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Show 1&B April Energy 2d0'2 Abondoned sites pose risks: (Continued from page 88) ders, pump jacks, tanks, and other related structures may seem, safe and solid. But rotted wood will easily crumble under a persons weight. Animals live in abandoned mines. Rattlesnakes, bats, bears or mountain lions can den or escape the heat in the dark recesses ofa mine. Underground mines can be critical habitat for the wild species. or toxic air that can build up in abanBad air is dizziness or even unconsciousness. Bad air is doned mines, causing odorless and tasteless. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide often collect in low areas or along the floor in horizontal workings. The motion of walking can cause bad air to mix with good air. Hazardous waste such as bags or drums of chemicals used in mining, milling or drilling operations can pose a threat when touched or smelled by an uninformed person. Unlawful dumping of industrial hazardous waste can also occur. Timbers were commonly used to support the roof of abandoned mines. The timbers weaken over time due to the weight ofthe roof rocks and the natural breakdown of the wood. The loose rocks and soil above portal entryways could break away and cover the opening, trapping anyone who entered the mine. And winzes are like elevator shafts without the elevator. They are steeply inclined shafts that connect one mine level with a lower oxygen-deficie- nt level. ore out ofthe mine. Typically, winzes were used to gravity-fee- d Winzes may be covered by rotten timbers or water which hides their levels. presence. They may also descend to lower, water-fille- d The United States Bureau of Land Management and Utahs reclamation program conduct abandoned mine inventories. The inventories will allow officials to identify the most hazardous sites and set priorities for reclamation. Before a site is closed, clearances are obtained. The process means checking the site for threatened and endangered plants or animals, cultural or historic resources and wetland values. The open doors at the Castle Gate post office let residents know the staff is prepared to handle mail for customers during the 1950s. The town no longer exists and houses previously owned by the coal production company were mowed from the site to the Castle Gate subdivision in Helper. lliliilF am mm i m m COMMUNITY DERARTA1E QEbG MSEfeGto1 UtahI84501 (435)163716211 Monday: TORS fflMMl IKlfy HWVW M |