Under the proposed rules, the mining companies need to record the ground water quality before commencing operations, compare the water quality after mining ends and keep monitoring it for 30 years thereafter.
EPA will gather input regarding the new rules until May 27.
The new rules will especially address the issues related to in-situ uranium mining operations.
During in-situ mining operations, companies inject fluids into the uranium ore-bearing soil to separate the uranium and after the process is completed, extraction wells collect the ground water.
If the new rules are finalised, the companies will have to comply with one of the act which include the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act.
The companies will have to comply to the act which is tougher to ensure protection of water from 13 pollutants.
