Saturday, February 7, 2015

Research Reveals Uranium is a Problem in Valley Groundwater

A recent study by the United States Geological Survey recently revealed increasing concentrations of Uranium in parts of the San Joaquin Valley aquifer. Valley residents have already been plagued by contamination of nitrates and arsenic that exceed state and federal health standards. Uranium at higher than allowed levels has been detected in the eastern parts of the Valley for over twenty years. Researchers found that California’s prolonged drought is making the problem even worse. The study discovered that more groundwater pumping for agriculture and urban development is increasing Uranium concentration in the aquifer at a faster rate. Pacifica’s Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.