Probe sought over animal toxic levels
Tests have shown several animals on farms in the vicinity of the disused old lead mines at Silvermines with above normal levels of lead. On one farm, almost half the animals tested had high lead levels.
There has been ongoing concern among farmers in the area who believe that the 149 acre tailings pond, a residue from lead mining in the area over 50 years ago, may be responsible for their problems which have led to deaths of a number of animals. But no direct link with the lead residue has been established and former international mining company Mogul have denied that the source of the problem is the tailing pond.
Some scientific tests have shown that lead levels on farms in the area have traditionally been above normal, but the farmers stress that the livestock problems are a more recent issue, and are demanding that adequate measures be taken to prevent any leakage of lead from the tailings pond.
A study carried out by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources recommended a rehabilitation plan for the tailings pond at an estimated cost of 5m, to be carried out over four years to control and prevent any pollution in the area.
But it has been pointed out to farmers in the area that this plan requires legislation before it can be implemented and the Department are waiting for advice before the work can proceed.
The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources have confirmed that they have received a reply from Mogul Mining in response to a notice which had been served on them and the content of the reply is being considered by legal advisors to the Department.
The Silvermines Environmental Action Group have called for immediate action to be taken to control the problem before further losses are experienced by farmers or before human health becomes a concern for families in the area. They attribute the problems to the dust blowing from the 149 acre tailings pond site and are asking for control measures to be put in place to prevent this.
