Gov. Bill Ritter signs uranium bill

Gov. Bill Ritter signed a uranium bill into law Tuesday morning that proponents say protects Colorado’s groundwater from pollution by uranium mining practices.

The bill — HB 1161— was sponsored by Fort Collins legislators Reps. Randy Fischer and John Kefalas, both Democrats and requires assurances from uranium mining companies that they will clean groundwater to pre-mining quality once they finish the mining.

The bill also requires companies to notify landowners near the site about the activities.

The bill was sparked by Canadian company Powertech Uranium Corp.’s plan to mine for uranium in northern Colorado using in-situ, literally “in-place” methods. The company has not filed permits for the mining operation yet, but plans to do so later this year.

Another bill, SB 228, that provides more public oversight of all mining operations awaits the governor’s signature.