Uranium processor fined for solvent spillage

Thursday, 13 March 2008

Denver-based Cotter Corporation has pleaded guilty to violation of a wildlife law following a spillage of solvent from its Canon City uranium mill that caused the deaths of wild birds.

 

Approximately 4500 gallons (about 17,000 litres) of organic solvent was spilled from the mill, which is licensed to process a range of uranium-containing feed materials, on 21 October 2005. The solvent escaped from a building into a catchment pond, where migratory ducks and geese came into contact with it. About 40 birds were killed by poisoning. Cotter employees had removed the solvent from the pond within a few days of the spill.

 

The company pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and was sentenced to pay the maximum fine of $15,000, make an additional restitution of a further $15,000. The company is also to be placed on 12 months' probation during which it must prepare and implement an environmental compliance plan to prevent future spills and ensure a speedy clean-up of any discharges.

 

In a uranium mill such as Canon City, acid or alkali is used to remove uranium from crushed rock. Organic solvents are then used to extract the dissolved uranium from the solution.