San Pedro Could Be Affected By Mine Spill In Mexico (Cochise County AZ)

Sierra Vista Herald | 9/22/2104 | Not Specified

[exbrit]

CANANEA, Mexico (AP) - Authorities in a northern Mexican state issued a binational alert Monday after contaminants from a copper mine spilled into a river that flows into the U.S. state of Arizona.

[exbrit]

The San Pedro River runs south to north and is the main water supply for Cochise County and Ft Huachuca

[Ken522]

... just doin’ the mining that Americans won’t do!

[Red_Devil 232]

Sounds like Sharif Joe should march his captures through that river.

[hinckley buzzard]

The aquifer underlying the region is the main source of water there, via wells. The San Pedro River is so shallow that it is considered an intermittent stream and contributes little if any to the water supply. It was different in the last century but the draining of the water table by well drilling has lowered the river's flow to the vanishing point.

The water level is elevated during the monsoon season, as it has been recently, but that is very temporary. The risk to the San Pedro from this accident is environmental, as the bulk of the river valley is a protected National Riparian Area with wildlife preserves, archeological sites, etc.

[exbrit]

Thanks, trying to feel a little easier about this situation, but still concerned. While I understand the aquifer, my well is not too far away from the river, and I’ve often thought there must be some seepage, especially during monsoon.

[SandRat]

Sheriff Joe is over 3 car expressway hours away in Maricopa Cty, the San Pedro is in Cochise Cty.