June 1, 2007--Stream-cleanup obstacle receding (Denver Post)
A stalled effort to clean up a mine-contaminated river may get a kick-start with the formation of a pioneering not-for-profit foundation that can take on the legal liability for the projects. Local, state and federal officials have been wrangling for almost a decade over who should take charge on Peru Creek, a major tributary to the Snake River that is poisoned with cadmium, copper, lead and zinc by the abandoned Pennsylvania mine...In the absence of a federal "good Samaritan" law allowing property owners and environmental interests to take over the cleanup without the risk of financial liability, the informal group has struggled with alternatives for restoring the stream. But EPA officials in Washington now are working on a template agreement that would allow organizations to install water-treatment facilities--ranging from simple retention ponds and runoff ditches to major treatment plants--under the umbrella of independent foundations.
To view the full article, visit the Denver Post. A similar story was published June 6, 2007--Bush administration takes major step forward on cleaning up abandoned mines (EPA Press Release). For copies of the original stories contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.