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Local geologist proposes managed recharge plan for mine discharge to benefit San Rafael Valley
Summary
John Nordstrom presented a technical proposal to the Nogales council recommending that water pumped by the South32 mine be discharged at specific ridgehead sites to restore flows to the San Rafael Valley and headwaters of the Santa Cruz River, arguing a managed approach could support ecology and carbon capture.
John Nordstrom, a local resident who described himself as a geologist, spoke to the council on Oct. 1 about an alternative approach for disposing mine discharge water. Nordstrom said he has shared a presentation with technical experts and with a U.S. Geological Survey scientist, and that the approach would place discharge at targeted ridgehead locations to direct flow into the San Rafael Valley and westward tributaries of the Santa Cruz River.
Nordstrom framed the problem as significant: he said the proposed mine pumping could discharge “6 and a half million gallons potentially per day at full production,” and…
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