Cardno ENTRIX Selenium Project Makes the News
The August 13, 2010 edition of the Mining Journal featured one of the studies that Cardno ENTRIX and Michigan State University are conducting in support of a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permitting project for Cliffs Natural Resources (Cliffs). Elevated concentrations of selenium have been detected in waters that are discharged from the Michigan Operations of Cliffs, and Cardno ENTRIX is leading the ecological studies that are being conducted for the permit renewal process. Selenium is an essential nutrient; however, exposure to excess amounts can result in adverse effects to the environment. Based on other selenium studies, the embryos of egg-laying vertebrate species such as fish and birds are known to be sensitive to selenium. In addition to the waterfowl and passerine hatching study, the Cliffs team is also conducting hatching studies for several species of fish, and is evaluating the quality of the aquatic communities in the streams that receive water from the Michigan Operations, and has implemented a comprehensive sampling program to determine how selenium is cycled through the food webs.
The Cliffs selenium studies are being conducted in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA is currently reviewing the regulation of selenium and new guidance regarding NPDES permitting for selenium is anticipated.
To view the Mining Journal's article click here.