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Abandoned Uranium Mine Cause For Concern

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The U.S. Forest Service today announced the closure of Forest Road, and the abandoned Juniper Uranium Mine area under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

New data gathered by an environmental engineering company contracted by the Forest Service indicates piles of waste rock emit more radiation than previously detected.

The mine operated from 1956 to 1966 under private ownership and produced approximately 500 tons of uranium ore for processing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Uranium deposits occur naturally in the Sierra Nevada and piles of wasted rock from the mine emit various intensities of gamma radiation resulting from erosion and contaminated water runoff.

The Forest Service will close the area, fencing it off and post warning signs. Forest Road wil be gated and posted June 11. Portions of the mine and adjacent area will be fenced and posted by the end of July.

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