. y ¦ i >.- : -J. V/>. • i- ^-. - PA's Proposed Cleanup: Understanding the Plan You may have questions or concerns about EPA's Proposed Cleanup Plan for the Upper Coeur d'Alene Basin. EPA wants you to have the facts. In coming weeks, EPA will publish topics to answer many of your questions. Topic Number 4: Mining and Environmental Cleanup Can Happen Together EPA's work to clean up contamination can happen alongside mining operations. The proposed cleanup would address historical contamination from mining activities that began in the late 1880s. Back then, mine waste disposal practices were much different than they are today. For example, until 1 968, mine waste could be legally discharged directly into creeks and rivers. Today, existing mining activities are regulated by state and federal laws. EPA is confident that cleanup and responsible mining can continue together. Where cleanup is planned in areas that are being mined, developed, or expanded, EPA would coordinate investigation, design, and cleanup work with the property owners. This approach wouid allow EPA to work with mining companies as cleanup is implemented. Cleanup is not expected to restrict future mining and exploration in the Silver Valley. EPA knows that mining is an important part of the history and future of the Silver Valley. EPA also understands that mining companies need certainty for planning and investing. We are committed to completing cleanup actions in ways that would allow responsible mining operations to continue in compliance with environ- mental regulations. We want to hear from you. Your ideas and comments are important to help design and guide the cleanup. Send comments by November 23 to cdabasin@epa.gov. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Project Managers Anne Dailey, dai!ey.anne@epa.gov or 206-553-21 1 0 Bill Adams, adams.bill@epa.gov or 206-553-2806 Anne McCauley, mccauley.anne@epa.gov or 206-553-4689 Or call toll-free at 1 -800-424-4372 See other Topics at ®tate5 . _ . .. http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANURNSF/sites/bh ¦ rod ¦ amendment or http://go.usa.gov/igD Agency ------- |