Since the establishment of our nation, we have lost 50 percent of our wetlands. Wetlands are a key biome for biodiversity, water filtration and floodwater control.
The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest blackwater swamp in North America and home to more than 400 vertebrate species and 800 plant species. The marshy areas surrounding the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, once federally protected, are now highly vulnerable.
The Okefenokee Swamp has been threatened by mining for decades. Fortunately, the land where the Twin Pines Minerals mine was planned for construction was recently acquired by the Conservation Fund in a $60 million purchase. While this signifies a big win, the battle to protect the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is not over. The Conservation Fund’s new acquisition will protect a portion of the private lands around the Okefenokee, but there is still a significant vulnerable area around the refuge.
Trail Ridge, running along the eastern edge of the wildlife refuge, is considered “favorable for present mining” by the State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources. One of the most significant minerals in this area is titanium. More than ninety percent of titanium mined is converted into titanium dioxide and used to whiten everyday products, such as toothpaste, paper, food, candy, and paint.
Building a mine such as the mine proposed by Twin Pines Minerals near the Okefenokee would damage groundwater, habitats, clear night skies, and so many other timeless aspects of the swamp.
Groundwater Disruption and Depletion
Possibly the most significant threat that mining poses to the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is groundwater depletion. Mining in the area would likely require water for processing materials, cleaning machinery, and other purposes. Depleting the water in the aquifer below the wildlife refuge would draw water out of the Okefenokee Swamp, filling the newly empty space.
Additionally, mining the surrounding lands could easily go below the Okefenokee water table . Meaning these projects would likely encounter groundwater, which they would have to pump out drawing more water out of the swamp.
Habitat Destruction
As groundwater is depleted, so would the habitats of over 35 fish species in the Okefenokee, harming aquatic biodiversity and diminishing a significant food source for many animals in the area.
Additionally, mining in this area would disturb acres of wildlife, increasing habitat fragmentation. Fragmented habitat results in animal group separation, migratory issues, and an increased likelihood of human-inflicted animal harm, like roadkill.
Noise & Light Pollution
Mines are extreme noise polluters. Not only do these sounds disrupt visitors’ experiences in the swamp, but more importantly, they scare off wildlife, damaging the natural order in the area. Visitors might be much less likely to spot local birds like Bald Eagles or Bachman’s Sparrows after mines are constructed.
Additionally, light pollution from mining would dilute the utterly epic night skies that hang over the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. This could also disrupt local bird nesting habits.
Soil & Water Contamination
Strip mining, dragline mining, or any other mineral removal process would disrupt soil layering. Some companies have suggested redistributing any removed soil; however, this soil would not be able to retain water as well as the layered soils that have been accumulating in the area for thousands of years which could then increase the number and intensity of droughts in the swamp. This soil could also be contaminated with mining materials, which could harm the health of the groundwater surrounding the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge.
Continual Wetland Loss
The area around the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is made up of depressional wetlands, wet flatwoods, and marsh. Allowing mine construction would further reduce the wetland area in the United States.
Archaeology
In addition to minerals along the trail ridge, there have also been several cultural discoveries, including ceramic and lithic artifacts. The surrounding areas have materials dating back 4,000 years. Mining operations would displace many precious objects.
As the largest blackwater swamp in the United States and the home to so much wildlife, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is an extremely important ecosystem. We must defend the once federally protected land around USAToday’s number 1 wildlife refuge.
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Authors
Ellen runs campaigns to protect America’s beautiful places, from local beachfronts to remote mountain peaks. She sits on the Steering Committee of the Arctic Defense Campaign and co-coordinates the Climate Forests Campaign. Ellen previously worked as the organizing director for Environment America’s Climate Defenders campaign and managed grassroots campaign offices across the country. Ellen lives in Denver, where she likes to hike in Colorado’s mountains.
