Minerals
Adjacent Mineral and Energy Development
The frequency of mineral development adjacent to units of the National Park System is increasing because mining and oil and gas developers are moving into new territories. Because the effects of resource extraction cross boundaries, they complicate the strict mandate of the National Park Service to conserve natural and cultural resources for all future generations. Currently, mining is conducted adjacent to 51 units and oil and gas are extracted adjacent to 35 units.
Adverse Effects of Adjacent Mineral Development
Adverse effects on natural and cultural resources from mining and from oil
and gas development are numerous. For example, ground and surface waters
can be contaminated with heavy metals that leach and acids that drain from
mineral mines or with chemicals or hydrocarbons from drilling operations.
Erosion of sensitive lands may be excessive, and siltation of downstream
waters is frequent. Mineral development adjacent to units can introduce exotic
plant species, reduce important wildlife habitat, displace wildlife, cause
visual intrusion, impair night skies, provide a source of excessive noise
and noxious odors, and reduce air quality with airborne pollutants or fugitive
dust. Also, of particular concern are visitor safety and overall degradation
of the visitors' experience.
Position of the National Park Service
The National Park Service has aggressively pursued protection of its resources
from adjacent mineral development by attempting to coordinate mineral planning
and permitting by adjacent land managers. In an effort to protect park resources
and values from possible impacts associated with adjacent mineral exploration
and production, the NPS actively participates on the Federal Energy Resources
Network and the Rocky Mountain Energy Council. This involvement with other
federal, state, and local land management and permitting agencies further
facilitates involvement at the early stages policy development, minerals
planning and permitting.