Opponents of the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada are calling for a federal investigation into potential groundwater depletion that could threaten the survival of a rare snail species. Environmentalists and Native American activists argue that Lithium Americas, the company behind the project, is not adequately monitoring the project's impact on water levels. They cite a study showing a significant drop in the water table near the mine site.
FILE - This photo provided by Lynne Buckner shows a Kings River pryg, a springsnail found in 13 isolated springs around Thacker Pass , 200 miles northeast of Reno, Nev., April 7, 2022. RENO, Nev. — Opponents of the nation’s largest lithium mine under construction want U.S. officials to investigate whether the project in Nevada already has caused a drop in groundwater levels that could lead to extinction of a tiny snail being considered for endangered species protection.
Now, Western Watersheds Project and the group known as People of Red Mountain argue in a notice of intent to sue that the government and Canada-based Lithium Americas are failing to live up to promises to adequately monitor groundwater impacts. “Even slight disruptions to its habitat could cause springs to run dry, driving it to extinction,” he said.
The mine 200 miles north of Reno is the biggest in the works and closest to fruition in the U.S., followed by Ioneer’s Rhyolite Ridge project near the California line halfway between Reno and Las Vegas. Prior data showed groundwater levels had remained stable from the 1960s to 2018. Construction started at the site in 2023.
Lithium Mining Groundwater Endangered Species Nevada Thacker Pass
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