A newly formed citizens group is helping to bring two speakers to Kamloops next month who will detail living nearby Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Mine.
Gina Morris, a member of Kamloops Moms for Clean Air, said her group will have its official launch later this month. It was formed in wake of application by KGHM-Ajax to develop an open pit copper-gold mine south of the city.
“It’s focusing on education and awareness on health for the people of Kamloops, specifically our children,” Morris said. “As moms, that’s our big focus in life.”
On March 10, 2-4 p.m. at Parkside Lounge, two speakers from Utah will detail experiences and health affects from Rio Tinto Group’s operation nearby Salt Lake City.
Dr. Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, will discuss medical research on air pollution and its affects on human health.
Cherise Udell is founder of Utah Moms for Clean Air. The group focuses on improving air quality in the southwest American state, with a climate similar to Kamloops’. Its efforts have included anti-idling measures and ways to reduce vehicle usage.
The group, along with Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, launched a lawsuit against Rio Tinto, accusing it of being responsible for a disproportionate amount of the state’s air pollution.
