Press release from Montana TU

Press release from Montana TU

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2018

Contact: David Brooks (MT Trout Unlimited Executive Director), 406-493-5384, david@montanatu.org

Chris Schustrom (MT Trout Unlimited State Council Chair), 406-260-1198 chris@gardenwallinn.com

Citizen Initiative Filed to Prevent Permanent Pollution from Abandoned Mines

HELENA – On Wednesday, advocates for clean water and responsible mining filed paperwork with the Montana Secretary of State’s office for a citizen initiative to ensure that new mines in Montana are operated responsibly and prevent permanent pollution from acid mine drainage and contaminants like arsenic, lead and mercury.

“This initiative is about protecting Montana taxpayers and public health, and holding foreign mining companies accountable,” said David Brooks, executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited.

The proposed mining initiative would require any new hardrock mine in Montana to have a reclamation plan that is sufficient to avoid the need for permanent treatment of polluted water.

“When mining companies file for bankruptcy and leave their toxic waste behind, Montana taxpayers get stuck with clean up costs,” said Brooks.

The mining waste left behind at the Zortman-Landusky mine alone cost Montana taxpayers $26 million to clean up. The ongoing and permanent treatment of polluted water from the mine is still costing Montanans $2-3 million each year.

Acid mine drainage at the Mike Horse Mine in the upper Blackfoot River Valley has caused lasting harm to that iconic trout stream. Approximately 26 million gallons of acid mine drainage must be captured and treated every year.

“Montana’s outdoor heritage is threatened by irresponsible mining practices,” said Hilary Hutcheson, a fly fishing guide who owns Lary’s Fly and Supply.

“Montana is rich with clean water and blue ribbon trout streams. Future mining must be done responsibly to ensure we don’t lose the things that make Montana so special,” said Hutcheson.

Col. Richard Liebert, a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel who ranches south of Great Falls, says that he and his farm and ranch neighbors depend on the Smith River’s priceless clean water for agriculture and recreational income.

”If foreign mining companies claim they have ‘state of the art’ technology, then taxpayers must demand they have a plan and put up cash money up front to clean up all toxic consequences. Let’s demand the corporations and our government measure twice and cut once,” said Liebert.

Supporters expect to have a petition back from the Secretary of State to begin signature gathering by late March.