ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) State regulators are considering changes to a permit that governs how a mining company cleans up contamination at a former uranium mill in western New Mexico. The plan by Homestake Mining Co. calls for discharging up to 5,500 gallons a minute as it cleans up the property in Cibola County.
Some of that water will be used to push the contamination toward collection wells and drains, but critics are concerned the plan could make piles of mining waste at the site unstable and pollute the area's water supplies.
A hearing officer with the state Environment Department will be taking testimony on the proposal Tuesday. The hearing could last two days.
The Homestake site includes tailings that cover more than 200 acres. It's located to the north of five housing subdivisions.
