Suction dredge mining for gold has been pervasive on many California rivers and streams for years. This form of mining uses a powerful motor and pump, attached to a hose that is used to suction up gravel from the stream bottom. Gold is then sorted out from the gravel, and the remaining sediment-laden water is flushed back into the stream. The adverse impacts of this mining are well documented by scientists and government agencies. Suction dredging can harm habitat for sensitive, threatened and endangered fish and frogs, as well as release toxic plumes of mercury left over from the Gold Rush into our waterways.
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2012/suction-dredge-mining-03-19-2012.html
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