Denver-based Cotter Corporation has pleaded guilty to violation of a wildlife law following a spillage of solvent from its Canon City uranium mill that caused the deaths of wild birds.
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Approximately 4500 gallons (about 17,000 litres) of organic solvent was spilled from the mill, which is licensed to process a range of uranium-containing feed materials, on 21 October 2005. The solvent escaped from a building into a catchment pond, where migratory ducks and geese came into contact with it. About 40 birds were killed by poisoning. Cotter employees had removed the solvent from the pond within a few days of the spill.
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The company pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and was sentenced to pay the maximum fine of $15,000, make an additional restitution of a further $15,000. The company is also to be placed on 12 months' probation during which it must prepare and implement an environmental compliance plan to prevent future spills and ensure a speedy clean-up of any discharges.
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In a uranium mill such as Canon City, acid or alkali is used to remove uranium from crushed rock. Organic solvents are then used to extract the dissolved uranium from the solution.
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