Today's intersection: snow cover and uranium

The Pumpkin Buttes are clearly visible in the upper right-hand corner of this NASA photo as a grey smear just south and east of Bighorn range

Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica:

The outcome could have far-reaching implications, setting a precedent for similar battles sparked by the resurgence of uranium mining in Texas, South Dakota, New Mexico and elsewhere. The Safe Drinking Water Act forbids injecting industrial waste into or above drinking water aquifers, but the EPA issued what are called aquifer exemptions that gave mine operators at the ranch permission to ignore the law. 

"It's disturbing that such a requirement would be so easy to get around," said Jeff Parsons, a senior attorney for the Western Mining Action Project, which is representing the Oglala Sioux in a challenge to stop the Powertech mine. "There is a reason that South Dakota prohibited Class 1 wells; it's to protect the aquifers." As of now, it's unclear how the EPA will answer Wyoming's challenge to its authority at Christensen Ranch.