.00.

We've had our water tested three times since December of 2006, once by UEC and twice by Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District. Tests show that after uranium exploration there are higher levels of sodium, sulfates and iron. Our water has turned red from the high levels of iron.

We filter the water going into our home. Our system uses filters that are rated to last three months and six months. The filters always lasted as long as the filter label stated until exploration for uranium began. When they do the exploration for uranium our water pressure drops and we have to change the filter more often. The three month filter will only last two months and the six month filter will only last three months before turning red and slimy.

We've lived here since 2001 and have never had this happen before. We have been through many different types of weather conditions from drought to heavy rain with no change to the quality of our water until now. Our water was always very clear.

When UEC stops exploration drilling for any reason our water will clear up in a few days and the red coloration will stop until they start exploration for uranium again. This is happening with just the exploration phase. What is going to happen to our water quality if you grant this permit?

Before you make your decision, I'd like to have you think about, what if this were your home? If your family, children, grandchildren lived where we do, would you approve this permit?