The problem

This project was initiated in late 2006 in dialogue between Blacksmith Institute and the Yunnan Environmental Protection Bureau. The key problem identified was the contamination of local water supplies, high in the headwaters of major river systems, by small abandoned metal mines and processing facilities. The local pollution problems are severe and, because heavy metals do not degrade in the environment, erosion of these materials adds to the cumulative pollution load on the river system. The objective was to develop practical approaches for a typical case, in collaboration with the Yunnan and local EPBs, which would be a model for other mountain villages with similar problems. The project was structured to provide direction and momentum for a wider effort by the Province to address mining pollution and water contamination challenges. The focus of the work is on health impact for humans, since these sites discharge toxic metal contamination into local waterways that are sources of drinking water for local populations.

Health Impact

Exposure to low levels of arsenic can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells and abnormal heart rhythm. Ingesting very high levels of arsenic can result in death.

Current Activity

Surface water drainage samples were taken by Wenshan County EPB, at the request of Blacksmith, to provide a baseline level against which the post-remediation contamination could be compared. The reported arsenic concentration in the drainage from the site before the works was 1.07mg/L, which was more than twenty times above the limit (0.05mg/L). The arsenic content in the drainage systems after remediation was 0.048mg/L, according to tests by the local EPB, and therefore is now just within the limits. The authorities are planning a program of sampling during the rainy season, which will provide a better picture of the success of the works in containing the contamination and reducing off site transport.

Outcome

The success of the pilot project has been recognized by the authorities in Yunnan and has reinforced the value of the approaches and the potential for developing the broader program. A large part of the success of the pilot is due to the commitment and efforts of the Wenshan County Government, with the backing of Wenshan Prefecture and the Province. According to the Wenshan County EPB, there are at least five old smelters in the county that need to be addressed, and there is an estimated one million tons of polluted material that needs to be controlled. Wenshan Prefecture is preparing a comprehensive plan to address related issues in all the affected counties. The new National policy on environment protection in rural areas provides a favorable context to move ahead on remediation efforts. Blacksmith and the Yunnan EPB are continuing the dialogue with Wenshan Prefecture and County about possible ways to provide technical and financial support to the remediation efforts. The team will also follow up with the Provincial authorities on the lessons learned from the project work and how these lessons could be applied more broadly.