Duke University Investigates Water Quality in N.C. Lithium Belt
By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network
WESTERN PIEDMONT, NC (WNN) – Amidst the revival of the North Carolina Tin-Spodumene Lithium Belt, concerns over its environmental impact have been raised. Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment is conducting a water study, examining wells within the boundaries of the N.C. lithium belt.ย
Funded by the Water Research and Resource Institute (WRRI), this study aims to enhance understanding of lithium mining’s impact on the water table. Historically, the N.C. lithium belt was integral to lithium production from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The N.C. lithium belt runs through Lincoln, Gaston and Cleveland counties.
This study will analyze how previous and future lithium projects might impact the area’s water quality. While the region is experiencing a resurgence of interest in the lithium belt, questions regarding the potential environmental consequences linger.
The Albemarle Company and Piedmont Lithium are both looking to open lithium mines in the area. Albemarle is a veteran mining company that once used this region as a source of lithium. Piedmont Lithium was established in 2016 and does not have prior mining experience.
Piedmont Lithium currently awaits permit approval from the state to open a mine on the outskirts of Cherryville. Albemarle has plans to reopen its lithium mine as well.
The water quality study encourages residents who live in the N.C. lithium belt to have their wells tested. The researchers from Duke, Gordon William and Avner Vengosh, request access to participants’ wellheads or spigots. It should take between 30 and 45 minutes per home.
According to theย study’s survey, wells need to be purged before the researchers can gather the data.
“This means that we want to empty the water in the pipe so we will collect only representative groundwater,”stated the survey.ย
Participants will be asked if they want their results included in the study and if they would like to receive a findings report, which will be available within four to six weeks after the tests.
Confidential information will remain private if participants consent to inclusion.
The results of the study might indicate variations from the EPA’s drinking water standards. Specifically, it might reveal the presence of heavy metals in the well water. If concerning results arise, researchers will offer resources to address well-quality issues.
To participate, fill outย the surveyย provided onย the study’s informationย page. The survey asks a participant’s name, address, contact information and some questions regarding wells.ย
If you live between Lincolnton and Grover, you might qualify to participate in this study. Please refer to the map to ensure your property falls within the study boundaries.
For inquiries or concerns regarding the study, residents are encouraged to contact Gordon Williams ([email protected]) and Dr. Avner Vengosh ([email protected]). If you have questions or concerns about Piedmont Lithium’s proposed mine, contact WNN atย [email protected].ย
As North Carolina grapples with the complexities of balancing environmental preservation with economic development, this study could offer insights into sustainable resource management practices. Moreover, it serves the local community by assessing the quality of residents’ wells.
Interested in participating? Fill out this survey:ย
https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_07n8Q2LOIJoszIy
- For all inquires, contact Gordon Williams ([email protected]) or Avner Vengosh ([email protected])
Learn more about the study: https://sites.nicholas.duke.edu/avnervengosh/groundwater-quality-study-of-the-nc-lithium-mining-region/?fbclid=IwAR2JGDpQe7-oi3CblGLxRir05tJrEVfC3O8dBYjiGX_h745LeX32wcCSj_o
For questions or concerns regarding Piedmont Lithium, contact WWN: [email protected]
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