The Stream, April 21: Chile’s Abandoned Mine Ponds Are Threat to Public

The Global Rundown

Abandoned tailings ponds are a threat to the environment and public health in Chile, nongovernmental organizations say. North Carolina found contaminated groundwater near Duke Energy coal ash dumps, a majority of states in the U.S. expect to see water shortages in the future, and Detroit is increasing financial aid to help residents pay their water bills. The Philippines continues a string of firm regulations on water rates in Manila.

“There is no real register of abandoned tailings ponds in the country. Sernageomin estimates that there are 90 of these toxic deposits in the Atacama region alone. That is really a lot.”– Raimundo Gómez, member of the Chile organization Relaves, on the risk posed by old tailing ponds left by years of copper mining. (Inter Press Service)

By The Numbers

40 states Number in the U.S. that expect to see water shortages in the next decade, according to a 2013 government survey. Quartz

50 percent Amount of past-due water bill charges that the Detroit Water Fund will pay for eligible households. Water shutoffs are scheduled to resume May 1. Detroit Free Press

Science, Studies, And Reports

Groundwater near eight Duke Energy coal ash dumps was found to be contaminated with heavy metals, according the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Residents living near the dumps were told not to cook or drink their well water. Associated Press

On The Radar

The two major water utilities serving Manila will not be allowed to impose extra charges on consumers to offset their corporate income taxes, Philippine regulators decided. The two utilities have been trying to increase water rates since 2013. Bloomberg

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek