Good Samaritans & Draining Mines late 2009

Abandoned and inactive hardrock mines that are draining are adding dissolved metals and acid into our streams and rivers. Since no responsible parties come forth, third-party watershed groups do what they can. However, the high liability outlined in the Clean Water Act keeps these Good Samaritans from engaging in many mine cleanup projects. In October 2009, Senate Bill 1777 was introduced by U.S. Sen. Mark Udall (CO). This may be the bill that reduces this liability and allows Good Samaritans to improve water quality, and the conditions for sustaining aquatic life, at historic mining districts in the U.S.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• environmental
• mining
• watershed
• water quality
• collaboration
• volunteers
• good samaritan
• good samaritan legislation